How, how often, and with what do you clean the probe on your PH monitor/controller?

Also:
What kind of bottles do you use to store and dose your PMDD with?

thanks folks,

-Russ

I have yet to clean the probe on my SMS 122 controller. I figure when I can't calibrate it correctly, it is time for a cleaning. For cleaning, they sell a cleaning solution for the probes. I purchased the cleaning solution when I purchased the calibrating solutions.

I clean the probe on my pH meter about monthly since it is not constantly submersed in water. I soak it in the cleaning solution for 30 minutes or so and rinse it off.

I dose my ferts dry except for a short time I tried PPS. I purchased some 8oz bottles from Greg's site:

http://www.gregwatson.com/proddetail.asp?prod=TwinNeck8

and used these for storing my solutions. The dosing section at the top of the bottles is marked at 1/4oz (~7.5ml) and 1/2oz (~15ml). I also use them for mixing up my CSM+B. Very handy for the CSM+B!

When adding the dry KNO3 and KH2PO4 to my tank, I just put in in a rubbermaid drink container, add some tap water, give it a good shake, and pour it into the tank.

Your question is timely ... on Monday, I took a bunch of pictures while I replaced my probe on my PinPoint monitor and recalibrated it ...

I'll get an article put together and written up on it in the next few weeks ...

But to answer your question ... I have always simply wiped the probe with a piece of white cotton fabric a couple times a year ... it is possible to damage the glass tip of a probe, so whatever you do clean it with, make sure it doesn't have a gritty surface to it ...

Greg

Thanks for the replies guys.

matpat:
I cleaned mine today with a Q-tip and denatured alcohol and it changed the reading by .1. I guess I'm really wondering what's in the cleaning solution they sell, can you smell anything when you use it? Where did you get it at?

What's PPS? Also, do you just dump the ferts in the tank or what?

BTW, I noticed you're in Dayton. I teach at WSU and live in Cinci, so we might cross paths at some point. Thanks again for the info.

Greg:
Regarding that article: as always, I look forward with anticipation to anything you might have to say.

Talk to you later,

-Russ

pps = Perpetual Preservation System

It`s similar to pmdd. Instead of estimating what`s in your tank, you buy all the test kits and measure. That way you know that none of the nutrients are limited and none are overdosed. The downside is that you`re at the mercy of the accuracy of the test kits. Most people find it more time consuming to test daily rather than do a water change to reset though.

If you enjoy testing, and feel better with know exactly how much of each nutrient is in the tank, it`s an o.k. system. If you`d rather just know your plants are happy, your fish are happy, and your wallet is thicker, stick with EI. After a while, you`ll know how much is in your tank anyway with EI. it just takes a little longer.

that`s my 2 cents.

I recently started a plant club in the Dayton/Cinci area. We hold meetings the last Saturday of the month. We are still pretty small, about 15 members, but you are more than welcome to join us If you can't make the meetings, then by all means feel free to stop by sometime on your way to/from WSU. I'm actually just a mile or so south of Centerville so it shouldn't be too bad of a trip for you. You can PM me for more details if you're interested!

The cleaning solution doesn't have an odor. For all I know it could be RO/DI or distilled water??? I don't remember where I bought it other than online. It is a Hanna meter so I purchased the Hanna brand cleaning solution along with the conductivity and pH solutions. I just Googled Hanna and found the place that had all four of the solutions I wanted to save on shipping from multiple sources. I think it may have been a hydroponics store.

(edit) Here's the link for the Hanna solutions: http://www.berryhilldrip.com/HannaSolPg1.htm
They may be cheaper from another source, but they carry everything I needed so I figured I would save on shipping versus ordering from multiple sources. I just use the 4.01 solution for storing my pH probe.

I just got finished cleaning the probe on my SMS122 for the first time. I was getting readings a bit off in comparison to my Hanna pH meter. I decided to leave the controller on while I soaked the probe. I'm not sure what is in the cleaning solution but I don't think it is RO or Distilled water. The pH read 1.5 while the probe was soaking in the solution!

The probe calibrated fine afterwards. I did however calibrate it with 4.01 solution also. The lower pH reading was off by 0.2! While Milwaukee states there is no need to use a 4.01 solution and more mine was off!