Strange pH/NH3 readings

Occasionally the pH output of the seneye can be different to what you might expect. This can be down to a number of factors.

The first thing to check is that the methods that you are using to compare the result are reliable. There is a great deal more information on pH testing methods, and why they do not always agree, on the following link.

TIP: We recommend that the first step is to remove the slide and refit it underwater as trapped air can cause issues. This is common with newly activated seneye devices.

• Is the seneye+ slide fully wetted?

It is important to check that the seneye+ slide is fully soaked. If you have freshwater then you soak the slide for 24 hours, if it is saltwater then you soak the slide for 48 hours. Not soaking the slide before using it means the pH reading may not be correct for this time period.

• Is the seneye+ slide fitted correctly?

The fitting of the seneye+ slide must be done correctly. An instructional video on how to do this can be found here. Air can become trapped between the slide and the windows on the seneye device. This will make you pH readout incorrect. To avoid this, please try re-fitting you seneye+ slide underwater.

• Are you using water treatments?

The pH measurement taken by the seneye device is done using colour. The seneye+ slide changes colour dependent on the pH of the water. Using treatments that are coloured will affect the colour of the slide, this will mean that the pH output will be affected.

Other treatment chemicals can bleach the slide. This will affect the colour response of the slide and can cause an incorrect pH reading.

If you need to treat your aquarium or pond it can be worth removing the slide and keeping it in aquarium or pond water.

• It is important to make sure that algae and detritus do not build up on the sensor windows of the seneye device or the slide. This can alter the pH output if the levels of dirt and algae increase over time. Cleaning the windows with a finger is normally the best option. 

• Chlorine and Chloramine, even in very small amounts, will bleach the coloured sensor pads on the slide. Over the course of time, the pH / NH3 reading will normally decrease. Always ensure that you use good dechlorinators when using tap water and mix it before adding to the aquarium. Most carbon based tap water filters will struggle to remove all traces of Chloramine. It is important to make sure that any water that goes into an aquarium or pond is free from both Chlorine and Chloramine.

MARINE USERS NEED TO SELECT MARINE TICK BOX CLICK HERE FOR INSTRUCTION.

SENEYE USERS WITH LOW KH (SOFTWATER) TANKS CLICK HERE.

If you need any further information please contact us on [email protected]