Why Your pH Meter is Giving You Incorrect Readings and how to Troubleshoot them
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A pH meter is a common equipment found in many hydroponic farms. They are used to measure the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. pH meters usually have two electrodes, a reference electrode, and a measuring electrode. Read our a beginner’s guide to buying a digital pH meter for hydroponics.
Also read our post should you use pH test strips or digital pH meters for hydroponics if you are confused before buy any pH testing equipment.
pH meters are calibrated using standard solutions with known pH values. However, pH meters can still give incorrect readings even when properly calibrated. There are several possible reasons for this.
1. The electrodes may be dirty or damaged.
If the electrodes are dirty, they will not be able to measure the solution’s potential accurately. The electrode is the part of the pH meter that comes into contact with the solution being tested.
Solution: Clean the electrode
To clean the electrodes, use a soft cloth dampened with distilled water and wipe them off gently. Do not use any abrasive materials, such as sandpaper, as this will damage the electrodes. If the electrodes are damaged, they will need to be replaced. You can use pH meter electrode cleaning solutions available in the market.
2. The buffer solutions may be outdated or improperly mixed.
Buffer solutions are used to calibrate pH meters. If they are outdated or improperly mixed, they will not be able to calibrate the pH meter accurately. They should be stored in a cool, dark place and replaced every six months.
Solution: Use fresh buffer solutions
To use fresh buffer solutions, mix them according to the instructions on the package. Make sure that you are using the correct ratio of acid to base. Once the solutions are mixed, use them to calibrate the pH meter according to the instructions in the manual.
3. Electrode may be expired
Another common cause of incorrect readings is using an expired electrode. Electrodes have a shelf life and will eventually expire and need to be replaced. Using an expired electrode will result in inaccurate readings.
Solution: Use a new electrode
If you suspect the electrode is expired, replace it with a new one. Click here if you want a new electrode for your pH tester. Make sure to follow the instructions in the manual when replacing the electrode.
4. The temperature of the solutions being measured may differ from the temperature at which the pH meter was calibrated.
Most pH meters are only accurate within a certain temperature range for which the pH meter is calibrated. The readings will be inaccurate if the solutions you are measuring are outside this range. Make sure that you check the temperature of both the solutions being measured and the pH meter itself before taking a reading.
Solution: Check the temperature
pH meters are sensitive to temperature changes and will give inaccurate readings if the temperature is not correct. Be sure to check the temperature of both the solution and the environment before taking a reading.
Related: How to Measure EC, pH, DO and Temperature in a Hydroponic System
5. Incorrect Calibration
One of the most common reasons why pH meters give incorrect readings is that they are not properly calibrated. pH meters need to be calibrated regularly to ensure accuracy. If a pH meter is not properly calibrated, it can give either too high or too low readings.
Therefore pH meters need to be calibrated regularly to give accurate readings.
Solution: Calibrate the meter properly
If your pH meter has been stored for a long period, it may need to be recalibrated. Most pH meters come with a calibration solution that you can use to calibrate the meter. Follow the instructions that came with your pH meter to calibrate it properly.
6. Interference from Other Substances
Many things can interfere with pH readings, including other chemicals, electrical fields, and light. Other substances in the solution being tested can also affect pH meters. For example, if there are high levels of chloride in the solution, it can interfere with the reading and give an inaccurate result.
Solution: Check for interference
Be sure to check for any potential sources of interference before taking a reading.
Related: How to Keep the PH Level of Each Hydroponic Growing Medium?
7. There may be a build-up of salts on the electrode.
Over time, a build-up of salts can form on the electrode. This build-up can interfere with how the electrode measures potential, leading to inaccurate readings.
Solution: Clean the electrode
Use a soft cloth to wipe away any build-up of salts on the electrode. Be sure to follow the instructions in the manual when cleaning the electrode.
8. Wrong Type of Electrode
Another common reason for incorrect readings is using the wrong electrode type for the solution being tested. There are different types of electrodes designed for different purposes. Using the wrong type of electrode will result in inaccurate readings.
Solution: Use the correct electrode
Make sure to use the correct electrode type for the solution being tested. There are different electrodes designed for various purposes, so be sure to choose the best one suited for your needs.
9. Low batteries
Low batteries are also the most common reason why pH meters give incorrect readings.
Solution: Change the batteries
If your pH meter uses batteries, check them regularly and replace them as needed. It would help if you also ensured that the batteries are properly installed in the meter.
10. There may be air bubbles in the solution
If you are using powdered buffer solutions, make sure that they are properly mixed before using them to calibrate your pH meter. If there are air bubbles in the solution, it can cause the pH meter to give inaccurate readings.
Solution: Check for air bubbles
Air bubbles can also cause inaccurate pH readings. Make sure that there are no air bubbles in the solution before taking a reading.
11. Metal containers can cause interference
Metal containers can also cause interference with pH readings. If you are using a metal container to hold the solution, it can cause the pH meter to give inaccurate readings.
Solution: Use a non-metal container
Be sure to use a non-metal container to hold the solution when taking pH readings. Glass or plastic containers are best when testing solutions.
Conclusion
pH meters can be affected by many different things, including interference from other substances, a build-up of salts on the electrode, and low batteries. If your pH meter is giving you incorrect readings, troubleshooting these common issues can help ensure that you get accurate results. When troubleshooting inaccurate pH readings, it is always best to take multiple readings and average them. This will help to ensure that you are getting accurate results.
Thank you for reading!
Also, read:
5 External Factors Affecting Germination in Hydroponic Rockwool
7 Watering Tips for New Hydroponic Gardeners
Do Rain Affect Outdoor Hydroponic Plants?
