Reading PPM/EC - Scales and Measurements

Lagged

Well-Known Member
Hey all,

I got this $30 meter from amazon that measures in .5, .7 for TDS and micro-siemens and milli-siemens for EC.

What scale should I use to measure my water, and what are recommended levels for such scale (specifically for mid-flower)



Thanks!
 

Hollatchaboy

Well-Known Member
Hey all,

I got this $30 meter from amazon that measures in .5, .7 for TDS and micro-siemens and milli-siemens for EC.

What scale should I use to measure my water, and what are recommended levels for such scale (specifically for mid-flower)



Thanks!
I use. 7 scale and I believe I heard somewhere that's the scale that's used in America. Not sure of the validity of that tho. Ime, I just picked a scale and got comfortable with it. The conversions are easy so if someone gives you a reading from a different scale, just do the conversion for the scale you pick.
 

Lagged

Well-Known Member
I use. 7 scale and I believe I heard somewhere that's the scale that's used in America. Not sure of the validity of that tho. Ime, I just picked a scale and got comfortable with it. The conversions are easy so if someone gives you a reading from a different scale, just do the conversion for the scale you pick.
You should use EC (Electrical Conductivity) as that is the actual physical characteristic being measured and it's units are mS/m (microsiemens/meter).

The picture I've attached, however, will provide you with all of the conversions.

You can read all about the *science* behind it here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Total_dissolved_solids#Measurement
Thanks for the reply guys, and yes a great read indeed.

What is suggested ppm or EC for our lovely little ladies? I just did a 2.6 EC feeding based off of a couple of things I've read online but want to get your opinions here.
 

Hollatchaboy

Well-Known Member
Thanks for the reply guys, and yes a great read indeed.

What is suggested ppm or EC for our lovely little ladies? I just did a 2.6 EC feeding based off of a couple of things I've read online but want to get your opinions here.
Depends on a few variables. Some will tell you that's too high, some will say it's too low. Personally I would start a lil low, and let your ladies tell you what they want.
 

guitarguy10

Well-Known Member
People will tell you all sorts of things, IMO that is crazy high that is like deadly high, unless that's the value using tap water and after calmag addition etc.

I try to stick to the manufacturers recomendation and then just increase/decrease according to what my plants tell me, but there are some good Calculators out there for this sort of thing like this one from Canna:

Contrary to popular forum belief WATER is more important to your plants then their Fertilizer and a lot of people go way harder then they need to (with nutrient makers grinning ear to ear as they take your money).
 

Lagged

Well-Known Member
People will tell you all sorts of things, IMO that is crazy high that is like deadly high, unless that's the value using tap water and after calmag addition etc.

I try to stick to the manufacturers recomendation and then just increase/decrease according to what my plants tell me, but there are some good Calculators out there for this sort of thing like this one from Canna:

Contrary to popular forum belief WATER is more important to your plants then their Fertilizer and a lot of people go way harder then they need to (with nutrient makers grinning ear to ear as they take your money).
Yeah that was after adding bloom and calmag lol
 

Hollatchaboy

Well-Known Member
People will tell you all sorts of things, IMO that is crazy high that is like deadly high, unless that's the value using tap water and after calmag addition etc.

I try to stick to the manufacturers recomendation and then just increase/decrease according to what my plants tell me, but there are some good Calculators out there for this sort of thing like this one from Canna:

Contrary to popular forum belief WATER is more important to your plants then their Fertilizer and a lot of people go way harder then they need to (with nutrient makers grinning ear to ear as they take your money).
I use Lucas formula. My ec or ppms run pretty high but I've never had a problem. When I try to lower it my ladies get PISSED! Lol
 
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