Phenyl red for PH

[Blue114]

Hi there,

I'm in Australia

I have a Taylors test kit and have run out of reagent R-0014. I purchased a generic phenyl red from the local store but it is way milder / weaker and I estimate I need about 3 times as much. So its not accurate with their test gear.

I can't get the reagent in Australia and the postage from the states is like $45.00 for a tiny bottle . Should I just buy a readily available ph test kit ($10.00) and use that or do you recommend I stick with the Taylor's.

Thanks
Brad

 

[duraleigh]

Simply buy another pH test kit. Taylor is the best but others are quite acceptable.

 

[Blue114]

Thanks. Will do

 

[LL Pool J]

Looking at the MSDS on the taylor site r-0004 and r-0014 seem to be the exact same thing (phenol red). I assume they have different codes because one goes in the K-2006 and the other goes in another kit. if so there is a crew selling taylor products domestically in australia now apparently; I got my K-2006 from the states ages ago but I'll probably use these guys for refills. though they appear to be out of r-0004...

 

[JamesW]

The 4 a 14 are both phenol red. However, they are for different test sample volumes. As long as the sample volume is correct, the color will be good.

 

[Blue114]

hi again

I got onto a wholesaler http://www.rainbowpoolproducts.com.au/catalogue/Test_Kits_and_Reagents(Taylor).htm in Brisbane and then went thru a local pool shop , but cannot get the r-0014. Only the r-0004. Can I use the r-0004 in the TF 100 test kit.

The ph /chlorine test kit included in the TF 100 is the K1000.

Thanks . Brad

 

[JasonLion]

Taylor's PH test is better compensated against interference than other brands. In practice that means that it works at higher FC levels than other brands. At low FC levels they are all good. As FC goes to 5 or higher, the Taylor test starts to be significantly better.

The difference between R-0004 and R-0014 is concentration. You can use either one, but you will need a different number of drops. R-0004 is more concentrated, so you don't need as many drops. Varying the number of drops changes the intensity of the color, but not the shade. What matters is the shade, so just use whatever number of drops you need to get the result to be easily read and you will be fine.