Bluelab Gaurdian

[Unclecrash]

I figured i would start a thread on The Bluelab Gaurdian. As I searched and only got one hit with not much value to it. I purchased one and should have it in a week. So im sure i will have questions about it . Anyone have one and would like to post you thoughts and experiences with using it. Thank's UC

 

[RedBeardy5]

I have two of them and they are the best meters hands down.

 

[noyd666]

got one, no problems, could do with plastic protection cage around glass probe. nice outfit saves a lot of time.

 

[Unclecrash]

How are you guys using them in a res. I was reading the instructions about the RO water. Im taking it they are just saying no RO to use to store the probe in, at least im hoping because if the RO harms it during storage I would thing it would do the same over time in a res.
Also my tap water is well through a softener kind of wondering is it safe to use this to rinse the probes or should I use hard well water I can run that too. Thank's UC

 

[noyd666]

blue lab has got a good site to look at, maybe send a message? I don't use ro mate.

 

[Unclecrash]

Ya that's not a problem I am thinking of getting the well water tested so I can use it . Been wasting a lot ogf good water.

 

[queequeg152]

using a ph probe in pure water will result in electrolyte being drawn out rather quickly.

i would not suggest using anything but a low flow( and low response) cheap gell cell for monitoring ro water on a continuous basis.

online monitoring requires a rather specialized ph electrode... on that this unit does not appear to have.

you really want a replaceable electrolyte and replaceable salt bridge for continuous online monitoring.

 

[Mikell]

I believe (scary word) soaking in the KCL solution corrects any deviations.

 

[mojave green]

Just store it in a jar of tap when not in rez.

 

[Unclecrash]

using a ph probe in pure water will result in electrolyte being drawn out rather quickly.

i would not suggest using anything but a low flow( and low response) cheap gell cell for monitoring ro water on a continuous basis.

online monitoring requires a rather specialized ph electrode... on that this unit does not appear to have.

you really want a replaceable electrolyte and replaceable salt bridge for continuous online monitoring.

IS RO water considered pure water once I put my nutes and stuff back into it. Im not monitoring just RO water. Im going to use it at first to ph and check ec of my water while mixing. Then going touse it in a Res to water in Coco.

 

[Unclecrash]

I believe (scary word) soaking in the KCL solution corrects any deviations.

That's what Im reading. what is KLC solution , I know from reading on there site it recharges the unit. And is used to store it in. So if Im using it in RO nute water and leaving it in for a month or three will it be ok or does it start to wear and tear on the probe, or should I pull it and clean the probes every month or every few weeks want to get the best duration I can out of the probes.

 

[Unclecrash]

Just store it in a jar of tap when not in rez.

Im on a well so Im confused when people say tap water, my well water comes out a tap. But it is softened by salt, I consider what people call tap I think they are refering to city water.

 

[Limeygreen]

Just get the storage solution, no need to replace with fresh solution all the time, a bottle will last you a long time with no problems and will be the best investment you make for your metre. I recommend the hanna brand solution, been using them for years with good success.

 

[RedBeardy5]

Once you put nutes in the ph pen should be fine.

 

[mojave green]

Been stowing mine in a jar of well water when not in use. Over a year old now. I'm on well too. Replace water once a week or so.

 

[Mikell]

Probe care is fairly standard. Clean every two weeks to remove sediment. If you're leaving in the reservoir 24/7, soak in calibration solution once a month or so. Any solution (RO, nutrient, tap water) will slowly leach electrolytes from the probe.

It really isn't much effort, considering the cost of the unit and benefits it grants. Even my anal level of care costs me around two to four hours a year. If you're looking for perspective, check out what greenhouse/professional growers protocol is for glass probe meters.

The KCL solution is the only thing to buy directly from Bluelab, off brand calibration solution is much cheaper.

Up next, how to be a total hyme and use your probe storage cap for calibration....

 

[queequeg152]

aww... a Jewish pejorative?

yea all probes need the above care. its just that 247 use with a regular lab type probe will usually wear them out quickly... the exception being the slow gelled electrodes.

Is the bluelab probe a gelled type? it should be obivious, as the fluid inside will not move when its inverted or otherwise molested.

you can use almot any calibration solution for actually calibrating the instrument, but probe membrane cleaning solutions vary based on the use, IE a probe for testing sewage will vary from that of a conventional cleaning solution.

the buffer or storage solutions are just solutions of some electrolyte designed to closely match the reference electrolyte such that very little, or none of the reference flows out of the probe, and hence the probe can be stored for longer.

ive actually read that non refillable probes... should they need to be stored for years on end, should be stored DRY... im not sure what to think about that though.

 

[queequeg152]

BTW all electrodes will fail at some point without electrolyte replacement and junction or salt bridge replacement.

you guys got to remember that ph electrodes are kinda like batteries(galvanism).... you are measuring the voltage potential between the reference and the electrode.

when you calibrate the electrodes, you are basically setting a known PH value to the electrodes current millivolt reading... you have to recalibrate because this value slowly drifts... an ideal electrode will have a 0mv reading at 7ph, of course none do.

if you get a decent ph meter, you will be able to actually read the millivolt calibration data, and track the slow death of your electrode.

they all will die, it just all a matter of time. keep that in mind when you buy products that dont have replaceable probes, or very expensive probe replacements.

 

[queequeg152]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=D8cMPICysfc#t=335

this lady explains it better than i can.

 

[Mikell]

It would sound even worse if you knew (as you will right...now-->) that I wear boots and braces..

I have a mild (normal) to high (drunken) racist vocabulary. Nothing to it, as a half blood I'd be shooting my own foot if I believed any of it.

Bluelabs are gel. I didn't just run downstairs to check.