Ph Probe

[keith hellyar]

I bought an aqua medic Ph probe for my controller at the beginning of February. It has just failed with my ph readings jumping all over the place. Is 4 months typical for the life of a probe or was I just unlucky

Keith

[Frogfone]

Hi Keith

Don't want to tempt fate but my pH probe has been on my marine tank for over 18 months and it was 2nd hand when I bought it. I wouldn't swear that it was 100% accurate but the readings are steady and when I do occaisionally calibrate it it's within acceptable (to me) limits.

I also use lots of pH probes at work. Although they are probably more expensive scince/industrial ones they do last longer than 4 months.

I would contact supplier and complain. As long as you haven't bashed on banged it it should still be working.

Have you cleaned it/checked for any cracks?

Sharon

[Shultz]

I would have thought it should last atleast 12 months? have you let it dry out as that kills them?

when I re-calibrate mine once a month I always soak it for 20mins in white vingear to remove the build up of gunk, this is on an IKS probe thats always in the tank....

Cheers Shelton.

[keith hellyar]

Thanks for your replies.

The probe has been permanently dipped in my Calcium Reactor so it hasn't dried out. However, I have never tried to clean it so I'll give that a try. I've been using ARM in my reactor and it has a tendency to go mushy and cloud the reactor water occasionally . I'm wondering if there are calcium deposits on the probe upsetting everything.

Thanks for the advice

Keith

[keith hellyar]

I gave the probe a soak in vinegar for half an hour and it now seems to be working perfectly again. Thanks for your advice. It had never crossed my mind that the probe would need cleaning and I dont recall any instructions to that effect in the packaging.

Keith

[Shultz]

Glad you got it sorted :thumbsup:

Cheers Shelton.