pH/TDS meter

[docky]

Been growing in dirt for a while, using chem indicators for pH and TDS. Worked well.

Grew last batch in a drip/bubbler hybrid frighteningly similar to one of the systems I saw on the board recently.

Anyway, using the chem indicators is a bear but the hydro results were superior even on my first try. What brand are you guys/gals using? Combined meter, or separate?

Any models that you can simply leave in the resevoir, or are they too delicate?

Thanks

docky Reviewed by docky on 08-21-2005. pH/TDS meter Been growing in dirt for a while, using chem indicators for pH and TDS. Worked well. Grew last batch in a drip/bubbler hybrid frighteningly similar to one of the systems I saw on the board recently. Anyway, using the chem indicators is a bear but the hydro results were superior even on my first try. What brand are you guys/gals using? Combined meter, or separate? Any models that you can simply leave in the resevoir, or are they too delicate? Thanks Rating: 5

[LOC NAR1958]

the ones you leave in are expensive if you have the bucks. I use a sunleaves tds pen very easy to use and just got a milwakie ph pen. sorry about my spelling. It makes a great difference when you can just stick the pens in the water and get an accurate reading in seconds. Depends on how big a grow and res you are doing. hope this helps. at least it's a start.

[latewood]

I use milwaukee digital ph pen...ebay 40 bucks...digital tds pen from Reverse-Osmosis site for 25 bucks, but, watch out, and make sure that you get a pen that can read over 1000ppm! I got a great deal, but when I juiced them mid/late bloom.it just shut off...you see they sell a 0-1000 tds pen, because they just want you to see that your water quality is better, say 003ro water-200 or so tapwater...So, make sure you get a pen that can read up to 1500-2000ppm's at least...hope this helps

[LOC NAR1958]

the sunleaves pen is a bit more in price but will read over 2000ppm's. It shows a X when you get over a 1000ppm's. Like 120 times 10= 1200. milwaukee ph pen is great to keep ph spot on , just remember to get calibration and or the storeage solution especially. To store the pen electrod in for longer life of pen. Some times you have to calibrate them both or check at least to make sure your right on.

[docky]

thx guys. I looked online, and you're absolutely right. The leave in electrodes are way pricey. Thanks for the tip on the upper limit of TDS. Will get the sunleaves.

Thanks again