Need a new CHEAP PH meter

[Villain]

Hey guys I am in need of a really cheap but effective PH meter. My old one no longer calibrates therefore is no longer reliable. By cheap I mean like 50.00 or less sp if you can help me then TYVM. I was checking on the Hanna Checker but not sure about reliability.

Also for my small closet grow I use a 5 gallon res. I check the PH 2 x daily but I can see that my PH issues may not be my water at all. Hey fellas can I get some good tips for checking PH too. I am mostly self taught so I am not sure if my methods are the best methods.

 

[rmccinc719]

cycnus just told me last week he picked up a hanna ph tester on ebay last week for like 25 bucks. i want to get one just haven't ben willing to put out the $ for one yet. i still just use the drops. fill up the vial half way and add 3 or 4 drops and i shake it up. i check it a couple of times a day. once in the morning and normally once in the evening when i leave. during nute changes i might ph 5 or 6 times while doing adjustments.

 

[Think Green]

Ph reference solution never fails. Just sayin.

 

[Villain]

What do you mean PH reference solution. Is it something you buy and it adjusts the PH to the desired amount? Thanks for the help and tips so far fellas.

 

[Amstel Light]

ebay

 

[dtfsux]

http://www.atlantishydroponics.com/Merchant5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=AH&Product_Code=HI98106&Category_Code=sol

 

[Saran]

I would consider replacing the probe first especially if you like the meter.

I have a Hana lil red checker and an Oakton pH2 I use them side by side for accuracy comparing the readings . The Hana is a good unit I bought mine on eBay and it wouldn't calibrate so I contacted Hana they sent me a replacement probe free and that was in 2004,, it still works great just needs to be rehydrated between grows as does the much more expensive Oakton .

Avoid cloth junction meters,, if I had to replace my Oakton I would be looking at these two cause I like the ability to read the Temp.

pH-200
http://www.buckeyefieldsupply.com/showproducts.asp?Category=207&Sub=149

OR

Milwaukee Martini PH55
http://www.eseasongear.com/miphwaphte1.html

I have a hard time loving my Lil Red Hana cause it was cheap but it works well and I'm just weird like that .

 

[bakelite]

What do you mean PH reference solution. Is it something you buy and it adjusts the PH to the desired amount? Thanks for the help and tips so far fellas.

Villain, the reference solution is used to calibrate the pH probe.

Guys I'm in the same boat. I've been using drops for years and they are about to run out. IMHO probe/meters in general are easier to deal with and are much more accurate then trying to match colors on a chart (although they can be a PITA sometimes too). I may scope out ebay and grab me a Hanna.

-bakelite

 

[Villain]

So I bought the 30 dollar Hanna Checker from ebay. I was gonna get a different one that cost 50.00 but this time of year I need every dollar. Thanks you all so much for your help guys. I really appreciate it.

 

[slowandeasy]

I would consider replacing the probe first especially if you like the meter.

I have a Hana lil red checker and an Oakton pH2 I use them side by side for accuracy comparing the readings . The Hana is a good unit I bought mine on eBay and it wouldn't calibrate so I contacted Hana they sent me a replacement probe free and that was in 2004,, it still works great just needs to be rehydrated between grows as does the much more expensive Oakton .

Avoid cloth junction meters,, if I had to replace my Oakton I would be looking at these two cause I like the ability to read the Temp.

pH-200
http://www.buckeyefieldsupply.com/showproducts.asp?Category=207&Sub=149

OR

Milwaukee Martini PH55
http://www.eseasongear.com/miphwaphte1.html

I have a hard time loving my Lil Red Hana cause it was cheap but it works well and I'm just weird like that .

Oddly enough I have both of those meters! The pH-200 is way too touchy. First one I got was an old model, and did not work right...so they sent me a new one. It worked good until last week, bam same problem as old one. Do not want to waste money on new probe, so I bought the Milwaukee Martini pH 55.

Have only had it for a few days, but so far so good! It is brand new, so we shall see how long this one lasts!

 

[squarepush3r]

just buy PH papers , they cost like $1

 

[superultramega]

drops. I see no reason for a meter.

 

[Saran]

I have a bottle of drops but with the Floranova nutes @ 8ml/gal the colors are hard to differentiate .

Thanks for the follow up info on the pH 200 meter .

 

[FreezerBoy]

I wouldn't trust any pH pen as far as it could throw me and I'm a skinny guy. Test drops kept my marine tanks happy for years, an environment thousands of times more pH sensitive than a weed garden. Accurate to 0.1, no calibration required, no batteries, no storage solutions, no breakdowns.

 

[konstantgrdnr]

Extech PH60 is a pen that i use, i can say that it is your best way to go for the money you want to spend and not get a cheap meter. This is not a poorly constructed non-water proof with little features meter, it has worked for me terrifically, and the price is just what your looking for.Buy the PH60

Extech PH60

* Waterproof Housing (meets IP67) Protects Meter from Damage Operating in a Wet Environment
* Easy to Calibrate Single CAL Key with Automatic pH Buffer Recognition (4, 7, and 10pH)
* Choice of 3 Point Calibration for Better Accuracy
* Convenient Pen Size Fits Into Your Pocket
* Data Hold Freezes Reading on Display
* Low Battery Indicator
* Auto Power Off Saves Battery Life with Disable Function Option
* Complete with Built In Electrode, Sensor Cap, Inner pH Electrode Protection Cap, and 4 LR44 Button Batteries
* Model PH50:
o pH Range: 2 to 12pH
o Automatic Temperature Compensation Default at 25°C
* Model PH60:
o pH Range: 0 to 14pH
o Temperature Range: 32 to 122°F (0 to 50°C)
o Automatic Temperature Compensation
o Dual LCD Displays Both pH and Temperature Readings

http://www.testequipmentdepot.com/extech/labinstruments/pHORP/ph50_ph60.htm#00037917?ref=gbase
http://www.testequipmentdepot.com/extech/pdf/ph50.pdf

 

[Villain]

Man I wish I had that link before I bought that hanna checker. See I dropped my old meter in my res and that is what happened to it. If only I had a waterproof one.

 

[Lone Wolf]

man i havent tested my ph for years....