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Rhizo-man
Stranger
Registered: 10/09/09
Posts: 26
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Kelway pH meter + Limestone flour Q's....
#12030484 - 02/14/10 09:12 PM (14 years, 1 month ago) |
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I started using a Kelway pH meter for measurement. I need some tips on using it properly - I have no manual (it was not new but lightly used previously). It is the model that does % RH as well as pH.
1) I insert the meter and get a reading instantly - but if I let the meter sit in material (casing) for an hour or two the reading drops (from 6.5 then goes to 5.5 in 2 hrs) Do I go with the initial reading or the prolonged reading?
2) I prepare casing in large (50 gal+/-) amounts. I pretty much rely on pH reading solely from the peat portion of the casing mixture (prior to mixing it with 50% verm + 10% coir) Peat brought to field capacity in large amounts in large containers poses a bit a problem as the water tends to percolate to the bottom of the container. I get lower pH readings from the water logged peat at the bottom of the container, and a higher pH in the "drier" peat on top. (My tap water is 6.2) I also get a 3rd different reading when I re-mix the entire container of peat into a homogeneous mixture (in terms of hydration). What numbers can I rely on for indication?
3) Is the Kelway meter designed to take an accurate pH reading of liquids?
I just mixed my peat with 10% powdered limestone, 4% oyster shell flour and 1% gypsum - the highest pH out of all my types of readings has been 6.5 on this mixture. I know hydrated lime is the way to go but for now I must rely on what I have. - Leads me to next question:
4) Given 6.5 is what I get at the percentage calcium additions I currently have in it - can I get away with adding more powdered limestone to try to get a higher initial pH?? 10% powdered limestone, 4% oyster shell powder, 1% gypsum in there now - how much more of each (if any)can I get away with putting in my mix??
Just for the record I have had decent results with a 50/50 peat-verm mix with 5% limestone flour added. By 5% I mean 5% of the volume of peat only - then mix this 5% into the peat only prior to mixing with the verm. Thanks for reading.
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avorg
Quixotic
Registered: 12/02/04
Posts: 1,348
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Re: Kelway pH meter + Limestone flour Q's.... [Re: Rhizo-man]
#12030656 - 02/14/10 09:46 PM (14 years, 1 month ago) |
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1 - wait a few minutes and then read it
2 - you want the homogeneous reading
3 - confusing question. it needs a certain amount of moisture to take an accurate reading, but is designed for gardening purposes.
4 - hard to say. probably the best thing you can do is separate a quart and test it. try adding a certain percentage of oyster shell or gypsum, and see what it does. this should give you a better idea of what percentage to add to the whole lot. hydrated lime is ok in small doses.
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Rhizo-man
Stranger
Registered: 10/09/09
Posts: 26
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Re: Kelway pH meter + Limestone flour Q's.... [Re: avorg]
#12030698 - 02/14/10 09:53 PM (14 years, 1 month ago) |
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Thanks for the reply. My 3rd question: To clear that up - I was trying to figure out if the meter is suitable for reading the pH of liquids (i.e. can I use the meter to test my tap water)
Your answer to my fourth question is obvious but brilliant - that had not crossed my mind. Thanks!
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avorg
Quixotic
Registered: 12/02/04
Posts: 1,348
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Re: Kelway pH meter + Limestone flour Q's.... [Re: Rhizo-man]
#12030739 - 02/14/10 09:59 PM (14 years, 1 month ago) |
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no problem. I think it should be accurate for liquids, but don't quote me on that.
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Rhizo-man
Stranger
Registered: 10/09/09
Posts: 26
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Re: Kelway pH meter + Limestone flour Q's.... [Re: avorg]
#12035831 - 02/15/10 06:34 PM (14 years, 1 month ago) |
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Just to finish this thread, it took 25% powdered limestone and about 8% oyster shell flour to bring it to 6.7 pH.
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Kelway
Stranger
Registered: 02/27/10
Posts: 1
Last seen: 14 years, 1 month
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Re: Kelway pH meter + Limestone flour Q's.... [Re: Rhizo-man] 1
#12106200 - 02/27/10 05:13 AM (14 years, 1 month ago) |
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Dear Rhizo-man, Please contact Kelway@cybernex.net, with your mailing address and we will send you a set of instructions and some Kelway Conditioning Film for your Kelway tester. We will also be happy to go over the operation of the tester with you. Thanks, Kel Instruments
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