Good to go with this meter?

[Twentyinches]

Hey guys,
What do you think of this unit? I mean I'm a little confused as to what the diff between ppm, EC, and TDS is... it's all greek but this has it all so I figured I would be ok with it. Also if anyone would like to explain the diff with all that, that would be sweet! :D
HANNA HI991404 pH/EC/TDS/T Monitor, GroChek HI 991404 - (eBay item 280163600407 end time Oct-25-07 22:34:12 PDT) (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=280163600407&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=018)

[herbie the love bud]

PPM is the measuring unit of Total Disolved Solids, TDS. That is how we measure in the US. Europeans measure using EC, Electro-Conductivity(?). You only need TDS, EC is not important, and I've heard from the manufacturers that you should avoid a PH/TDS combo unit and buy separate units for quality.

[the image reaper]

I bought this TDS tester the other day for $26 ... seems to work quite well, 3-yr. guarantee ... HM TDS-4 Pocket Size TDS Meter, TDS4 Only $26.25 (http://www.filtersfast.com/HM-TDS-4-Meter-For-Filtered-Water.asp?gclid=CKmZgfqMko8CFRkRhwod6gYOGA&ef_id=1448:3:d917909b975fc9c0d5911c7a9d9e17ec_7873 60340:z0YpzdB6B3YAAD4yN@0AAAAD:20071015235557)
:smokin:

[PharmaCan]

Twentyinches: Hanna makes some pretty crummy meters. My first meters were Hanna and they only lasted for 6-8 months then quit working entirely.

PC :smokin:

[Twentyinches]

thanks for the input everyone, so if they are crummy, what is a good one that would test both ph and tds? I mean I dont think I really need the temp because I could just dip a thermometer in there or get a floating one or something if I really needed that.
I just cant spent 200+ on one. i guess some ppl say hanna's are bad, but them some say they kick ass.... maybe this hydro idea isnt the best lol....
oh, and Pharmacan; were they they cheapy hanna's? or something like this one...?

[herbie the love bud]

If you want a combined one for under $200, I heard the Milwaukee SM802 is the best.

That being said, I talked to the company that makes the meters Image Reaper told you about. They said that a combined probe is not a good idea, further built-in temperature is important because the meter should compensate for the actual temperature to give you a reading that is compatible with the nutrient guide (which is based upon ppm @ 25C).

Good luck.