The health of aquarium fish is directly influenced by water quality. To keep the aquarium environment healthy, all aquarium owners should know the basic water quality parameters in order to correctly and safely maintain the aquarium. If you learn about the basics of water quality then it is easy to identify the problems that created in your aquarium. In this case, you can take an instant action to solve these problems ensuring a healthy and safe environment for your aquarium fish.
Among the water quality parameters, pH plays an important role in keeping aquarium fish. The value of pH is not static and changes over time. Generally, pH value goes down at night and goes up during the daytime due to plant respiration and photosynthesis, respectively. Sudden changes in pH value may very harmful or lethal to fish. If the pH goes up, it boosts the toxicity of ammonia while it goes down, the level of acidity increases that is also lethal to fish health.
The optimum pH levels for freshwater fish vary from species to species while the basic pH for saltwater fish is 8.0 or above. Aquarium water care is always essential job for your pet fish. To keep the water pH stable you should perform frequent partial water changes and vacuum the gravel of your aquarium.
In many cases, biological filter bacteria break down fish wastes utilizing alkalinity in the tank water. Hence, the level of pH goes down making the water more acidic. In this case, you have to change the water and add fresh, dechlorinated water to raise the alkalinity as well as stabilize the pH level.
Preferred pH of Common Freshwater Fish
- Angelfish: 6.5 – 7.0
- Clown Loach: 6.0 – 6.5
- Harlequin Rasbora: 6.0 – 6.5
- Goldfish: 7.0 – 7.5
- Neon Tetra: 5.8 – 6.2
- Hachetfish: 6.0 – 7.0
- Plecostomus: 5.0 – 7.0
- Tiger Barbs: 6.0 – 6.5
- Silver Dollars: 6.0 – 7.0
- Zebra Danio: 6.5 – 7.0
Checking the pH levels of aquarium water should be done by every aquarium enthusiasts to detect or avoid any serious problems. Therefore, all the aquarium owners should use the best pH meter to regularly check the aquarium water.
10 Best pH Meters Comparison Table
There are many brands of pH meter in the market with lots of features. Looking for the best pH meter is not easy job. The meters vary in features with their own merits and demerits. To choose the best pH meters we have made a list by compiling the information. You may select the best one from the following table that fulfills your requirements.
Product Name | Image | Uses |
---|---|---|
KoolaMo Digital pH Meter, With High Accuracy Water Quality Tester |
Pool, aquarium, spa, laboratory, hydroponics, household, RO system, drinking water, etc. |
|
HM Digital HMDPHM80 Digital pH/Temperature Meter |
Aquariums and reef tanks, hydroponics & gardening, pools & spas, drinking water, water ionizers, wastewater, boilers and cooling towers, and more. |
|
Apera Instruments AI209 Value Series PH20 Waterproof pH Tester Kit |
Aquarium, hydroponics, pools & spas, horticulture, water treatment,. environmental monitoring, education, beverage making, etc. |
|
Apera Instruments SX620 pH Pen Tester kit with 0.01 pH Accuracy |
Pools, hydroponics, aquarium, beverage making, cooling towers, and body fluid, etc. |
|
Dr. Meter 0.01 Resolution High Accuracy Pocket Size pH Meter |
Hydroponics, aquarium, water treatment, education, spa, and swimming pools, wine, food, and beer making and more. |
|
Pop V Digital pH Meter |
Aquarium, drinking water, pool, RO system, food Project, Spa, or hydroponics. |
|
Car Guardiance Digital PH Meter, PH Meter 0.01 Resolution Pocket Size Water Quality Tester |
Aquarium, Hydroponics, Pool, Spa, Ro System, cooling towers, home brewing, education, water treatment, wine making, Drinking Water, etc. |
|
WeekStar Digital, 0.01 High Accuracy Pocket Size Meter |
Pools, general hydroponics and food, wine and beer making and even drinking water. |
|
Pinpoint pH Meter KIT Lab Grade Portable Bench Meter Kit |
Laboratory, classroom, general field use. |
|
Milwaukee Instruments MW102 pH and Temperature Meter |
Laboratory, classroom, or for general field use. |
KoolaMo Digital pH Meter, With High Accuracy Water Quality Tester
Hi all aquarium enthusiasts, do you want to measure the exact pH level in your aquarium? Then KoolaMo Digital pH Meter is the best alternative for you. Because this pH meter has a sensitive electrode sensor that ensures the exact pH level. It has a wide range of applications; you can use it for pool, aquarium, spa, laboratory, hydroponics, household, RO system, etc. It is also suitable for detecting the pH balance of drinking water.
This pH meter gives almost instant readings due to its built-in auto temperature compensation feature that can precisely find out the pH level of the sample water within the temperature of 32 to 176 °F (0°C to 80°C).
The tester has a one-touch button for easy calibration using buffer powder. It is a long-lasting and durable device that provides reliable and quick readings on an LCD with 0.1 pH resolutions.
It is easy to calibrate and in this case, you just detach the caring cap and submerge the pH tester in the provided solution 4.01 or 6.86 until numbers get steady.
It is easy to use and, you just submerge the electrode in the sample water and switch on the pH meter using ON / OFF switch for measuring the reading.
It a self-sufficient and high-quality digital pH meter that is an excellent choice for first-time users. It has duel functions providing instant pH reading and temperature at the same time. It is an inexpensive and pocket-size meter and you can easily put it in your pocket for anywhere use.
The pH meter has a little fragile glass probe and carefully you should clean it using a fresh, soft cloth or tissue before capping.
Specifications
- pH measuring range: 0.0-14.0
- Accuracy: 0.01 pH
- Resolution: 0.01 pH
- Automatic temperature compensation (ATC): 0-50 ℃ (32-122 ℉)
- Batteries: 2X 1.5V LR44 (included)
- Dimensions:15×2.5×1.3cm (6×1.1×0.5 inches)
- Net Weight: 52 g (1.83 oz)
Pros
- It is easy to use.
- You can purchase it at a very low price.
- It is suitable for use in pool, aquarium, spa, laboratory, hydroponics, household, RO system, drinking water, etc.
- It provides reliable and instant readings with 0.01 pH resolutions.
- It functions as both pH meter and thermometer.
- Calibration is very easy.
- It is the long-lasting meter and gives reading on the LCD
Cons
- It has a little fragile glass probe and handling should be done with care.
HM Digital HMDPHM80 Digital pH/Temperature Meter
If you are looking for a hand-held and lightweight design pH meter, then HM Digital pH/Temperature meter is the right choice for you. It is reliable and inexpensive and has multiple uses.
This product works for checking aquariums and reef tanks, hydroponics and gardening, pools and spas. It is also ideal for testing pH for drinking water, water ionizers, wastewater, boilers, and cooling towers, and more.
The Digital HMDPHM80 can measure both pH and temperature at a time providing reading with a large LCD.
The meter has a hold button which helps you to get reading either pH or temperature. This meter also has an automatic shut-off feature which prevents running down the batteries too fast.
It is water-resistant with an auto-calibration feature which helps to choose pH 4.0, 7.0 or 10.0 based on your specific needs using the meter’s simple one-touch process.
This meter also features data-hold function, automatic temperature compensation (ATC), and low-battery indicator.
If you purchase this awesome pH meter, don`t worry, you will get a packet with batteries, a cap, a storage solution, and pH 7.0 buffers.
Pros
- It is long-lasting and very reliable.
- One-touch calibration and water-resistant.
- You can measure both temperature and pH at the same time.
- They provide three pH levels (4, 7 or 10) for calibrations.
- Sleek and lightweight design with a digital LCD.
- It features a hold button and auto shut-off.
Cons
- The packet does not include enough solution for calibration.
Apera Instruments AI209 Value Series PH20 Waterproof pH Tester Kit
The Apera Instruments waterproof pH tester is another great quality CE and RoHS certified pH tester which is manufactured using an ISO 9001: 2015 certified quality system.
The pH meter features an excellent pH sensor which gives you a high response rate. It also comes with an auto-calibration system with buffer recognition and you can easily calibrate it using a complete kit of premixed calibration solutions (4.0 and 7.0).
It is a simple but most reliable pocket pH tester with an accuracy level of 0.1 pH. It is ideal for pH testing in the aquarium, hydroponics, pools and spas, horticulture, and water treatment. It is also suitable for environmental monitoring, education, beverage making, etc.
The Apera pH meter has auto temperature compensation (ATC) feature which ensures accuracy in different temperatures that range from 32 to 1220 F.
It is a durable and long-lasting device that gives you up to 2000 hours of continuous operation due to its AAA batteries.
The company offers a two-year warranty to customers with this product for any returns or problems with use. Another important feature of this meter is that you will get a warning if the use of incorrect buffer solutions and incorrect calibrations due to its smart self-diagnosis.
Besides, it has one drawback. Newbie faces little trouble to calibrate. In many cases, it takes more than one attempt to make calibration correctly.
Pros
- It gives you a high response rate due to the high-quality pH sensor.
- Two-years warranty with replacements.
- The meter is with smart self-diagnosis.
- It gives up to 2000 hours of continuous operation
- It is long-lasting and durable.
- It is a reliable pocket pH tester with an accuracy level of 0.1 pH.
- Multipurpose uses.
Cons
- It is a little difficult to make the calibration.
Apera Instruments SX620 pH Pen Tester kit with 0.01 pH Accuracy
If you are looking for the tiny type of pH tester, then Apera Instruments SX620 pH Pen Tester is a great option for you. It is a high-resolution testing kit which gives you 0.01pH accuracy. You can buy this kit if it still meets your requirements. It is very simple and easy to calibrate due to its automatic 3-point calibration function.
It gives exact and reliable readings. You can use it for your general-purpose pH testing in pools, hydroponics, aquarium, beverage making, cooling towers, and even body fluid, etc. You can also measure the temperature by choosing either Celsius or Fahrenheit.
It is a durable and long-lasting kit hence it can be used for many years. In this case, if the probe wears out then you just replace it for further use.
It is easy to use and it provides accurate readings through its clear digital display. It also comes with a few more features that make your work easier. The features include automatic power-off, low battery alarm, pH probe invalidation reminder that tells you to change the probe for better functioning, etc.
The tester is waterproof and dustproof that can float on water so you don`t have to be anxious if it falls in water accidentally. It is CE and RoHS certified and is made using an ISO 9001: 2015 certified quality systems.
Another important feature of this kit is that it contains the 8 mm slim replaceable pH probe which is appropriate for test tube measuring.
If you purchase this kit, then you will get a complete kit of premixed calibration solutions (7.0, 4.0, 10.01), CR2032 lithium batteries, storage solution (3M KCL), all in a small pocket carrying case.
Besides these, it is advised that you should not store the probe in de-ionized water or distilled water because it will cause damage to the electrode. In this case, you should only use distilled water for rinsing the pH probe.
The kit also contains a bright screen that is specifically suitable in low-light scenarios but it can cause the problem to get reading during high-light conditions.
Pros
- It is a tiny pen-like device.
- It provides exact reading with 0.01 pH resolution.
- It also provides a clear digital display.
- Calibration is easy due to the Automatic 3-point calibration system.t
- Auto Temperature compensation.
- You can use it for test tube measuring due to its tiny size.
- Water and dust-proof.
- Auto power off and low battery indicator.
- It is durable and long-lasting.
- Replaceable pH probe.
Cons
- It is not moisture resistant.
- It does not have a back-light screen.
Dr. Meter 0.01 Resolution High Accuracy Pocket Size pH Meter
Dr.meter pH tester features the best quality and high-exactness electrode and algorithm chip. For this reason, it should be the ideal choice for you to make quality testing.
The Dr.Meter pH-100 is a handheld device that measures the exact reading with 0.01 Resolution. It is great for laboratory pH testing but also suitable for testing pH of hydroponics, aquarium, water treatment, education, spa, and swimming pools, wine, food, and beer making and more.
This meter also features an auto temperature recompense that gives you accurate readings in fluctuating temperatures. In the case, working temperature ranges from 0 to 50°C (32 to 122°F).
Dr.meter pH testing device contains a useful one-touch button with a three-point calibration method that helps you to automatically detect the calibration liquid to give you the pH reading in a flash.
To calibrate the tester, you first detach the protective cap and place the electrode into distilled water, and slowly swirl for 5-10 seconds and then turn on the meter using the on/off button and dip the electrode into the solution. In this case, you must have to ensure that the whole electrode is submerged into the solution. Finally, mix the solution gently and wait for the reading. In this way, you will get calibration reading that will display on the LCD screen.
It is a lightweight, handheld design with high accuracy pocket size pH meter that helps you to carry anywhere to measure the pH level.
It has a small display screen that can show you the pH value and temperature at the same time without any difficulty.
Dr.meter is a high-quality product that provides 30 days money-back guarantee with a year Free Exchange warranty that comes with its package.
Pros
- It provides high accuracy results.
- Three-point calibration method. This product is budget-friendly
- Automatic temperature compensation (ATC).
- It is a lightweight, handheld design.
- Pocket size tiny body.
- It provides pH value and temperature at the same time without any difficulty.
- It is a multipurpose kit and you can use it in all types of liquids.
- It is powered by a battery.
- Box includes extra batteries, calibration solution powder, and a nice plastic storage case.
Cons
- Reading is difficult to read due to the small LCD.
- It is not waterproof.
Pop V Digital pH Meter
If you measure the perfect pH balance, then Pop V Digital pH Meter is the great choice for you. It features a sensitive electrode sensor that gives you accurate pH levels.
This kit is reasonably priced and helpful for those persons who want to use pH meter for laboratory and household use. It is also perfect to get the pH balance of aquarium, pool, drinking water, RO system, Spa, or food Project, hydroponics.
This awesome pH kit includes detailed instruction manual that helps you how to get the best precise and steady results.
The meter features ATC (auto temperature compensation) that determines the pH value of the sample water accurately within temperature of 0°C to 80°C (32°F to 176°F) and gives pH readings almost instantly.
It also features one touch button which is used to calibrate the meter using buffer powder. In this case, seller provides 3 packets ph buffer powder for making calibration.
To calibrate the pH meter, you just detach the protective cap from the meter tip and submerge the electrode into the solution 4.01 or 6.86 and turn on the meter using On/Off button. To get the accurate result, you should follow the provided instruction manual and submerge the meter in the liquid until numbers get constant.
It is pocket size pH Meter and easy to use. Besides, seller also provides one handy storage case as a result you can keep it in your backpack or pocket for a pH testing anywhere you go outside.
The meter provides highly precise, reliable and quick reading with 0.1 PH resolutions. In this case, you will get the result on the digital LCD display. Buyer offers one year warranty and money-back guarantees if you purchase this awesome pH meter.
Besides above features, you should take special care with the fragile glass probe. In this case, after using it you gently wash the probe into distilled water and dry it using soft, clean cloth before covering it once more.
Pros
- It is durable and high quality kit.
- It is easy to use.
- It features a sensitive electrode sensor.
- One touch button calibration procedure.
- Automatic temperature compensation (ATC).
- It provides highly precise and quick result with 0.01 pH accuracy
- It is pocket size, very lightweight and portable.
- It also features a LCD light for easy reading.
- One year warranty and money-back guarantee offer.
Cons
- Instruction is not so clear that makes it confusion to set up.
Car Guardiance Digital PH Meter, PH Meter 0.01 Resolution Pocket Size Water Quality Tester
Car Guardiance Digital pH Meter is a well-known meter which is perfect for those persons who want to detect pH for household or laboratory use. It is also ideal for testing pH balance of Aquarium, Hydroponics, Pool, Spa, Ro System, cooling towers, home brewing, education, water treatment, wine making, Drinking Water, etc.
The test kit is water-resistant and can float on water. It provides pH value and temperature readings at the same time through the large clear LCD.
The pH meter features a sensitive electrode sensor that helps to give accurate pH reading. It has a built-in automatic temperature compensation (ATC) which can give an almost instant reading by adjusting water temperature and water quality. In this case, the meter can easily detect the pH levels of the water sample within a temperature of 32 – 176°F (0°C – 80°C).
It also contains a one-touch button for calibration using Vantakool Buffer Powder. It is high quality and long-lasting kit that can provide very much accurate, reliable and quick result with 0.1 pH resolutions.
It is easy to calibrate. The meter comes with 3 packets pH buffer powder for calibration. To calibrate, you just detach the protective cap and submerge the electrode into the provided solution of 4.01 or 6.86 until numbers get stable. In this case, you must strictly follow the instruction manual to get better performance.
Besides, the seller also provides one handy storage case so that you can keep it in your pocket or backpack for a pH testing wherever you go outside.
It is easy to use. To measure the pH level from your sample water, you just detach the protective cap and submerge the pH meter electrode in the sample water and turn on the On/Off button and wait until the number is constant.
You will get offers one year warranty from the buyers if you purchase this awesome pH meter.
Besides these, you should take special care with the glass probe and electrode. In this case, you gently wash it with distilled water and clean it using a soft cloth before capping it again.
Remember to open the battery case or if you need to replace the battery, then it needs to make recalibration the meter.
Pros
- It is a long-lasting kit.
- It is easy to use and calibrate.
- It provides exact and accurate reading with 0.01 pH resolutions..
- It features a sensitive electrode sensor that gives accurate pH reading.
- Automatic temperature compensation (ATC).
- Pocket size, smart design, and portable.
- Water-resistant.
- One year warranty.
Cons
- Special care is required due to a little fragile glass probe.
WeekStar Digital, 0.01 High Accuracy Pocket Size Meter
pH is one of the most common concerns among aquarium enthusiasts to keep fish healthy and happy in aquariums. pH influences the water quality parameters such as O2, CO2, Alkalinity, hardness, etc. and cause severe fish mortality in aquariums. So, the first step is to ensure the correct pH level. In this case, the WeekStar Digital pH meter is perfect for you because it is the best pH meter in the pet business market that is suitable for testing pH in freshwater aquariums and saltwater tanks.
It is also perfect to measure the pH levels in pools, general hydroponics and food, wine and beer making and even drinking water.
The meter features a sensitive electrode sensor that helps exact pH levels. If you are newbie, don’t worry about operating it because the buyer provides a detailed instruction manual that helps how to get the exact and steady readings.
It is ATC built-in meter that can exactly uncover the pH value of the sample water within temperature of 32-176°F (0°C -80°C). ATC system also adjusts to water quality and water temperatures and gives your pH reading almost instantaneously.
It is easy to calibrate and you just submerge the electrode into provided solution 4.01 or 6. 86, press the CAL button for 5 seconds and release.
After calibrating the meter, wash the electrode with distilled water and make it dry using filter paper or clean and soft cloth.
It is easy to use. To measure the pH level from your sample water, you just detach the protective cap and submerge the meter electrode in the sample water and turn on the On/Off button and wait until the number is constant.
Besides, the buyer supplies one handy storage with your pH meter as a result you can keep it in your backpack or pocket or for a pH testing anywhere you go outside.
Pros
- It is easy to use and calibrate.
- ATC system gives an almost instant reading.
- It provides exact pH levels.
- It is suitable for testing the pH of aquariums, pools, general hydroponics and food, wine and beer making and even drinking water.
- It is easy to operate.
- Lightweight and pocket size.
Cons
- Little fragile grass probe.
Pinpoint pH Meter KIT Lab Grade Portable Bench Meter Kit
If you are looking for high quality and precise pH meter then Pinpoint pH Meter KIT Lab Grade Portable Bench Meter Kit is the perfect option for you. Because it is manufactured by the well-known and famous company “American Marine Inc”.
Presently, this kit is used by hundreds of thousands of people worldwide. It performs both spot pH testing and full time 24/7 pH monitoring. It is ideal for anyone working and suitable for the laboratory, classroom, or general field use.
It is the only full-time pH meter that provides accurate readings with 0.01 resolutions. It features a 10-foot-high cable, a BNC connector and a lab quality PINPOINT pH Probe. You can also use the probe with any other meter, computer controller or monitor.
It is operated by a typical 9-volt battery. If your probe does not work after expiring warranties period then you can purchase only the probe separately from the online market.
They also provide PINPOINT Armor Hard Carry Case for safe storage of PINPOINT pH Meter and accessories. You may also purchase this case separately that is also available on Amazon.
It is quietly different pH mater with lab quality electrode than other kit because it contains all you require to detect the exact pH with range of 0.01-14.0.
This pH meter comes with pH probe, probe storage bottle, storage fluid and calibration fluids such as pH 7.0 and 10.0.
It is a fully waterproof meter and utilizes a 2 point calibration system using the solution of 7.0 and 10.0. It is very easy to calibrate and operate and provides super precise reading than any other pH kit.
The company also offers 2 years warranty for the Pinpoint pH Meter. Besides, the buyer doesn`t provide battery to run the kit which is only one drawback.
Pros
- It is high quality and precise pH meter
- It provides super precise reading.
- Accuracy level is 0.01.
- It is fully waterproof with lab quality electrode..
- It is very easy to operate.
- It can detect exact reading with pH range from 0.01-14.0.
- It performs both full time 24/7 pH monitoring and spot pH testing.
Cons
- It is expensive.
- The kit does not include battery.
- It is comparatively larger than other kit.
Milwaukee Instruments MW102 pH and Temperature Meter
Are you looking for low budget and long-lasting durable meters for fast and reliable measurements? Then Milwaukee Instruments MW102 PH and Temperature Meter is the wonderful alternative for you.
It is ideal for anyone working and suitable for the laboratory, classroom, or broad-spectrum field usage. It is easy to use and is manufactured to get practical and accurate reading.
It is a microchip based pH and temperature meter that gives extreme accuracy reading (±0.02 pH) with extended pH range of -2.0 to 16.0.
It features ATC system with stainless steel temperature probe, pH electrode 9 volt battery,calibration solutions (pH 4.01 and pH 7.01), and detailed instruction manual.
The electrode probe is filled with gel that gives you high performance with low maintenance. It is also equipped with a screw on cape to ensure proper storage.
The kit also comes with three feet probe cables that provides extra flexibility when testing. It also comes with auto shut off and low power demand features that helps to run the meter approximately 300 hours of continuous use.
It is easy to use. To operate the kit you just place the probe into the sample water, turn on On/Off button and softly swirl and wait for the reading to stable then you will get the result on the large digital LED display.
We recommend storing the probe is done with storage solution or calibration buffer and regularly soaked your electrode in cleaning solution to prevent dry out. In this case, you should not use tap water and distilled water that can cause damage to the sensitivity of the probe.
It is also recommended that calibrate the kit after cleaning or a long period of storage.
Pros
- It is a microprocessor based pH/Temperature meter.
- It is easy to use and calibrate.
- It is lightweight and standard transportable meters.
- It provides extreme accuracy readings.
- It is suitable for the laboratory, classroom, or general field use.
- It has large digital LED screen.
- It provides extended result that ranges from -2 to 16 pH..
- Kit and all accessories are warranted for 2 years.
Cons
- It is expensive to buy.
- You will get temperature reading only in the Celsius scale.
pH Meter, Definition and Types
pH meter is the most common scientific instrument for measuring the pH. It measures the acidity or alkalinity of a water-based solution. S.P.L. Sørensen described the first concept of pH in 1909. Arnold Orville Beckman built the first pH meter (Model G) in 1936.
Today pH meter is extensively used in home, field and industrial environments. The most important part of the pH meter is pH electrode where the measurement is calculated and gives the actual pH reading. pH is determined on a scale of 0 to 14. pH denotes the negative logarithm of H+ activity.
- pH = -log[H+]
The ratio of the hydrogen ion [H+] and the hydroxyl ion [OH–] concentrations indicate the pH value of any substance. If you get H+ concentration is greater than OH–, the substance will be acidic with a pH value of <7.0 while If you have OH– concentration is greater than H+, then the substance will be basic, with a pH value of >7. On the other hand, if you have equal amounts of H+ and OH– ions in any substance, in this case, the material will be neutral with a pH of 7.
Types of pH Meter
There are following types of pH meters available in the market:
1. Water pH Meter
This type of pH meter is used to measure pH in aquariums, pools, water purification systems, hydroponics and other applications.
2. Field pH Meter
It is lightweight, portable and handheld pH meter which is used on side and in the field. It is also used in laboratories. It is easy to use and calibrate. This pH meter is manufactured as weather proof and dust proof due its external use.
3. Soil pH Meter
It is used for measuring the pH level of soil in gardening sectors and hydroponics. In this case, if you have larger plant pots then pH meter with a longer pH probe for testing the soil pH is used.
4. Food pH Meter
This type of pH meter is designed to measure the pH level of food without damaging the food items. In this case, different models are found in the market for different types of food such as general food products, meat, fish, dairy products, and beverages, etc.
5. Industrial pH Meter
This type of pH meter is used in industrial purposes such as painting, dying, metal finishing, effluent treatment, municipal wastes, etc.
pH Meter Probe
The pH probe is an important part of a pH meter. It is usually a rod-like structure made up of glass. At the tip of the probe there is a small bulb-like glass that is fitted in an arm known as the probe arm and is connected to electronic meter.
It contains the responsive part of a probe, known as sensor. It measures and displays the pH readings. A pH meter gets the electrical signals from the probe then pH meter shows off the pH value of the given solution.
The glass probe should never touch by hand and it should be cleaned using tissue paper or very soft cloth with very soft hand. In this case, do not rub the tissue or cloth against glass bulb to damage the probe.
pH Meter Electrode
There are two types of electrode such as sensor electrode and reference electrode in the glass probe. These electrodes are made in the form of glass tubes. Among them one contains pH 7 buffer while other have saturated potassium chloride (KCl) solution. In this case, sensor electrode bulb is build up of permeable or porous membrane coated with silica and metal salts.
Maintenance of Electrode
The electrode is the very sensitive part of the pH meter. It should be washed using distilled water and never utilize tap water. Clean the electrode using tissue paper to evacuate water droplets or you may also use some other sample solution.
For the long time storage, the external surface of the bulb can be dry. For further use, the electrode should be kept in 4.0 pH buffer solution up to 24 hours.
If the electrode does not respond to the above treatment, submerge the electrode in 10 N HCl for 2 hours and washed using distilled water which helps to enact the electrode and gives quick response.
For long period storage of gel-filled electrode soaks in submerged KCL solution, So that bulb and gels can’t be dry and you can use it without soaking.
Precautions to Use Electrode
Keeping the electrode fresh and active make sure the use of electrodes within the pH and temperature range, otherwise outside the limit can cause permanent damage to electrodes.
pH Meter Calibration and Use
You should regular calibrate the pH meter before every measurement. Calibration performs the pH readings accurate and reliable. For getting more precise and accurate measurements, a three buffer solution for calibration is preferred. In this case, you should use standard pH calibration solutions such as pH 0.70, pH 4.0 and pH 09.20. But for general purpose, you may use pH 4.01 and pH 10.0 buffer solutions.
These pH solutions are supplied by the manufacturer company with their pH meter. Besides, these are available and you can also purchase it from the online market with reasonable cost.
If the calibration result does not show properly it gives a signal that the electrode is dirty, too old, or damaged. In this case you have to change the electrode.
Advantage of Using a pH Meter
There are following advantages of using a pH meter than a pH testing strip or some other form of testing equipment.
- A pH meter gives you much more accurate and reliable results than a strip tester or titration experiment.
- pH meter is reusable and you don’t have to throw it away after a single use like other pH measuring tools such as test strips.
- You can measure the pH for many times as you like using a single pH meter and help in saving lots of money.
- A pH meter is portable and you can easily be used in the field or everywhere you go outside for a pH testing.
- pH meter is simple to use. It contains a few buttons (On/Off and Cal) to operate and gives a result immediately on a digital display.
- It is easy to carry due to its small-sized body and it is powered by battery which makes the great choice for you.
- A pH meter is suitable for various types of applications.
- It is easy to calibrate using provided buffer solutions (pH 4.0, 7.0, and 09.20).
- A pH meter measures the pH level from 0 to 14 with 0.01 pH accuracy.
Disadvantages of Using pH Meter
- A pH meter needs to be cleaned regularly to keep away from contamination.
- Glass electrodes must be regularly soaked and cleaned using cleaning solution to prevent dry out otherwise that affects the readings.
- A pH meter contains glass probe that may break or become damaged if it is exposed to corrosive chemicals.
- pH meter is significantly high-priced than using test strips. If you use long-term basis for gaining accurate results then a pH meter is perfect for you otherwise test strips may be a better option.
- A pH meter is often required to make calibration.
- A pH meter is needed special buffer solution to calibrate.
- It can break down due to its little fragile glass probes.
- In many times, temperature affects the output readings.
- Temperature and carbon dioxide absorption may influence the pH calibration.
Concluding Remarks
A pH meter is very useful for aquarium enthusiasts than a strip tester. It is easy to use and gives you exact reading. Besides that, pH meter is also useful for soil, drinking water, hydroponics and lab use.
In the pet fish market, there are lots of devices for pH tests but all are not equally dependable in every condition. Because the level of pH is influenced by ionic strength of the water, temperature, microbial activities, etc.
The pH meters ensure the water quality in your aquarium that is just right for fish. Too basic or too acidic water isn’t good for your fish. To keep your fish healthy and happy, you ensure well-balanced and safe environment.
It is possible to maintain the suitable level of pH in your aquarium by regular checking the water using pH meter. In this case, the best pH meters are only the best option for testing the acidity levels of water due to their dependability and accuracy.
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