Ph Meter Question...

I got a Phep4 Ph Meter today thu ebay. I went to my local grow store and bought Calibrating solution as well as electrode storage solution. As I was told I would definetly need these. Downlaoded the manual, read it understand that the Ph meter has to be cal 'ed and you must keep a drop or 2 of the electroide solution in the cap so it keeps the electrode moist so it doesn't dry out.

Why can't it dry out?

Is that electroid like gold?

Is it super sensitive? Should I not run it directly under tap water? Should I not touch it?

Basically I just got this toy so I cal'ed it and re cal'ed it. Checked diffrent waters. Keept washing it, cal'ed it again. Checked more waters. Tested water with diffrent Ph's. I was Putting the cap back on. Then off again.

How often should I calibrate it?

Is excessive checking and cal'in harmful to my meter?

When I tested and retested the same Ph'ed water I got the same Value within ranges of point 1 or point 2. Rinsing the meter with water and turning the meter off between checks.

should I be turning the meter off between checks?

Should it be exact with this model Ph tester?

I know if its working properly its 10 times better than that bullshit drop tester. shit gets all over my hands. its like Ink////

Any help is greatly appreciated

kd

Hmm, Hmm, well, a few things, you should calabrate about every 3 sessions, but I don't, I found that it is usually with in about 2 of calabrated numbers, but you have to get to know your pen. We don't touch the tip with our fingers , but we do wipe ours down after useing each time for the most part. Some people calabrate theirs every other session, but it is really up to you. Just get to know your particular pen and it will start to be easy for you, give it a week or two and you'll have know questions IMO.
Adieu

Do I rinse the electrode with water between testing diffrent waters?

kd

i have a pH meter and mine says u are supposed to rinse it in distilled water between uses. but my tap water is around 7 anyways so i just use that.

Yep, I would rinse it.
Adieu

I got my PH meter today and I didn't calibrate it yet..
When I checked my bottled drinking water(Crystal Geyser mt. water ), it reads 7.04.
and my tap water is 9.05.
Do I need to PH down?
How can I bring PH down with using PH down solution?

wow, to bring ph down, you add ph down to the water....

http://boards.cannabis.com/showthread.php?t=97139

Thanks.. This is more serious than I thought it would be..
I need to get a RO system or 25 cents per gallon water from FoodMax..
If the pH balance is like this high, this is also not good for people?
I need to test more..

baking soda brings the ph down if my memory's right. vinegar to bring it up. but ph up/down is pretty cheap just buy some.

The real test is what is the water run-off from the soil after feeding at? Adding nutes and various biological activities in the soil lowers the Ph of the soil itself....so if your water starts off at Ph 8 but your water run-off (sampled from the overflow tray under the pots) is 6.5, then you are perfect...they are counter-balancing one-another.

Calibrate your pen or meter once every 3rd time you test your water.New meters should be calibrated before you use it.They cali. it at the company,but how long has it been sitting in the warehouse and shipping can knock it off calibration.Vinegar will bring down the PH and Bakeing soda will bring up the PH.Dont touch the electrode the oils from your fingers degrade the electrode and will not give you the correct PH reading.Hope this helps.
PEACE