Looking for advice on ph meter

atrumblood

Well-Known Member
hey guys, I have been using the dwc method to grow, and so far my results are "ok", but I am now starting to notice the effects of a possible ph problem. So it is time that I invested in a ph meter, and I am finding my self a little confused as to what to look for in a good ph meter.

I obviously need one for measuring the ph of liquids, and I need it to measure ppm as well.

Could any one recomend a decent ph/ppm meter?
 

thesublime1

Active Member
i would suggest the cwp 24/7 meter. You throw the probes in you nutrient mix and It will show you ph, ppm, and temp. The 24/7 meters are quicker and easier to calibrate. I paid $190 for my 24/7 meter but it was worth every penny.
 

atrumblood

Well-Known Member
awsome thanks, I did a quick search on google, but I can't find any lower than 210. Could you tell me where you got yours from?
 

Al B. Fuct

once had a dog named
pH meter probe electrodes have a roughly 2 year lifespan. If the meter does not have a user-replaceable electrode, you buy a new meter or send your old one off for repair. If you have bought an integrated pH/ppm meter, you're without all measurements until the unit is repaired or replaced.

I use Eutech's Waterproof pHScan1 pH meters. Cheap, (AU$112), user replaceable tip ($72 every two years), reliable as the sunrise. I have one that's about 7 years old and another which is 5.
 

atrumblood

Well-Known Member
Nice, yeah that would make sense to get one with replaceable heads. Well I think that now I understand what to look for.

Always try and get a combo reader ph/ppm or more, and make sure that parts can be replaced without having to send the unit into the shop.

Am I missing anything?
 

atrumblood

Well-Known Member
:mrgreen:haha oh right. sorry, was stoned as fuck last night, and not all of the brain cells are firing this morning.
 

NoDrama

Well-Known Member
I LOVE my Hanna instruments HI9813-6, expensive ($300) but works like a charm, does mS/cm, ppm, pH and also temps the water. Replaceable wand, easy to calibrate.
 

atrumblood

Well-Known Member
hmmm, and I am starting to think that no matter what, I will be shelling out at least a bill for a decent one. :-?
 

Al B. Fuct

once had a dog named
:mrgreen:haha oh right. sorry, was stoned as fuck last night, and not all of the brain cells are firing this morning.
Totally cool. This is one of the few places in the world where 'oh, I musta been high' is not only a valid excuse but one worthy of praise. :lol:

With cheap meters, you get what you pay for. Expect to spend at least $100-125 for a good meter, one which will at least outlive its warranty.
 
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atrumblood

Well-Known Member
Totally cool. This is one of the few places in the world where 'oh, I musta been high' is not only a valid excuse but one worthy of praise. :lol:

With cheap meters, you get what you pay for. Expect to spend at least $100-125 for a good meter, one which will at least outlive its warranty.

ROFL!!! man I love this forum, but seriously thank you for the information.
 

happyface

Well-Known Member
yea i use cheap paper ones. i bought a 30 dollar one off ebay but i cant understand how to calibrate so i just use the paper ones. can ou buy one that doesen't need to be calibrated?
 

atrumblood

Well-Known Member
I have to agree with that, I have used ph test strips in pools before, and I find it's more of a guessing game than an reliable measurement.
 

Al B. Fuct

once had a dog named
heh, no problem. :)

can ou buy one that doesen't need to be calibrated?
I've not seen any electronic pH meters that don't require calibration. It's normally no harder than putting the meter in calibration mode and dipping it in a known-value reference solution. You then fix the calibration at those numbers, usually with the press of a button.

You will find pH 4.0 & 7.0 ref solns at any hydro shop. Without them, you can not verify that your meter is doing what you think it is.

I use Eutech's pHScan1 pH meters. About $115, user replaceable probe tip. All pH meters' probes last about 2 years and they must be stored damp, bit of wet sponge in the meter cap will do. User-replaceable tips prevent you having to send the meter off to the mfr for replacement.

I can only advise against buying one particular pH meter. While I love Bluelab's Truncheon meter for nute strength, their pH Truncheon is rubbish. I had three of them fail in rapid succession (would not cal in ref soln) before I gave up on them.
 
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