ppm

I can't seem to find the thread about the who, what, when, where, and why about ppm meters. I know it measures salt level, but is that used to determine the amount of newts you can use? I'm doing dwc hydro for the first time from tlo soil, so this is a new adventure for me. all info and help is appreciated.

The meter measures the conductivity of the water. Not just "salts" but any conductive molecules. You do a baseline measurement of your water and then you measure your nute mixture. You can do a search on RIU for data on which ones are better. I do not use any meter (PPM or PH) and I run ebb&flow; I keep it old-school so I cannot make any recommendations.

Old-School said:

The meter measures the conductivity of the water. Not just "salts" but any conductive molecules. You do a baseline measurement of your water and then you measure your nute mixture. You can do a search on RIU for data on which ones are better. I do not use any meter (PPM or PH) and I run ebb&flow; I keep it old-school so I cannot make any recommendations.

Click to expand...

you must have started using ppm meters at first to become .....
"old-school"

bradburry said:

you must have started using ppm meters at first to become .....
"old-school"

Click to expand...

Never, not once.

Old-School said:

Never, not once.

Click to expand...

then you are truly oldskool

I've never used a PPM meter either. I just do PH.
But then again I use Miracle Grow in hydro also.
Looking on the internet, (using DuckDuck Go and not google), I have pretty much decided to go with

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BlueLab-Truncheon-Original-EC-PPM-Meter-EC-CF-Hydroponic-tester-Blue-Lab-/120817539838?pt=US_Hydroponics&hash=item1c21495afe

If, I do feel the need. For just one plant.

Reported easy to use, no calibration solution to buy also, regular batteries and easy clean up. IMLO

Then here is some more info on PPM and such.

http://www.gyostuff.com/What_PPM_Scale_To_Use.html

Would love to hear others opinions also on what they use or have used.

Check out this on amazon. $10 and seems to do the job. I did get the calibration liquid but all said and done was under $18

Mudder Big Size LCD Display Dual Digital TDS Meter

When growing hydro, a ppm meter can be helpful to monitor the RISE in ppm's as the plants grow.
Simply following the nutrient makers instructions work,,,,,,,to a point.

An easy way to run hydro is to use the 33% rule. You don't need a ppm meter for that!

Make a batch of nutrient solution to fill your res. at 100% of the makers suggested ratio.
As the res. needs to be "topped off". Add back a nutrient solution mixed at 33% ( mix up a gallon at 100% and add 2 gallons of straight ph'ed water = 33% nutrient solution) to top the res. off.
Do this UNTIL the amount of solution you will have added back equals the TOTAL amount the res. would hold.
Now dump the res. and refill with 100% nutrient solution and repeat the 33% top off.