I would like to buy a pH meter. I've found one for over $200. Does anyone
know of a cheaper way, other than floating an egg on top?

Thanks,
Helen Clark

I have been using ph meter from Dick Smith (approx $ 90), but found them too
unreliable after a while, as probe is blocked by salt/oil in the brine.

We are now using a scientific version (approx $600), which has 2 buffer
solutions (4+7) to calibrate and the probe is always kept in demineralised
water. It gives us the brine temperature at the same time.
Hope this helps.

Knut Kammann
Lakelands Olives
Clandulla NSW

Dear Helen,
I'm assuming you are wanting to test the pH of your pickling brine. If you try
a scientific
supply company (look in the Yellow Pages), you can buy pH papers in the range
you need.
These are the "dipstick" type which are very easy to use and inexpensivee to
buy.

The egg floating method is for estimating salt levels, not pH.

Regards,
Julie Lloyd

I use a device made by Hanna Industries called a pHep - HI 98107.

This is a simple, pocket sized meter that reads to one decimal place. It's
available form local scientific supply places fairly readily - about AU$100
IIRC. Their web site is www.hannainst.com

Its more reliable than an egg - that really only works for salt levels, not
pH - and I find a home brew shop will sell me a beer brewing hydrometer for
about $20 that does the job easily enough for determining the amount of salt
in the brine - but you do need a conversion chart to take you from Specific
Gravity to salt percentage.

Regards,

Mike Wilson
Hunter Valley.

Dear Mike,
Many thanks for the prompt reply. Your information has been MOST helpful.
I'll be off to the shops tomorrow.
My husband is a physicist, so I'll enlist his help with the conversions.
Thanks also to all who replied.
Much appreciated.

Regards, Helen Clark

I do have a copy of this conversion chart if you would like a copy. It is in
Word format so should e-mail okay.

Mike.

You may have already decided to buy the device that Mike suggested but if
you're looking for pH strips, Merck make them and I think they come in a
variety of ranges. If you do a search you should find a supplier fairly
easily.

Interesting that you mention the egg floating method as this was the method
used in the past to determine the strength of the lye solution for
soapmaking.

Vicki Younger
Redgum Soaps
Australia's first solar powered soapmaking facility
www.redgumsoaps.com.au

Yes Please! Thank, regards Helen Clark

{Mike, would you consider uploading to the files area? Others might like to
see/use it too.
John Attwood
Co-moderator}

I've sent a copy directly to Helen, and I'll have a bash at uploading it to
the website. The file is called hydrometer.xls

Regards,

Mike.