PH probes are delicate and sensitive to environmental conditions, impacts and drying out. It is important to handle the probe with care to ensure accurate measurements and the longest lifespan possible. Improper care will cause inaccurate or erratic readings.

Calibrating a New pH Probe

Before calibrating a new probe it is useful to condition the probe beforehand, this can help with probe stability and accurate calibration. To do this stand the probe in some saltwater from your aquarium for 24-48 hours so that the bottom 30-40mm is covered before performing the calibration steps below. Never leave a pH probe standing in RO or pure water for any length of time as it will damage the probe.

Re-Calibrating an Existing pH Probe

When re-calibrating a probe that has already been in use it is extremely important to clean the probe first, even if visually it does not look dirty. Biofilms, algae and mineral deposits can form on the probe and prevent it from reading properly, if calibration is performed when the probe is not completely clean it will result in incorrect readings.

To clean the pH probe follow the below steps.

Cleaning the pH Probe

1. Decant some of the D-D Concentrated KH Manager Test Reagent into a small suitable container to a depth of 30-40mm, the glass beaker that comes with the KH Manager is ideal.
2. Stand the probe in the decanted reagent for 20-30 minutes.
3. Rince the end of the probe in some aquarium saltwater then using a soft bristled brush gently clean the bulb on the tip of the probe and around the base of the bulb where the reference junction is positioned. Any algae or biofilms will need to be removed from these areas.
4. Safely dispose of the D-D Concentrated KH Manager Test Reagent used for cleaning the probe and fill the small container with aquarium saltwater to around the 30-40mm depth as before. Never use pure water or RO water as it will damage the probe.
5. Carefully stir the pH probe in the saltwater to remove any loose algae, biofilm deposits and air bubbles then leave standing for 30-40 minutes in the saltwater.
6. The probe should now be ready to calibrate.

Important notes before calibrating

• Before calibration the probe, if it has already been in use, must be cleaned.
• Check the tip of the probe and cable for damage, if there is any damage the probe will need to be replaced.
• Fresh uncontaminated calibration solutions must be used.
• When calibrating the pH probe the calibration solutions need to be at the correct temperature for accurate results.

Performing the Calibration

Log into the Kamoer Remote app and select the tile icon for your KH Manager. Then go to ‘Settings’ in the bottom right, Maintain / Calibration / pH / Go to calibrate.

1. To begin tap on ‘Go to calibrate’ in the app and choose if you would like to use pH9.18 and pH4 solutions (supplied with the KH Manager) or pH7 and pH4 solutions depending on what you have available. Please note the pH calibration solutions will need to be at 25⁰C for correct calibration.
2. Make sure you have the items needed to perform the calibration, the two Calibration solutions, some room temperature water for rinsing the probe, and some soft paper towel.
3. If present remove the protective cap from the pH probe by unscrewing the pot section and then sliding the seal and cap off the end of the probe. Care must be taken not to damage the tip of the probe.
4. When prepared tap ‘I’m ready’ in the app.
5. Carefully rinse the tip of the probe in some room temperature water then dry by gently shaking the probe and then using a paper towel to remove obvious drops of water. It is best to avoid touching the glass bulb directly with the paper towel. Place the probe in the first calibration solution and gently shake to remove any bubbles, as displayed on the screen in the app. The bottom 25-30mm of the probe should be submerged in the solution, tap ‘Stand’ to begin the two-minute timer.
6. After 2 minutes tap ‘Calibrate’ at the bottom of the screen in the app, calibration will begin, once completed the app will display the successful calibration and prompt to go to the next calibration point, tap ‘Go to “pH4 Calibration”’ to continue.
7. Carefully rinse the tip of the probe in some room temperature water then dry by gently shaking the probe and then using a paper towel to remove obvious drops of water. It is best to avoid touching the glass bulb directly with the paper towel. Place the probe in the pH4 calibration solution and gently shake to remove any bubbles, as displayed on the screen in the app. The bottom 25-30mm of the probe should be submerged in the solution, tap ‘Stand’ to begin the two-minute timer.
8. After 2 minutes tap ‘Calibrate’ at the bottom of the screen in the app, calibration will begin, once completed the app will display that the process is complete.
9. Tap ok at the bottom of the screen to confirm and save.
10. The app will return you to the pH Calibration page after the above steps are completed. It is advisable to set the reminder for periodically calibrating the probe, to do this tap on the box displaying the ‘Last Time’ and ‘Next Time’, enter the number of days, then save in the top right corner. For accurate testing it is suggested for this to be set to 30-45 days, after this time has elapsed a warning will appear on the screen in the app to remind you that calibration is due.
11. To exit tap the blue arrow in the top left.

The end of the pH probe should never be allowed to dry. If the probe is not in use or being stored the protective cap should be replaced with enough pH probe storage solution to cover the end. If the probe is removed from the machine during maintenance or whilst calibration of other components is taking place it can be carefully stood in a small amount of aquarium water or the probe cap replaced as above. Never use pure water (RODI) to store the pH probe.