ph and tds meters absolutely necessary?

[Dr. VanNostrin]

i understand that a lot of you go all out with your grows and i know that it's worth it, but how bad could it really be if i was lazy about it and didnt use a tds meter or any ph meter or adjuster? is it even something to be considered?

Dr. VanNostrin Reviewed by Dr. VanNostrin on 04-18-2006. ph and tds meters absolutely necessary? i understand that a lot of you go all out with your grows and i know that it's worth it, but how bad could it really be if i was lazy about it and didnt use a tds meter or any ph meter or adjuster? is it even something to be considered? Rating: 5

[britewire]

On hydrophonics you don't have a natural buffer like with soil. So it's impossible to have good control over your grow when you're lacking that material

[elcheapo]

It's a bit more risky but it can be done. My first hydro attempt was an experiment to see how cheaply I could build my own system and how many rules I could break. I assumed that the tap water, medium and setup were ph neutral and that the cheap nutrients would slightly lower it. It wasn't until 4 or 5 weeks into flowering that I became curious and tested the ph with an aquarium test kit. It indicated it was around 6. I actually added a tiny amount of bi carb dust to bring it to around 6.5 as that is what the nutrient I used instructed. I only tested the new water being added but not the small reservoir.
I do consider myself very lucky that the harvest worked out extremely well!
Here is a picture of some of her very early in flowering and prior to any ph testing or adjustments. Lighting - 48watt CFL, 5000K.

[LOC NAR1958]

Dude, if you don't know where you start from How do you know where you end up. It is most critical. You can get by mixing nutes but PH is king. Below 5 and nute lockout .Up into 6 and nute lockout. I don't know . How critical is that ? Some get lucky (elcheapo). No diss. I didn't and I know of at least 6 others that quit because of lack of success but would not listen about PH.

[The White Snoop]

^^Loc's on key.

You can go by the schedule for your nutrients if you wan for ppm if you dont want one. A TDS/PPM meter is needed in a serious hydro grow.

But even if your dicking around w/ hydro you have to have some way of checking ph or you are fucked...as said above.

[Zandor]

"If you go cheap you grow cheap" That means you reap what you sow.

If you do not have the right products and equipment then all your work and money is for not. You will have no better then common dirt weed. The yield will be low if any at all. But then again if you don't know any better you are happy I guess. This plant can produce quality flowers that weight in at 6 oz dry to over 2 pounds of dry buds.

Don't waste your time and money. If you can't afford the minimum equipment for hydroponics then stick to dirt farming.

[Jdzzl03]

TDS meters are extremely helpful when trying to balance your nute solution, especially if you are using multiple products. It really isnt that useful tho after you change the water because like zandor said the plant will take up certain nutes and discard others, throwing off the ppm. Anyway if you are low on cash right now then def invest in a ph pen. They are around 30 bucks and can be found on ebay. Believe me if you want to do it right and not end up with crap then you have to check the ph twice a day until your plants can handle more nutes in which case the ph swings will be much more mild and easier to stabalize. If you cant afford to buy a ppm meter then always use half the reccomended amount for the nutes. Remember it is easier to add nutes than it is to change out the res. because of nute burn. Just my 2C and good luck:thumbsup:

[friendowl]

dr van
ley me tell you from experience
right now as i right this i am growing hydro
with no tds/ph meter.
i change my water[ro] 1 time a week
and top off with tap water.
my plants are growing real nice
i know my ph is off cuz they went a lil hermie on me.
i stressed em out i guess
but the buds are there and look sugary
if i had to i would have gotten a ph meter before i started
im gonna end up with about 3-4 oz when i coulda had more.

[Zandor]

dr van
ley me tell you from experience
right now as i right this i am growing hydro
with no tds/ph meter.
i change my water[ro] 1 time a week
and top off with tap water.
my plants are growing real nice
i know my ph is off cuz they went a lil hermie on me.
i stressed em out i guess
but the buds are there and look sugary
if i had to i would have gotten a ph meter before i started
im gonna end up with about 3-4 oz when i coulda had more.

Just think how good it could have been if you had the proper Ph and EC/TDS?

Yes you will get some smoke but think how much more or how better it could have been.

[turtle420]

The Wisdom Quote:::

if i had to i would have gotten a ph meter before i started