how much do I need to spend on EC / TDS meter?

[crow]

It has become apparent from reading all the advice in the forum that I need a TDS / EC meter.  I've done a bit of looking and I can get a cheap one from Hong Kong for about $35 - would this do the trick or too cheap and nasty?

 

I note that the hydro store where I usually purchase stuff from has meters that are $70 to $130 although I'd like not to spend that much if I can avoid it.

 

Things have changed a lot since I used to grow in the 90s - I didn't even know to check ph then let alone EC and TDS!

 

 

[Stix87]

i first bought mine off ebay 35$ then when a hydro shop was closing down i bought a blue lab truncheon meter worth $120 compared them and the ebay 1 was so far out it wasn't funny. i now use the ebay wand as a stiring stick to mix nutes

[merl1n]

Basically, you get what you pay for.

Way back when I started I decided not to bother with EC meter, when the salts built up on my water heater I knew it was time to flush. But all I was getting was fluffy shitty bud.

So I bought a shitty cheap meter ($50) I dropped it and killed it. So I bought another but it needed regular calibration and test fluid (another cost). It then started giving me shitty readings and chewed thru the batteries which weren't cheap. I then bought another, this one tested both pH and EC, it fell into my heart full of water and over time this corroded the circuit board. Neither the pH nor EC worked in the end. If you are going to use an electronic meter don't buy a dual purpose pH and EC. If one function dies the other may not give you a true reading.

So after wasting my time and money I finally bought a Bluelab Truncheon ($120) http://www.bluelabassist.com/shop/Bluelab+Truncheon+Meters/Bluelab+Truncheon+Nutrient+Meter.html.

That was over 10 years ago and other than batteries, Ive had no problems with it at all. I now use a single drop pH test. Why? cos its accurate.

 

My advice, Don't piss around. Do it once and do it right. Go the Truncheon. Its an investment you won't regret.

 

Merl1n

[pegz]

bout $40-50 each

[DoctorWho]

Take some advice from growers with rooms full of cheap gear, buy the stuff you want from the beginning.  It might cost more to get the better products on the market but like merl1n I have a really good truncheon thats about 10 years old and still as accurate as ever.  If you buy the cheap gear you'll get fed up and replace it when finances permit it which will also cost you more in the long run so you might as well buy the good gear now and get setup properly early into your growing life.

[burner]

Go Bluelab, spend the money and grow to your hearts content:-)

[crow]

Thank you all for the sound advice.  I now have one Bluelab truncheon on order.

 

I'm guessing the same thing applies to ph meters?  I just recalibrated mine and found it to be quite out which could explain the persistent pale growth in some seedlings I've got going.

 

...

So after wasting my time and money I finally bought a Bluelab Truncheon ($120) http://www.bluelabassist.com/shop/Bluelab+Truncheon+Meters/Bluelab+Truncheon+Nutrient+Meter.html.

That was over 10 years ago and other than batteries, Ive had no problems with it at all. I now use a single drop pH test. Why? cos its accurate.

 

My advice, Don't piss around. Do it once and do it right. Go the Truncheon. Its an investment you won't regret.

 

Merl1n

 

Merl1n would you please elaborate on the single drop pH test?

[forgetiwashere]

its the old saying "poor man pays twice"

 

meaning go cheap the first time and you will surley be paying up again in no time to replace it.

buy something reliable the first time and it will save you in the long run

[Badseed77]

 

 

 

 

 

 

Merl1n would you please elaborate on the single drop pH test?

 

 I think it is just the 10 buck ph drop kit you get from the hydro store . You get testing solution in a bottle and a small container to add water and mix the test solution in , you then go by colour chart on the bottle to check ph  . 

 I got a bluelab ph and got 13 or 14 months out and it is malfunctioning  . I will just keep using the drop ph test i think , like merlin said its accurate no calibration needed .  

[forgetiwashere]

 I think it is just the 10 buck ph drop kit you get from the hydro store . You get testing solution in a bottle and a small container to add water and mix the test solution in , you then go by colour chart on the bottle to check ph  . 

 I got a bluelab ph and got 13 or 14 months out and it is malfunctioning  . I will just keep using the drop ph test i think , like merlin said its accurate no calibration needed .  

yep i have just replaced my 3rd one of those Bluelab PH pens. getting this one sent back and hopefully a new one in its place but i bought HM digital this time. i have always paid for the Bluelab because in the past they have always been good quality but the last couple i have had have given me nothing but headaches not staying calibrated and after a few calibrations they seem to get out of the calibration and and start saying error when you try to calibrate them. My hydro store dude seems to think its the airtight lid. as you push it on it forces air up into the pen and perhaps into the node which should never be let to dry out or get air into it