Ph probes

Gravesj1s · May 9, 2011

For some reason I've noticed a trend in replacing ph probes more frequently then others.I dont know if this is from lack of maintenance/cleaning ,poor quality or just plain stroke of luck.My second probe now in 8 months has just gone south (reading error).

Id like to get some feedback to sort through on varibles like cost,quality and maitenance.Life expectancy would also, be useful.
So far Ive used 2 .Da's brand & pinpoint.
Thanks,Steve

CJO · May 9, 2011

The double junction models are supposed to be more accurate and longer lasting than the single junction models.

CJ

Gravesj1s · May 10, 2011

Thanks.
Wondering what preventavive maitenance might help prolong the life of the probe.Ive seen comments made where the probe has gone 2 years.Weather its a specific brand or regualr cleaning & calibrating are the reason.

thewackyreefer · May 10, 2011

Honestly, I've not done anything to maintain my probe for the past 2+ years other than calibrating it when I do water changes. It's a DA probe and rarely is the calibration ever off, I'm actually quite surprised.

Gravesj1s · May 11, 2011

Do you have any wires close or touching the Ph probes wire along its run?

thewackyreefer · May 11, 2011

Gravesj1s said:
Do you have any wires close or touching the Ph probes wire along its run?

Oh yes, plenty.

Gravesj1s · May 11, 2011

Hmmm, any chance you montitor ph through a Da brand?(i.e.- rke or rkl)

caudill187 · May 11, 2011

I've used pinpoint, reef fanatic, and a couple of cheapies from eBay. The eBay ones have been as good if not better than the name brands that I have used, but I would like to spend a little more money and buy one I know I can trust to be accurate for a long time.

thewackyreefer · May 11, 2011

I'm using a RKL.

Gravesj1s · May 11, 2011

I dont know what to think then.Heres what happens to the probe/s. They seem to work fine right up until ,at some point of a water change.I shut down all powerheads ,skimmer & return pump but still have Rke on and working fine.At this point both times during a water change the probes went bad.First time at 3 months the second at 5 months.I cant recalibrate either of them they just read error on the head unit.

Maybe just coincidental but both times it was either during the water change or just after turning the pumps /powerheads back on.I dont know what to think as I know the probe must stay submerged whitch Ive done.Im just releuctant to purchase another probe without some understanding of what I maybe overlooking.

Any ideas guys?