Proper PH Testing Method

[Stone]

I have a Milwaukee 102 PH Meter, & I want to verify the correct method of testing PH w/ this (or any) digital meter.

Specifically I'm wondering whether the correct method is to dip the probe in the solution and leave motionless until it settles on a # ( this is my guess), or to swirl the probe once in the solution until a # is reached.

It seems to me that swirling manipulates the #'s once the meter shows it has stopped moving.

I'd hate to have such a precise meter, & be contaminating the readings by using the wrong method...

 

[PharmaCan]

To quote the instructions that came with your meter, "Stir gently and wait for the reading to stabilize."

I make sure that my nute solution is well mixed then put the probe in it and stir it around a little. Then, you kinda have to hold it still to read it. Keep in mind that you should have some kind of storage liquid (there's a recent thread on this subject) in the cap of your meter to keep the probe wet. So you want to make sure that you "wash" the probe with your nute solution and get the miniscule amount of storage solution mixed in with the mixture you are testing.

I hope that makes sense.

PC

 

[badmf]

Remember to wait aprox 5 minutes for temp stabilization! and as PC said storage liq is a must! Rinse the probe tip in a lil Cal. sol. first before testing, and a old toothbrush will keep it clean between. Then your reading should be accurate. Many folks "over" adjust PH it will fluxuate just like your daily weight(esp. after that heavy munchie session, lol) As long as it is in range of your system. Hydro plants like it a bit lower than soil. 6 is a good mid number for soil, 5.7 for hydro. Don't get lower than 5.2 or higher than 6.5 and alls well. This is a general, I repeat general rule. Many folks go a bit lower or higher. As you grow you learn, hopefully, lol. Oh and PH solutions keep in range for at least a year if fresh when purchased. I always double check with a local hydro stores meters by bringing in a bit of nute solution to compare to my readings.

 

[Stone]

Thanks,

The reason I asked is I find once the meter stabalizes, I am able to move the reading (sometimes significantly) by moving & then stopping the probe.

Badmf, are you saying to wait 5 min for the meter to stabalize once in & reading the solution, or wait 5 min after mixing before taking the reading?

 

[badmf]

Well both...You should wait actually serveral hours for nutes to stabilize, small mixer or pump circulating(not in the rez, lol) then test by placing the probe in and ...then wait 5 min. for temp stab. after all's well replace in rez. PPM/PH should be very accurate and will stay in range longer. This is for larger set-ups but is equally effective for any.