Got a new probe? Wondering what to do with it?
Temp Probes
- Do NOT require calibration - factory calibrated
- Do NOT try to remove the plastic cap - it's part of the probe, glued on. You'll break something if you try!
- Will work in water or in air just as well
pH Probes
- Require calibration and the probes themselves do NOT come with calibration fluid (however when you purchase the full Apex System, we include a packet of 7.0 and 10.0). Get the single use packets from your LFS, or online at our store. Should cost no more than $2/packet. You need two packets to calibrate - a 7.0 and a 10.0 if you plan to use the probe for the tank pH monitoring. If you plan on using it for control of a calcium reactor, you will want to calibrate with 4.0 and 7.0.
- Remove the protective plastic cap and save in case you need to store your probe. The solution inside is a pH 4.0 solution that preserves the probe tip.
- Read the PM1 documentation for specific calibration instructions: http://www.neptunesystems.com/support/docs/
ORP Probes
- Do not require calibration from the factory. If you do decide to calibrate you cannot use the 400mv calibration solution that some ORP probes use. You need pH 4.0 and 7.0 calibration fluid along with Quinhydrone. Refer to the PM1 manual for further info about mixing the solutions and performing the calibration
- Remove the protective plastic cap and save in case you need to store your probe.
- An ORP probe can take up to 1 week to stabilize in your tank. As long as the reading is constantly rising by 1 mv - 3mv / hour than the probe is not ready yet. Once it starts rising and falling OPPOSITE your pH, then it's ready for use.
- There is NO right ORP value. Every tank is different. Readings from 350mv - 450mv are typical. More important is to figure where your normal values are then watch for large deviations that would indicate a problem.
Conductivity Probes
- Require calibration and do NOT come with calibration fluid. The calibration solution you use depends on how you intend to use your probe. For most saltwater usage, 53 mS/cm will work. Read the PM2 documentation here for more details: http://www.neptunesystems.com/support/docs/
Dissolved Oxygen Probe
- Must be installed in an area with rapid water movement and few/no air bubbles. Stagnant water and micro bubbles will distort the probe readings.
- Does require calibration but unlike Temp or pH, calibration involves setting a 'Zero' reference with the probe.
- A Membrane Replacement kit should be purchased from Neptune Systems when you buy the probe as this is part of the ongoing maintenance of this probe.
- Proper operation requires you to read the documentation VERY carefully. See the PM3 documentation for more details: http://www.neptunesystems.com/support/docs/
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