PH tester? Strips or gadget?

Hello all. I'm currently using "drinking water" that I purchase in plastic jugs from my local mart for watering.

I'm becoming more aware of the part that ph place in the life of my girls and I would like to start taking control of this subject.

I will continue to read more on the subject but I post to ask you guys which PHmeter you would recommend for the price. I saw that I could purchase "PH strips" but they were good for certain PH levels only but I question their accuracy.

Can someone please advice me on a PH meter for my water and do I need one for the soil or will a "runoff/wash" (I forget the term) method that tests runoff PH give me the answers I am looking for from a "soil ph test?"

Many folks recommend distilled over "drinking" water just 'cos you don't know what's been removed, or remains, in the drinking stuff. Calcium and Magnesium are the two big concerns I can think of.

pH strips are very accurate. You just gotta be able to match the colors! I've got some that are sensitive to trace amounts of chlorine, but they only indicate pH down to 6.2. You'd probably want some that'll read down to 4.5 -5.0 or so.

Skip the soil meter. If you find one that actually works (doubtful) it will cost $$$. Just check the pH of your runoff with strips or meter/pen.

Milwaukee 600's are available on ebay for about $20. I got an aquarium meter that's rediculously accurate for about $20, too.

pH controls lotsa mechanisms within your plant. A very obvious one is nutrient uptake--certain nutrients are absorbed best at certain pH's. If your pH is too far outta whack, you can have "lockout," which means you've got nutrients there that the plant can't use. It looks like it's starving, but adding nutes makes everything worse...

"pH balancing" distilled water's a bit tricky, though. :D:D:D (Gotta add all your stuff first.)

Guy thank you so much for the taking the time to fill me in on the info to that extent. Searching now....:thumbsup: