Double-R

Recipes 

Got the meter
Now, the buffer solutions,Price$$
Been wondering if 5.2 could be used as a buffer.
I read some were, were 5.2 in distilled give a ph of ??
Or should i "Man Up".. and just get the solution.

samc

Recipes 

The solution is the solution.

I like the one use http://www.amazon.com/Hanna-Instruments-70004P-Buffer-Solution/dp/B002NX0W3C/ref=pd_sbs_indust_11, unless you are going to be doing constant calibrations which might not be very cost effective with the packets.

Beerrific

Recipes 

I would NOT use 5.2. I have never seen 5.2 on the meter when using 5.2, and I know my meter is right.

ajdelange

Recipes 

5.2 is a buffer but not a pH 5.2 buffer. It is more like 5.8 in distilled water.

If you knew the exact pH of a 5.2 solution at given strength as a function of temperature you could, theoretically, use it for single point calibration. It is, however, much better to use a pair of NIST derived operational buffers (that's what you buy) which span the range of pH's to be measured.

remilard

Recipes 

The single use packets are pretty expensive. You can get the liquid in 4 oz bottles which lasts for a decent number of calibrations (I mark the date I open the the bottles and would discard them at 3 months but they never last that long, I use the meter more than on brew day).

You can also get buffers as powder pillows to be mixed with a measured amount of water. Bought in reasonable bulk, these are the cheapest option.

So man up. If you are only going to measure on brew day and that is like once a month, I would just get the packets at about $1 each ($2 per brew day). Unless you are one of those "I brewed this beer for $8" fetishists, I think that is well worth the money if you consider how much time and effort is being expended to make the beer.

ajdelange

Recipes 

And the one I have always been most comfortable with. As you mix them the day you use them you know the buffers are fresh.

RCCOLA

Recipes 

Capsules ftw--> http://www.aquaticeco.com/subcategories/544/pH-Calibration-Capsules

MNDan

Recipes 

About the same price as these, but with these you don't have to worry about how "deionized" your water really is...

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store/products/monitors-controllers/milwaukee-meters-and-monitors/milwaukee-instruments-4-01-calibration-solution-single-use-packets.html