ph meters and ec/tds meters

[Guitarphene]

just getting into the hydro side and need some help with a brand and
model. would like to get one that the electrodes can be changed and dosent cost alot of money. I do have a question about the ec/tds meters are they the same thing? Ive seen just ec and tds also a place to buy would be great. thanx guys

 

[noreason]

I use milwaukee SM series both for pH and EC and they work pretty well.

For the ec meter,I'm using the same electrode for almost 3 years,re-calibrating it every 10-15 days when using and it works great.

With both meters I have the possibility to change the electrode with a new one.

About the ec-tds...

ec (electro-conductivity)should be the total value given by IONS in the water.This mean the tester measures the electric flow trough the water giving a value of the total IONS(particles with an electric charge).It's measure unit is µS\cm.

TDS is the total dissolved solid value and it take into account also particles without an electric charge.Its measure unit is ppm or mg\l.

About the tds meter...I know two kind of conversion are used for tds meter,depending on the brand.

Hope it helped

 

[hippydan]

1.0EC = 500ppm @ .5 coversion = 700ppm @ .7 conversion, depending on the model of your TDS pen/monitor. EC is the base that I'd recommend getting used to, regardless of whether or not you've got an EC meter or TDS meter. You can find them on the internet, but be warned, you get what you pay for. Also if you don't have one already, you'll want a pH meter, it's more important than EC/TDS.

Milwaukee, Oakton, and Hanna are all "entry level" products in my opinion, reasonably priced and work decent.

 

[HenriettaHippo]

I am using a Milwaukee SM802 that does PH, PPM & EC. I have had it for a couple of years now, other than needing a new probe it has been wonderful and easy to use.

I can not stress how important it is to have calibration solutions and storage solution for the sensor, at least IMHO. I keep the plastic sensor cap and add a few drops of Storage solution to it and then put the sensor back in it to store it. When I use it I hit it with a couple squirts of a spray bottle and give it a little shake to prevent to much storage solution from getting into the water I use.

It has also been a great tool for looking at the base reading for plain water. My well water runs between 40-60 PPM at a 7.3 ph with very little deviation.

 

[Sgt.Stedenko]

EC meter electrodes are pretty bulletproof.
pH meter electrodes are a little more finicky and need proper care.
Never store your pH electrode in water. Always keep the bulb stored in either pH 7 buffer solution or ESS (4M KCl).
There are a number of different types of pH electrodes. I'd recommend a double junction electrode for longevity, but they do cost more.
Automatic temperature compensation (ATC) is necessary for EC and DO measurements, but temp has very little effect on pH in the ranges we work in (ph 5.5-7).
I'd suggest an EC meter that measures in siemens rather than some random ppm nonsense.
Hanna, Milwaukee, Oakton all make decent stuff, but some of the stuff they make is craptastick. Bluelab EC meters are pretty good, but I've heard their pH meters are junk by a number of growers here.
Quality is your best value.
Search feebay for some used lab quality stuff. I've picked up several Oakton $500 meters for under $80 each.
This meter was $44 minus the $85 electrode.

I paid $72 for my EC meter, shipped.

This for $80 shipped, minus the electrolyte and membrane

 

[HenriettaHippo]

...Never store your pH electrode in water....

This in a big way...

An electrode can not /will not tell you when it is not feeling well or on its last legs. It is something you will just "catch on to" eventually. Did U know some of these electrodes have the funniest feeling fluid in them?

 

[FreezerBoy]

There's no such thing as a TDS or PPM meter. All nutrient meters measure EC and EC alone. The difference between them is an EC meter will display EC. A "PPM" or "TDS" meter (note the quotes) measures EC and then hides the answer by converting the value using any of nearly a dozen different conversion numbers. Hanna alone uses four different conversions.

If you've yet to make a purchase, stick to EC. If you can swing the price, the Bluelab EC Truncheon is the undisputed heavyweight champion. 5 year warranty, completely waterproof (it floats too) no calibration required, nearly maintenance free.

 

[Crusader Rabbit]

Recently returned two Bluelab Truncheons to the retailer because they wouldn't work. WTF?

 

[Guitarphene]

thanx guys that helped alot. I will stay away from the tds and get a ec meter now I just have to find 1 I can afford but I know you have spend a little to get a good 1 or your throwing money away and looking to fail if you dont thanks again

 

[noreason]

I found great prices for milwaukee meters on growshoponline.nu
If you are in Europe take a look at it

 

[thefatman]

Thermo Orion, Hach, or YSI followed by Oakton are the best quality EC meters in general. Far more expensive than Milwaukee though. Want to go top end you would need to buy an EC controller/analyzer and pump with two matching heads (Masterflex) and that allows automation of nutrient EC when coupled with auto water top off. There are some good used Cole Parmer EC controllers on eBay right now for $50. Top end controllers are from Hach GLI.

 

[Tr33]

Hanna 3 way waterproof pen is the best for the money @ $170.00
anything less than 100.00US is worthless IME
especially these pos Milwaukee and Oakton
Bluelab is ok, the price taxed really not worth the cost when
you can buy the Hanna 3 way
spend the money and you'll get a tool that will be accurate and last longer then a few months.
why be cheap?
you are growing valuable herbs, with the added protection of accuracy in a pH meter
well you won't have to worry about a pH wack and losing 3/4th of your harvest.