A Complete Guide To Portable Oxygen Meter

Well, before we talk about the Portable Oxygen Meter, let’s get to know about dissolved oxygen a bit better. In simple words, it is the amount of gaseous oxygen dissolved in your water source. It could be in of a river, pond, or a fish tank. How does oxygen get mixed with water? The most amount of oxygen in water comes from the atmosphere (by direct absorption.) In natural water sources such as rivers and ponds, a considerable amount comes from plant photosynthesis. Dissolved oxygen level is a critical parameter in industries such as water treatment and aquariums. Fishes and other creatures survive on oxygen like the ones living on the ground. Can we survive without oxygen? Portable Oxygen Meter is the most convenient and efficient device to use for dissolved oxygen measuring. Did you know that oxygen easily gets mixed with cold water than with hot water?

Dissolved oxygen and aquatic life

Water quality for aquatic life depends on many factors such as dissolved oxygen, chemicals, sunlight, and the temperature. If any of these factors drop or rise; it would affect negatively on the creatures living in. Now, we can find measuring instruments to measure each of these critical parameters. We can measure water temperature with a general thermometer or a temperature logger. The TDS meter is available for chemical contamination and total dissolved solids measuring. The portable Oxygen Meter is the best option to evaluate dissolved oxygen in the water. Dissolved oxygen is measured as mg/l. Experts in the aquatic world have established the safe dissolved oxygen limit for living creatures such as fishes. 5.0 mg/L is the “lowest” safe level for aquatic creatures. So, levels below the lowest safe level can stress out the creatures living in water. Also, levels below 1-2 mg/L can kill fishes and other creatures living in water. You can easily monitor oxygen levels with a Portable Oxygen Meter.

As mentioned, dissolved oxygen is the best way to determine water quality. Other than the temperature, the salinity also affects dissolved oxygen level in the water. So, higher the salinity, low the dissolved oxygen in the water. The saturation value is the maximum dissolved oxygen value that water can hold at a given temperature. Anyway, you can use a Portable Oxygen Meter at various temperatures.

Using a Portable Oxygen Meter

Well, dissolved oxygen can be measured by two methods. Winkler titration; a chemical method to calculate dissolved oxygen in the water. This method has been used for a long time, and it gives accurate readings. Anyway, now we live in the 21st century, so we need an easy method to find dissolved oxygen accurately. That is where the Portable Oxygen Meter comes in. This electronic device can give instant readings, yet accurate. Devices that come as data loggers can be used for continuous monitoring applications. Since it is an electronic device; proper maintenance is essential for the long life.

OK, let’s come to the main topic of the article now! FAQs about the Portable Oxygen Meter? You will find all the answers to your questions and concerns here.

1) Calibrating the Portable Oxygen Meter

Like all other electronic measuring devices, this device should be calibrated on a regular basis for more accurate readings. Failing to calibrate the device will result in inaccurate readings. Calibrating your Portable Oxygen Meter daily is advisable for more accurate readings, which is crucial for the safety of aquatic creatures. Anyway, most users don’t calibrate their meter daily (as it depends on the application.) Reading given instructions in the catalog that comes with the device is highly advisable for effective calibration. Calibration method may vary depending on the manufacturer. After calibration, your Portable Oxygen Meter should give readings that are accurate up to +/- 1%. For non-crucial applications, +/- 2% is OK.

2) Do I have to recalibrate my Portable oxygen Meter when it is turned off? Well, many owners of this device ask this question from us today. Well, the answer to this frequently asked question is a “No.” Even the old analog meters are not required to recalibrate after turning off. Your meter can save the calibration values for ease of use. Again, you don’t have to recalibrate your meter if there is a change in barometric pressure or altitude. The sensor is calibrated in such a way to compensate pressure and altitude changes.

3) What should I do after turning on the meter?

Many Portable Oxygen Meter owners have questions about the time that they should wait after turning on the meter to take readings or calibration. In general, you can use the meter straightaway. When taking the readings, let it stabilize for 5-15 minutes.

4) For how long my Portable Oxygen Meter will serve me?

Well, giving an exact answer to this question is difficult. It mostly depends on the environment being used and maintenance. The sensor in the meter is a sensitive part, so keeping it safe is essential for the long life of the meter. Anyway, most meters will serve you for years if maintained properly according to instructions given by the manufacturer. Which means you should buy your Portable Oxygen Meter from a reputable manufacturer who offers a reliable after-purchase service.

5) How expensive is the device?

Again, it depends on the type of the meter. For example, manual meters are cheaper than modern digital ones. Anyway, buying digital meters is advisable for more accurate readings and ease of use. A Portable Oxygen Meter from a reputable manufacturer can cost several hundreds of dollars to buy. But you can rely on its quality and accuracy to a greater extent for every crucial commercial and residential application.

6) From where I can buy a meter?

Just go to Google and type Portable Oxygen Meter in the search box. The Internet has made it a piece of cake today. You can find the right type of meter that suits your application and budget. You can directly buy it from the manufacturer or from an authorized sale agent.

Some final words

OK, now, you have understood dissolved oxygen, Portable Oxygen Meter, and its applications. Know that dissolved oxygen levels have direct effects on creatures living in the water. So, measuring DO is critical in the aquatic industry. DO is a temperature-dependent parameter, which is the best method to evaluate water quality. Two methods can be used for evaluating DO, and the Portable Oxygen Meter is the easiest method in today’s world. Well, if you have any more questions and concerns about this useful meter; leave us a message in the comment section. Yes, a DO meter is an expensive device, so proper maintenance is essential to save your money from it.