Fed up with PH meters

[Estrange]

I've bought 3 PH meters now, granted I got the less expensive digital ones, (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LNSEZH2/ref=s9_cartx_gw_d8_g328_i6?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=desktop-1&pf_rd_r=0VAMSDPD6DTRPDM2K70V&pf_rd_t=36701&pf_rd_p=2118394622&pf_rd_i=desktop) and another by Elekticity.

They've all pretty quickly quit working properly, even with regular calibration.
It seems like a total bitch to keep having to replace them
So I then decided I'd buy a good one (thinking on this unit)
(http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003PD2N8Q?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=ox_sc_act_title_2&smid=A2UF33ZOMUKZ9G)
but it seems like the electrode is still prone to failure.

I'm sick of having to constantly calibrate and fuck around with my PH meter, I just want one that works, that will work for atleast 6 months without having to replace pieces....

What do you guys do? Why do PH meters suck so bad?

 

[vostok]

TDS is a nice alternative but tricky, if you grow in soils you need not use one at all, they are seriously gay in the east ...so relax

 

[Estrange]

TDS is a nice alternative but tricky, if you grow in soils you need not use one at all, they are seriously gay in the east ...so relax

I've got a TDS meter I use also, I do grow in soil, so ppm isn't quite as important, however the PH is pretty vital to nutrient absorption.

 

[GemuGrows]

I've got a TDS meter I use also, I do grow in soil, so ppm isn't quite as important, however the PH is pretty vital to nutrient absorption.

Depending on whether you grow organic or synthetic

 

[Cobnobuler]

they are seriously gay in the east ...so relax

.....Fuck them PH meters.

 

[Michael Huntherz]

Cobnobuler, I love the signature quote. FZ is the best. I like folks hating on the ph meter. However I am also confused. When does ph not matter much? Forgive my newbliness. Are y'all trolling?

 

[oswizzle]

BlueLab made in New Zealand ...Combo Meter is on point

 

[ebcrew]

i'll check the brand of mine in a little while. It was around 80$ if i remember correct. Ive had it for a year now and use it every feeding. Still works great.

 

[Estrange]

i'll check the brand of mine in a little while. It was around 80$ if i remember correct. Ive had it for a year now and use it every feeding. Still works great.

Looking forward to hearing back from you!

 

[Estrange]

BlueLab made in New Zealand ...Combo Meter is on point

That's what I linked originally in my post as the one I'm considering. 160 is a bit pricey, however I've read the electrode on these is also prone to failure. Do you have experience with these?

 

[LetsGetCritical]

Cobnobuler, I love the signature quote. FZ is the best. I like folks hating on the ph meter. However I am also confused. When does ph not matter much? Forgive my newbliness. Are y'all trolling?

soil is a buffer so ph is less important than hydro

 

[Estrange]

soil is a buffer so ph is less important than hydro

While fox farms ocean forest (my preferred soil) is buffered, it is still important to PH the water, as ultimately the soil will adapt the ph of the water running through it.

 

[LetsGetCritical]

While fox farms ocean forest (my preferred soil) is buffered, it is still important to PH the water, as ultimately the soil will adapt the ph of the water running through it.

I said less important not unnecessary.

 

[Estrange]

I said less important not unnecessary.

Still 100% vital to a successful grow.

 

[LetsGetCritical]

Still 100% vital to a successful grow.

lol

 

[ebcrew]

Looking forward to hearing back from you!

ok im home i'll go look at the brand and take a picture for you.



If you cant see it i can take a closer picture. Amazon has it for $55 im sure i paid more then that, but i bought mine from a small garden store so i probably got ripped off.

http://www.amazon.com/Oakton-Waterproof-pH1-EcoTster-Solution/dp/B00FZSUN68

 

[Estrange]

ok im home i'll go look at the brand and take a picture for you.

View attachment 3454500

If you cant see it i can take a closer picture. Amazon has it for $55 im sure i paid more then that, but i bought mine from a small garden store so i probably got ripped off.

http://www.amazon.com/Oakton-Waterproof-pH1-EcoTster-Solution/dp/B00FZSUN68

Gotchya, do you use anything for electrode storage? Do you need to calibrate often?

 

[ebcrew]

I really dont need to calibrate much at all. I just leave the cap on when not in use, wash it after contact with nutes, and store it on a shelf. Im not sure how sensitive it is to drops, ive never dropped it.

 

[Cobnobuler]

Still 100% vital to a successful grow.

That isn't true. I threw out the Hanna meter I had a long time ago and more than a few would disagree that my grows aren't successful.
When your growing in soil, and you know your water is good to start with, and you tend to use little in the way of nutrients then no, you can't say that a successful grow cannot be obtained without one.
I don't however argue the point much. For me, pissing around with PH meters wasnt an enjoyable practice and I have to keep it fun. Pissing around with meters that say something different every time you put it in something was no fun for me. I'm sure theres "better" meters out there. I dont need one though.

 

[LordRalh3]

Just get a bottle of ph indicator solution... No calibration necessary and will last for much longer than your wanted 6 months