Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hey maybe you can help me understand what my problem is. My system is about 5 months old. I can't understand my ph readings. I consistently get these as my results. Left is normal range and right is high range ph. My low range is off the chart high by how I see it which is 7.6 or higher... But the lowest or lower on the high range which stops at 7.4. So what's the deal?

http://i.imgur.com/RnuLMXD.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/ZSrlHpQ.jpg

Sorry the picture is the same test and different lighting, I don't know how to resize them. My system Is an ibc tote. Runs 125 gallons of water. Grow media is viagrow. I believe my plants are nutrient locked because ph. I have 35 comet goldfish. Average size 2 inches, 1 koi fish 3 inches and two algae eater fish that are babies 1.5 inches in size.

Sorry if this sounds offensive and stupid, but I'm going to ask the basics first.

Are you putting the correct amount of drops in the vial, for the different tests? And what's the expiration date on the tests?

And I'd just recommend to buy a electric pH pen off ebay, cheap, and so much quicker and easier. They aren't as accurate, but they are accurate enough for any BYAP.

It does look like 5 drops were added to the low-range test...

If you take the time to attach your images correctly, Ill take the time to help answer your question...

you know what.!
I would be cleaning and rinsing the test nozzles, vials, caps with normal tap water really well and doing the tests again. even do 2 tests low range and 2 tests high range. even worth doing 2 tests on your tap water..

you could be surprised at the results after a really good clean.

I just give mine all a shake in the pond (pouring the leftovers onto the ground.). Seems to work alright.

I'm thinking the amount of drops was out.

hi Colum, i just measured on my screen and the low read on the left is lower down on the vial than the high read..so I'm thinking Enduro has added correctly...
I still have nightmares about my varied tests lately due to contamination so I'm probably a bit gun shy on the quick shake and a swish around method.

My kit doesn't expire until like 2020. I've verified directions of tests. I've washed I've shaken. All that. When I add water I test straight tap. It's in the 8's. I add ph down to bring a five gallon bucket to about 6 then add to my setup. Test come out with normal readings for that water, Using same test stuff/procedure. Test the water from the system and get the posted readings?! Lol

Mine is the same.. I read it as 7.5..

Hi Enduro, I don't quite understand what your saying, it would really help with pics of test results and if you can do the same test twice, 3 times or more and let us know if the multiple tests come out the same. this link will take you onto the troubles I had, I resolved it by showing everyone pics, and then it was up for grabs, each had their say and the problem was resolved. so hopefully your problem is nutted out as well.....

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=25249

I've done everything properly and only get weird results when testing from my ft. I read your thread and it seems your fix is a digital ph meter?

I've given up on the low pH API test. Mine does the exact same as yours. I think there was a large batch problem because if you google around, you'll see lots of people (expert and newbie alike) with the exact same problem.

Buy a cheap pH meter with ATC and at least 2 point calibration and never look back. Remember to store it properly and it will last a long time.

My liquid tests show that same overlap and always have.

Do you get the electronic pens at Bunnings?