PH Probes and build up of white crystals

[Treefer32]

I have a 1-2 year old Neptune lab grade ph probe, but it always builds up these white crystals that cover the entire glass part of the probe and the black plastic around it. Can I soak the probe in vinegar or something to get the crystals off? Or do they cause misreadings? I've calibrated my probe with calibration fluid multiple times. And it is so far off that it's almost not reliable.

I checked today with salifert PH test. And Salifert clearly shows the water light / pale green, which is right at 8.0. My ph probe is constantly sending me errors that it's below 7.6. When I tested the water, the probe said 7.69. .31 off from my salifort test kit. I tested 2-3 weeks ago and the probe was .18 off from the test kit.

Is the probe worthless at this point or is the stuff attached to the glass on the probe throwing everything off? I'd be fine soaking it in some salt water and vinegar until it all just kinda falls off if that doesn't ruin the probe. Or just in vinegar.

 

[kvansloo]

I use vinegar and ro/di with a soft tooth brush and lint free cloth to clean mine. I don't own an apex system. I have GHL system, so I would check and see if they recommend something different, but it should be fine.