Best way to measure ph???

[MarineGirl411]

I have used the dip test strips and I cannot tell the color difference. =/ I don't know if it's the brand I used or what. I wanted to know what is the best way to measure ph??? Something affordable. TY

[mborn]

I like the American Marine Pinpoint pH Monitor. Mine has been quite accurate, reliable, and durable. It comes with probe and calibration solutions. You can find them online for ~$89.99.

[bill-fit]

I like my pinpoint meter too. If you want even cheaper try a salifert ph test I like it also.

[crvz]

pH probe, the pinpoint is a good choice. no test kit or strip is going to provide accurate or repeatable results.

[150reef]

I agree! I tried dry tabs, strips, drops, and more expensive test kits like salifert and Elos and I could never tell the difference between say 8.0 and 8.4. They are ok to see if you are in a range but thats it. I finally broke down and got a PH Pin point monitor and I am really happy with it. Wish I had bought it along time ago instead of messing with other test kits.

[MarineGirl411]

Sounds good. I will save for it. =) Also, do any of you use buffers? If so, what? I thought my B-Ionic would take care of all of that, but I am not sure. Thank you.

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

B-ionic is a fine choice for supplementing calcium and alkalinity. You can also make your own version if you are so inclined.

A pH meter (any meter) is better than a test kit, and a meter that has two point calibration and reads to 0.01 pH unit is desirable.

These have more:

An Improved Do-it-Yourself Two-Part Calcium and Alkalinity Supplement System
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-02/rhf/index.php

How to Select a Calcium and Alkalinity Supplementation Scheme
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/feb2003/chem.htm

Measuring pH with a Meter
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/feb2004/chem.htm

A Comparison of pH Calibration Buffers
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-02/rhf/index.htm

The “How To” Guide to Reef Aquarium Chemistry for Beginners, Part 1: The Salt Water Itself
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-03/rhf/index.php

The “How To” Guide to Reef Aquarium Chemistry for Beginners, Part 2: What Chemicals Must be Supplemented
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-04/rhf/index.php

The "How To" Guide to Reef Aquarium Chemistry for Beginners, Part 3: pH
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-05/rhf/index.php

The “How To” Guide to Reef Aquarium Chemistry for Beginners,
Part 4: What Chemicals May Detrimentally Accumulate
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-09/rhf/index.php

[MarineGirl411]

Thank you very much Randy. =)

[spleify]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13233642#post13233642 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mborn
I like the American Marine Pinpoint pH Monitor. Mine has been quite accurate, reliable, and durable. It comes with probe and calibration solutions. You can find them online for ~$89.99.

Agreed

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Thank you very much Randy. =)

You're welcome.

Happy Reefing. :)