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Today on BRStv we have the 8th episode of our Neptune apex series; today we are going
to show you how to properly calibrate your PH probe.
Hi I'm Ryan host of BRStv where each week we cover a new topic related to reefing in
this episode we are going to do a quick episode on calibrating your pH probe. First step is
to remove the protective tip on the probe. It is perfectly normal for there to be some
white crust around the top this is basically just salt creep from the storage solution.
The tip should have some fluid in it to keep the probe hydrated. Note that it doesn't have
to be submerged or completely full the only goal is to keep it moist. If for some reason
you had a dry probe from somewhere the best bet is so soak it in a pouch pH four solution
for a day or so.
The Apex uses a two point calibration; the most common pH calibration solutions are four,
seven and ten. We are going to use seven and ten because most tanks natural pH is between
7.8 and 8.3 which is right between seven and ten. If you were calibrating for a probe used
in a calcium reactor which runs at a lower pH than the tank four and seven would be a
better option
In most cases, it is easiest to calibrate using the Apex display. Hit the center button
to open the main menu, scroll down to set up, and then scroll down to pH. Make sure
to just tap the buttons and not mash the buttons or you will pass the options and mess up your
calibration. It will ask you what your low solution is you can change it but in this
case we are using seven so select that and hit enter.
At this point tear off the top of your calibration solution packet. I like to tear just a corner
off and put the probe in at an angle so the probe tip is completely submerged. The display
should say settling with a number near it that begins to change. If it doesn't change,
it's probably because you forgot to screw the BNC connector on to the Apex.
The number will often move rapidly at the beginning and then slow down. Don't be concerned
with what the number says we are only waiting for it to stop moving. Once it doesn't move
for ten to twenty seconds go ahead and push ok
Then select 10 for your high solution. Shake the probe off, in fact I like to wipe the
outside of the probe off so the solution on the outside of the probe doesn't throw the
next packet off. insert the probe and repeat the same steps as you did with seven. Once
it has stop moving hit ok and you are done. if you leave the probe in the solution you
can go to the home screen and it should say ten.
You can also try putting it in the seven to make sure it calibrated to both points. Keep
in mind it might not be exactly seven because you might have got a bit of the ten solution
into the seven. If you have any questions or calibrating tips for your fellow reefers
checkout the comments area down below, if this is your first time with us hit that subscribe
button because we do this every week. See ya next week with another episode of BRStv.