I have a 5 gallon bucket that I keep mine in. I replace it when it gets schmutzy (terrific word BTW) as well. Instead of pH strips, invest in a good pH meter. You can find them for less than $15 on Amazon, I think mine was $12. Not only is it great for making sure my sanitizer is still good, I use it to test my mash pH. And the first week I had it, just about anything else.