Calibrating pH and PPM meter?

[DoktorD1313]

So I just got my new Nutradip Tri-Meter and in the instructions, it mentions calibrating with a calibration solution.

Would you be able to use distilled or deionized water in place of a manufactured neutral calibration solution?

It seems like all the solution does is give a specified reading on the meter to calibrate to. If you know that a solution has a pH of exactly 7 or virtually no PPM content, wouldn't you be able to use that instead?

 

[iamaaror]

Yes it would be fine, but how would you know the PH of the solution without measuring it with a calibrated PH meter?

 

[Wetdog]

You really need the solution.

Quit trying to out think the manufacturers.

Wet

 

[researchkitty]

Its a $15 bottle. Buy it. =P

 

[DoktorD1313]

Yes it would be fine, but how would you know the PH of the solution without measuring it with a calibrated PH meter?

Because PURE water has a pH of exactly 7. So if you used distilled or deionized water (water with impurities removed) it would have a pH of 7 and also a PPM of almost 0 since the impurities (solids, ionized salts, etc) have been removed.

However, I think you guys are right... I think my chem class memories are coming back to me. If I remember correctly, even deionized and distilled water can regain an off balance pH almost imediately after coming into contact with the Carbon Dioxide in air.


Oh well, I might as well just buy the calibration solution for later. Out of curiosity, I think I'll test the pH of my gallon of distilled water just to see what it reads with the unit right out of the box.