PH Meter

[drumin]

What brand/model do you use? I think my "rapidtest" meter isn't working correctly so I'm lookin for a new one.

[rolanterroy]

http://www.aquaticeco.com//images/items/98128_rgb.jpg

These easy-to-use pH pens from Hanna Industries are waterproof and will float. They feature automatic shut-off, temperature compensation, replaceable electrodes, hold function, stability indicator and temperature readings in either °C or °F . Choose pen with sensitivity in tenths (98127) or hundredths (98128). Pens weigh only 3 oz, measure 7" L x 2" W. Use four 1.5V button cell batteries (included). One-year warranty on pens, six-month on electrodes. Calibration solutions sold separately.

LINK: http://www.aquaticeco.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/product.detail/iid/831/cid/3916


A really good reliable workhorse right there bro! :gthumb:

- REv :smoke1:

[rolanterroy]

Really important that you rinse off your pH meter after every use if measuring anything but straight water!

I find Reverse Osmosis water best for this purpose myself; but if you do not rinse your meter off before putting it away after using it, funk will grow and build up on the sensor throwing it way outta whak! :gthumb:

- REv :smoke1:

[CB]

I use a oakton (http://www.4oakton.com/proddetail.asp?parent=2&prod=343&seq=1&TotRec=11)meter ... had it little over 3 years now and pretty happy with it, also use there ppm meters as well and its over 3 years old to

have fun shop'n bro :D

[rolanterroy]

Just a heads up here CB incase ya don't know about this, but most organic nutes are "cloaked" to a TDS meter ;)

This reminds me of a specific facet of the meter I use in contrast to CB's meter - see where it says mine has "temperature compensation" ?

That's a biggie for me cuz I test things sometimes all the way from 66 Deg. F mebbe to 78 Deg. F between two diff rooms all in the same couple hours. Your pH reading will be effected by ambient liquid temps somewhat; so it's a deciding factor about your meter you need to call. Cuz if you are like me with temps changing a lot, for like my above reasons, or if your grow is significantly colder in the winter than the summer, it matters too. Your meter will tend to be accurate all summertime long then as temps drop it will read different, or skewed if you will.

More spendy meters usually have this function, but this one is like the best of both worlds for me cuz it's a Hanna, it compensates for temp variables, and it's dead on accurate plus waterproof (always a bonus.) A duel temp/pH and it's not super spendy.

So yeah happy shopping bro, but CB's post reminded me I should point out that feature to you in case it applies ;)

- REv :smoke1:

[drumin]

Thanks guys, hey I didn't notice that they can test soil. Do both of yours only test liquids or did I miss something there?

[rolanterroy]

Only liquid bro, but you can get an idea of your soil pH by just taking some distilled water, reading the pH of it, then pouring it through the soil/container and reading the pH of the drainoff ;)

- REv :smoke1:

[rolanterroy]

Here in OR, I get my reverse osmosis water from a machine out in front of a supermarket. Now, when it rains here, the watertable changes quite a bit and for weeks after a good rain..

So I always just check each 5gal jug I have before I use it. lastnight, I thought my meter was fucked when it read 9.4 but nope, just shitty R/O water, like a long time since a filter change and the rain water effecting the local water table with lots of additional minerals like Mn (manganese) as a biggie. So I will adjust this to like 6.8ish with Apple Cider vinegar (just) before use.

Every once in awhile my R/O water sux like this so I gotta be on it because using pH 9.4 water, even with the relatively low alkalinity would be quite impactive on my plants.

So even though I don't really concern myself with pH stuff, it's always good to have an accurate meter to trouble shoot with and like I use it to precheck bulk water source stuff. :gthumb:

- REv :smoke1:

[CB]

Just a heads up here CB incase ya don't know about this, but most organic nutes are "cloaked" to a TDS meter ;)



Very true bro but i have found that doesnt matter much really with FF nutes in DWC... I know the numbers might be off but i can still tell how much the plant has ate and how much it wanted :D

I never go by the numbers per say just by what the plant has uptaked ,and I have to adjust a bit on that as i max out the FF nutes.... once i hit the sweet spot i find the meter's work great still as a tool in hydro even with organic based nutes ;)

grow on