Need info on BlueLab pH pen calibration

[Buds Buddy]

I'm suppose to get a Bluelab pH pen tonight for $40 (open box / return). I'm wondering if I have to use BlueLab pH 4.0 & 7.0 calibration fluid or if I can use any brand. Thing I noticed is the Cal. Packets that come with the cheap pens say use deionized water to mix the solution. On the BlueLab box it says Do Not Use deionized or distilled water or it will ruin the pen.
The BlueLab 4.0, 7.0 pH solutions are $13 ea. for 250 ml. & the KCI storage solution is $15 for 100 ml. $41 + Tax just to Cal. a BlueLab seems pretty high considering the pH pen runs $120. For that price you should never have to calibrate.
Anyway, has anyone found a cheaper method ?

 

[r0am1ng st0ner]

I personally use the more expensive calibration packets and just do it every 1.5 months about

 

[r0am1ng st0ner]

Something like this every 1-1.5 months

 

[Bionic Chronic NZ]

I love my pen and it’s worth the investment in the end. In NZ there’s small sachets and 100ml bottles but you’ll need these every month. I’d say go with bluelab gear to be safe.

 

[Buds Buddy]

Something like this every 1-1.5 months

Yeah, guess on-line prices are worse then buying local these days. Local Hydro store has all 3 for $12. 2 pkts. ea. of 4.0 & 7.0 + 100 ml. of storage solution. Picking it up in the morning. Really expected it to be cheaper on ebay; but it's not.

 

[bobrown14]

I have the chepo 10$ pens ....with the packets. Always thought you wood need distilled water to add the packets too?? Pretty positive thats how its done in a laboratory.
Wondering how that would damage the pen.

I'm feeling my BS bone twitching .....

 

[r0am1ng st0ner]

I have the chepo 10$ pens ....with the packets. Always thought you wood need distilled water to add the packets too?? Pretty positive thats how its done in a laboratory.
Wondering how that would damage the pen.

I'm feeling my BS bone twitching .....

It is only because the tool sorta needs ions in the water to function properly

" Low ionic strength solutions, like distilled, deionized and reverse osmosis water cannot be measured with Bluelab pH Pens or probes. The reading will be unreliable because the pH-sensitive glass needs lots of ions to provide an accurate and reproducible reading."

 

[bobrown14]

I understand that measuring "pure" water creates un-repeatable results over time due to the fact that pure water has very little ions in it. But ions can swing the pH depending on what they are.

This is where my question is - the packet doesn't that contain or create ions that the pen wants to see at a specific pH? I wood want to start out with water with as little in it as possible so my measurements are more accurate.

My thought is that I want to start with as pure water as I can get that has 7pH then add the packets to get to 4pH and 7pH then test my pen.... maybe I'm overthinking.

I'd just use the bottled stuff they sell I tossed mine along with my Blulab pen due to non-use and then we moved and now need to pH my water all the time. RO filters with de-ionizing stage ta-boot.

There's pH and then there's alkalinity not both the same but related. I have high alkalinity in my well water due to cal mag is excess (will kill plants in containers). Thats where the de-ionizing filter comes in. It will take out the ions that cause the high alkalinity.... at least thats my interpretation. I'm not a chemist or a water specialist. Imma farmer. Out in the field I dont have to worry about this stuff thankfully.

 

[r0am1ng st0ner]

I also use premade pH solution and don't add any water to it and yes in a field is nice lol