Kalk tough on pH probes?

[hyperfocal]

I used to get at least a year out of my pH probes. Once I started dosing kalk via ATO, probe life has dropped to half that. Is it just coincidence and crappy probes, or is kalk tough on pH probes?

[Boomer]

Have soaked the probes in vinegar or dilute HCl to remove the kalk ?

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Especially if the probe is near the place where limewater enters, it may have a thin coating of CaCO3 on it. Even if not, the higher pH in the tank overall will encourage that. So try Boomer's suggestion of an acid soak. That is a good way to clean probes that have soaked in reef tanks. :)

[hyperfocal]

Ok, will do. I did try cleaning my previous one with vinegar, but I didn't soak it.. more of a swabbing. Thanks!

Oh, and FWIW the probes are reading very low

[Boomer]

Soak it for 24 hrs., rinse in water and then recal it

[tmz]

Overnight soak in vinegar works well for me. 24 may be better.

[hyperfocal]

Thanks Boomer. I wish there was a recipe for pH cal solutions. I've been spoiled by Randy's formula for refractometer calibration fluid ;-)

[Boomer]

Don't bother with the pH cal solution, buy them as there is to much to go wrong without fancy equipment. However, there is one you can use for pH 9, the "Borax Method". So, you can make that and buy a pH 7.

20 Mule Team to the Rescue...Again
http://web.archive.org/web/20021015005420/www.animalnetwork.com/fish2/aqfm/2000/feb/bio/default.asp