pH pen is 6.86, but can't find pH 6.86 solution

JSB99

Well-Known Member
I replaced my pH pen with a new one that auto-calibrates itself to 6.86, instead of 7.0. I can't seem to find bottles of pH 6.86 calibration solution though, so I can't calibrate it.

Am I missing something here?
 

Lordhooha

Well-Known Member
I replaced my pH pen with a new one that auto-calibrates itself to 6.86, instead of 7.0. I can't seem to find bottles of pH 6.86 calibration solution though, so I can't calibrate it.

Am I missing something here?
That’s an odd number lol what pen did you get?
 

Lordhooha

Well-Known Member
On Amazon. Yeah, I didn't even think of it when I bought it. Didn't notice that it was 6.86. I thought they were all 7.0.

Oh well, it was cheap. I'll get another one.
I was wondering I’ve never seen one like that either I thought they all a 7 base too.
 

Xs121

Well-Known Member
All ph pen are like that.

The solution is ph7 but remember ph pen have +- precession reading. Most handheld pen have +- .1 or +-.2, meaning your calibration based on ph7 solution can read 6.9 or 6.8.

In your case its a normal reading.
 

Hibister

Member
Hi,
I have found both cheap and lab type pH pens, meters, probes can be accurate. Your device is only as good as the calibration you do. Keep them clean with weekly calibrations, use storage solutions to extend the life of the electrode.
The better quality pH meters like by Bluelab and Meter Toledo have replaceable probes that are more responsive and with proper care should last longer. My favorite is the Bluelab Soil pH meter. I can check the pH of my soil around the roots without any special slurry making and I can also check the pH of my nutrient solution or liquid solutions.
Check Bluelab direct for 50% sales as they just had the Soil pH Meter with probe on sale for $60 shipped from Europe. The new Multi Meter with "Leap" is there newest multi purpose pH meter. You can buy the "Leap" probe alone and use it with the Soil pH Meter.

You might be able to find your 6.86 buffer in a dry powder packet that you mix with R.O. water or De Ionized, distilled water to active buffer. Never reuse buffers or put back in bottle. Replace liquid buffers 3 months after opening. Just some friendly advice as I work with pH meters at my work and at home gardening.
If you grow hydro become an expert with pH.
A good pH meter should allow you to perform 2 or 3 point calibrations. 7.0 1st then the 4.0 buffer. The meter can recognize the buffer and auto calibrate for you. Also use a pH meter that has built in Auto Temp Control. Some pH pens need to be tested in 70℉ because they don't have A.T.C. pH is based off Temp and some pH meters factors in temp onto the pH value.
 
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Beachwalker

Well-Known Member
I found these on Amazon for about 3 or 4 bucks

I did the cheap-o meter shuffle for a while too (I have a drawer full of them:wall:)

Do yourself a favor! Check out Apera meters and forget about pH issues
 

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Beachwalker

Well-Known Member
When I saw the 6.86 post I suspected you bought a Vanderkool meter. I bought one too, watta piece of junk..! I made Amazon give me my money back, they didn't even want it back

I have had many pH meters, but this is the only meter that I have never been able to figure out how to calibrate, never could, took it out of the box and basically threw it in the junk drawer with the rest

it's never worked once, I'll take the cheapest yellow meter over Vanderkool any day, but don't keep playing with meters, not the place to cut corners

$43 for Apera, you'll love it..!
 

JSB99

Well-Known Member
When I saw the 6.86 post I suspected you bought a Vanderkool meter. I bought one too, watta piece of junk..! I made Amazon give me my money back, they didn't even want it back

I have had many pH meters, but this is the only meter that I have never been able to figure out how to calibrate, never could, took it out of the box and basically threw it in the junk drawer with the rest

it's never worked once, I'll take the cheapest yellow meter over Vanderkool any day, but don't keep playing with meters, not the place to cut corners

$43 for Apera, you'll love it..!
What model Apera do you have?
 

Dynamo626

Well-Known Member
honestly it shouldn't mater what fluid you calibrate with as long as it isnt a push button calibration. the odd number is a company tring to get you to use only there products. if it uses a screwdriver to calibrate anything you know the exact ph of will do. It wouldnt matter if it was solution 7.3. put your pen in, adjust untill reading is 7.3 your done
 
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