how do i use bottled PH calibration solution?

[mic209]

Do i place the probe i am calibrating in the bottle itself? Or do i pour it in another container?

[Aquarist007]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12801891#post12801891 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mic209
Do i place the probe i am calibrating in the bottle itself? Or do i pour it in another container?

it doesn't really matter because it isn't a good idea to keep the solutions around after you opened them. The two solutions are only a buck a piece at my supplier so I treat them as one time use

[mic209]

so what's the point of selling the big bottles? i guess i'll go back to the single use packets.

[bertoni]

The bottles are for labs that are calibrating a lot of equipment very frequently. You could try pouring some into a small container to calibrate, and then store the rest of the bottle. I don't know how long the solution will last, though.

[Boomer]

You pour some in a small container, close the bottle and put the pH probe in the solution. If one buys a 500ml bottle of pH Buffer cal solution you are not suppose to be tossing the rest. It is only pouches that you toss. Buy a new bottle once a year.

edit; I see Jon has the same answer as I.

[Aquarist007]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12802405#post12802405 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Boomer
You pour some in a small container, close the bottle and put the pH probe in the solution. If one buys a 500ml bottle of pH Buffer cal solution you are not suppose to be tossing the rest. It is only pouches that you toss. Buy a new bottle once a year.

edit; I see Jon has the same answer as I.

sorry I was referring to the pacs too which IMO is the best way to go to avoid any contamination--use them once and toss them

[trojan9137]

Ahhh. very good to know

[MCsaxmaster]

Also, keep in mind that the pH is temperature sensitive. A pH buffer of 7.00 is only 7.00 @25 C (~77 F). If you're working at another temperature, the pH of the solution is not 7.00.

In order for a pH probe to work properly, you also need stirring in the container. You cannot simply put the probe into the solution and get an accurate reading. The best way to get stirring is with a magnetic stir bar, but that doesn't work for folks outside a lab ;) In lieu of that, just gently swirling the probe in the buffer works fine.

Chris