That’s the case for the majority of the standard PH probes that are out there. Bluelab same deal. Immediately is not really the thing, just don’t leave it out too long allowing the internal electrolyte to dehydrate. E.g. probably on the order of days.
I have a couple of lab grade probes for the bench and industrial PH probes for inline monitoring, when not in use they are also stored in a KCL solution. Long term storage, I’ll refresh the solution each six months or thereabout.
It’s not too big of a deal if you get in the habit. It’s easy with bluelab probes since the protective cap also stores the storage solution. Letting them dry out (internal fluid) or storing them in distilled water will quickly destroy them and I would suspect it is one of the main reason some experience short probe lifetimes. Ok to use tap water in a pinch until you can either make your own solution or pick some up from the store. No distilled, it’ll leach the electrolytes out of the internal solution.
BTW, over time, a gel will develop on the inside of the glass bulbs that will also degrade performance (takes longer to stabilize). That process takes awhile but it is one reason to be careful if buying old or used PH probes.
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thats good info to know, thanks!
lab grade for sure ttly understandable and in a lab i would have a nice place to store it designated and secure
in my world however i would constantly spill it and it wouldnt last long so good thing i dont have to do that.
i’ve checked my calib every month and so far its been spot on.
i am so not the gentlest of creatures.
edit if that (gel)happens over a period of time do u know how long the recomendation is to replace the probe element then? @Northern_Loki
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Oh, I do that all of the time with anything liquid.
The storage solution is not too expensive though. I buy it in quart sized quantities off Amazon from reputable vendors. And, you can make your own.
I do not really know off-hand. It’ll be different for different probes, too. I just know it’s a thing and some probe manufacturers will include an ‘expiration’ date. The handheld that I have has been going strong for several years. On the otherhand, I have purchased used probes that are 50/50, some manufactured many years ago and are still fine (fast response) others are clearly going bad (slow response and drifting). Also, sometimes they can be reconditioned but it’s luck of the draw.
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That’s the main reason I bought the Apera 60 was the new probe is only $43 on Amazon.
cool i will definitely be keeping my eye out when that time comes around and good to know that thats going to happen at some point (if i dont drop it and kick it into oblivion before that happens)
and thnx Loki of the North. its always good knowledge youre dropping when i come across you in threads!!
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A big selling point for me was the replaceable probe. Thanks for imparting your knowledge @Northern_Loki , I always love your posts. They are very insightful. I didn’t realize you work in a lab. Very cool.
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It should be quite noticeable when it starts to occur, it will seem much slower to stabilize … as in minutes.
Thanks man! I should put * on all my statements, though. *always double check the maths, measure twice/cut once. Or, is it measure once/cut twice. Something like that.
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I don’t, technically. Kinda looks like a lab though. I’m a DIY guy … lots of experimentation = lots of random and weird stuff.
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It’s also time to replace the tip when you can’t calibrate the meter, even after soaking it in storage solution for a few days. Turns out when the cover is left off and the tip is allowed to completely dry out while you take your grow down for an extended storage/move, you should expect to replace the tip before using the meter again.
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Mine (Not Apera ph60), has a small sponge in the cap which is saturated with storage solution. Its a multi function ph/ec/tds. Had one go bad and immediately replace. Heres hoping for longevity!
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what was ur price on that one?
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$122 through a vendor contract at work. Add tax and I get the conract price. Works for me. I can use at work so claim for tool allowance. Pretty much $0 all said and done! My favorite price!
Grow4th!!!
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nice, an excellent price indeed!
