My DO readings are not stable. What should I do?

Electrolytic, or polarographic DO sensors require a significant "warm-up" or "polarization" time before use.

Allowing the probe to polarize removes any oxygen in the electrolyte. It can take up to several minutes for a probe to polarize. The probe is under polarization with a fixed voltage of approximately 800mV. Probe polarization is essential for stable measurements with the same recurring degree of accuracy. With the probe properly polarized, oxygen is continually ''consumed'' by passing through the sensitive diaphragm and dissolving in the electrolyte solution contained inside the probe.