Reading and Adjusting PH - How long does it take?

I have a couple questions about PH, first;

How long does it take for your PH reader to return the final PH?

Mine seems to take quite a while (1 - 2 mins before it stops fluctuating). It starts off at 7.0 and slowly starts dropping in numbers. The further from 7.0 you are, the longer the reading time. I find it quicker to use my liquid drop tester.

How long does it take to adjust the PH in the res?

I have a DWC that has continuously running water (via a water pump), and air stones, so there is plenty of water movement. I usually start the res off with 5 gallons / 18ish Liters of RO water. If I pop in some ph up/down, how long until it all balances out? 1/2 hour? 2 hours?

thanks in advance,

If you are reading it with a airstone in there it will i take a small cup and get some nutes from tank it works alot better.hope this helps what meter u got i have the ultra basic oakton.Mix and stir and walla

If your meter requires more than 30 seconds to stabilize,
you should check the claibration.

If it takes more than 30 seconds to change from pH 4 to pH 7,
then you need a new probe.

Never put your pH probe into RO,
or Hydrogen Peroxide,
or solutions with H2o2.

The silver free electrolyte reference solution,
or the SilverChloride reference wire,
inside your probe,
will loose ions
because RO and H2o2 have no free ions,
to counter balance the flow,
through the ceramic junction.

This will cause your probe to fail.



Always keep your pH probe wet,
with a high ionic solution,
like pH calibration fluid 4.01

Never let the probe dry out.

Try not to shake the probe,
or tap it on the rez.

Calibrate your meter at least once a month.

The life of a well cared for probe is only 18 months.

Expect to purchase a new $50 probe,
for every other grow, or at least yearly.

Buy meters with replaceable probes.
.

thanks folks,

I do remove a small sample, and PH the sample with my Hanna meter.

Earl, I have on occasions tested the PH of my RO water (pre-nutes), and many times I have left the meter to dry out. Thanks for pointing out the 'right way'.

So not I suspect my meter (but I've been using my drop tester), but how long does it take 5 gals to stabilize?

your meter is toast.
get a new one and some cal fluid.