Bluelab PH pen supplies

[yamiacaveman]

Ok, so I am almost ready to bite the bullet and spring for a Bluelab PH pen.

From what I see, as always, accessories are needed.
7.0 Calibration solution
4.0 Calibration solution
Storage solution.
Correct?

So my question becomes, how to by the accessories -- individually, kit form, and or, how much of each should I buy? Not a clue of how much or quantity, I will use in each process, or how long the solutions last?

any advice would greatly be appreciated.

[Flockshot]

I just (2 days ago) got my Blue Lab PH, EC and kit all in one. The kit only contains enough PH 7, 4, storage solution to get you started. You will need to stock up on supplies other than the kit for more than your first 2 calibrations.

[9fingerleafs]

The calibration solutions can be used once and I highly recommend getting some more. Its cheap to buy a pack and use the same shipment. Now as soon as you get it calibrate it.
the alternative to the solutions Is to get some vinager and check the ph with the pen calibrates. It should be 2.4 or so. Now get a glass or bottled water (remember the exact amount) and dissolve a spoon of sodium bicarbonate. Check ph. Should be higher than 7. Write down all the info and as long as you use the same brands and amounts you got yourself some calibration liquids

[yamiacaveman]

Thanks Flockshot, I didn't even think that the pen came with anything -- at least the places I was shopping at didn't have it listed in the contents.

So any Idea how much of each solution I and you will need to buy? Does the stuff go bad?

[Flockshot]

I got this kit

http://www.ebay.com/itm/262836178517?_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

As for quantity needed it is less than one oz per calibration. I used a small plastic cup that came with the kit. It is about 1.5 inches in diameter and had about 3/8 of an inch of fluid. Just enough to reach the sensor.
I don't believe that the PH solution or storage solution goes bad, but it can become contaminated if you stick stuff in the bottle. Just pour it out as you use it.

[gbauto]

What I do for mine: Purchased both of the cal solutions and two small glass sealable jars and a jug of distilled water. I label the jars for their respective cal solutions and add enough to allow the meter to get submerged. Calibrate weekly according to manufacturers procedure, using the distilled water to clean and prevent cross contamination. I do the 4.01 first, flush and dry the probe and then cal with the 7. I have found that if I use the pen each day it hold cal quite well.

[Potted]

A pen is the way to go! I've never used 4.0 always 7.0 to cal. And I use a cleaning sullution to keep in tip top condition I know your going to be happy.test both ways until
U trust it !!!! Lol

[Green75]

Tika ...the queen has words on this...

[Tika]

Yes I do but need to post a bit later,🤗

[Tika]

Good Idea!
you will need the pen, you will need solutions 4 and 7 ( I get 250 or 500 mls depending on my buck availability. If you order in line I get 500 ml. ) I also get 100 ml hydrating solution. Your pen needs to be calibrated to start. Instructions are clear.
You must do 7 & 4 calibrations.
Hydration fluid each week- if you don't hydrate each week ( or when feeding) the pen will die. Calibrating for me is 1 x a month or so. I treat my pen like a house pet or another plant. Not hard once you get the drift. Others are much more complicated.
I always rinse and wipe my bulb. However I am not in dark or gummy solutions. If you will be get the cleaning solution as well.
the pen will say when not calibrated..no check mark by ph. Use the solution s only once...I have little measuring cups for ea solution.
Any questions don't hesitate to ask. The print out is great.
take care

[yamiacaveman]

Thanks Tika!

I prefer to get the bigger bottles of the solution, but didn't know if i would be wasting the solution if it expired or went bad or something. Thanks for the info and i will definitely follow the instructions.

Oh one last thing -- is there a place where I can buy like a kit (if they make a kit) of the solutions, or just buy individually?

[bobsakamoto]

i have a related question...do you have to use their brand of calibration solution? or can you use any brand?

[9fingerleafs]

You can use anything that you know the ph of

[bobsakamoto]

thanks 9fl! that's what i figured but wanted to check just in case

[OzBud]

I have the Blue Lab pen too. It's awesome. I use Flairform stuff with it. 4.0 & 7.0 Calibration liquid, electrode cleaner and storage solution. I got them all in 250ml bottles.

[yamiacaveman]

Well that's good to know.

Question,will I need the cleaning solution, I just plan on using it for water?

[OzBud]

You can probably get by without it. I think they say with the instructions you can use soapy water.

[OzBud]

[yamiacaveman]

Thanks, just what I needed to see. I did find a video from bluelab, I will review it again but I think it did say to rinse in regular tap water.