A few simple questions on Cal Mag and ph meter

[Bree1978]

I'm sure all my answers are plastered around here...I keep looking, but blech.

I finally ordered a ph digital cker by Hanna (I saw that Stinky recommended those) and some ph up and down. Also purchased the storage fluid for the meter. I did not get the cleaning solution, however, is this an issue? What do I use in lieu of the cleaner, distilled water? Rubbing alcohol? Peroxide?
I ordered pint size of these up and down. Is the brand going to be that big of an issue? I bought Eco-Chem. Anyone familiar? One pint of each should be enough to last a long while, yes?

Okay on to the Cal mag, which I have not purchased yet. Can I find this product in everyday gardening stores, or just hydroponics? I also need to know how much I really need to buy....pint, quart, gallon. I'm just your average home grower, no big op here...itty bitty.

I know someone, maybe everyone but me (lol), can help! Thanks!

Happy Tokin' and Growin'
:jointsmile: Bree

[bejay]

would probably buy a quart size of cal mag as the directions for 1-2 teaspoons per gallon if that helps determine what size you may need.
you may also want a larger bottle of ph down while you probably have enough ph up to last a lifetime.

[Solosan]

i haven't seen it anywhere but specialty stores and on hydro sites.

[Chabnoc]

here is my penny worth.

Not sure what you are growing in. If it is Hydroponics, and you are useing Reverse Osmosis Water.. Then for sure have the CalMag+.. It is such a need. And I would think the same thing is true for Soil. RO-- Reverse Osmosis water takes everything out of the water, even the good minerals that water usually has. CalMag+ just replaces these minerals.

These companies do not add these minerals to their nuts, because they are not sure if you use tap water, well water, or RO water. CalMag+ is my friend....

I was taught this just a few days ago from my grow, and these kind people of this Forum corrected it for me.

[Weedhound]

Ok I have a Hanna and I'm fairly mean on it......but not mean enough to put rubbing alcohol on it, lol. :D I just rinse mine off and leave it soaking in RO water or whatever...no worries. You will want some thing to calibrate it with though....whether it be their solution or go to the pet store and buy their ph 7 or whatever. I love my Hanna and it very rarely goes off calibration unless I step on it or something.

Chabnoc is right...Cal Mag rules if you use RO water....there are directions on the bottle for soil use if I remember correctly. Of course I could walk accross the room and look at the bottle I suppose........hmmmmm. yay or nay? Ok, yes there are.....you owe me BIG TIME for that one. :D ;)

You'll use less for soil than hydro so a quart should be plenty for you to decide whether to continue using it or not.

[Bree1978]

Thanks everyone! I ordered the quart of the calmag. Weedhound- the ph cker I got says two point calibration. Will that mean I will need two solutions? (Say a 7 and a 4)?

:jointsmile: Bree

[Cornelius]

yeah if its 2 point then you need 7 and 4. I rinse mine in distilled and it works fine

[Bree1978]

Thank you!

:jointsmile: Bree

[dusto2k3]

that ph'er is simply the greatest tool you will have purchased up to this poiunt. The drip testa ARE FRIGGIN ANNOYING...especially when you gotta do it many times just to get it right...

[latewood]

I found milwaukee ph meters, and a tds meter for under 40 bucks...If you are interested...let me know; I will show you where.

[Weedhound]

Latewood I paid quite a few $$$ for my meter.....you're telling us this NOW? :D ;)

[latewood]

all my co-op members know this...

[Bree1978]

that ph'er is simply the greatest tool you will have purchased up to this poiunt. The drip testa ARE FRIGGIN ANNOYING...especially when you gotta do it many times just to get it right...

Well I've been using the dip strips, which sounds easier than what you are describing. However, it has started to make me wonder if I'm color blind, tee hee. A few days ago, "honey does this paper have a pink tinge or an orange, ..or is it yellow...please, I can't tell anymore (looks around counter littered with test strips in annoyance)" I can't wait for it to arrive....bree1978 waits happily next to her mailbox.


I found milwaukee ph meters, and a tds meter for under 40 bucks...If you are interested...let me know; I will show you where.

I really don't need a tds meter if I'm in soil, right? I only got a ph meter, sigh. BUT, I did pay only about 28.00 for it, so still hopeful good investment. I did see that the milwaukee was a smidgen cheaper, but I was unfamiliar with milwaukee products that aren't drills.
:jointsmile: Bree

[Bree1978]

Do you absolutely have to have the 4.01/10.01 buffer solution? It's harder than heck to find...been to a pool shop (they didn't even know what the f I was talking about-even after looking in thier catalog), called three fish/aquarium stores, been to TSC, Wallys...Found the 7.0 in one, but they just opened, all they got. I'm done driving for today....I really wanted to use this dang thing!


Let me know.

:jointsmile: Bree