Best Ph/TDS combo pen?

[agoutihead]

A friend has the Hanna ph/TDS combo pen and it's a nice pen, i was just wondering if there is a better combo pen on the market?

I like the all-in-one option the Hannah brings to the table.

Is there one that has a build in light for the display? Sometimes the hannah is hard to read since it doesn't have one...

Thanks.

 

[bilbobonger]

IMO, the liquid pH drops are where it's at. I've got a couple pens laying around, but I never use them anymore. Seems they were always needing to be recalibrated. Was never sure if I was getting an accurate reading or not. The drops are easy. Fill the little container up with a shot of your reswater, put in a few drops and match the color. As long as it's in range, you're good to go. Don't think it's really an exact science with these things.

As far as TDS, I've got one of the cheepo Hannas (primo I think it's called), but I guess this is PPM's not TDS. Think they're around $30. Haven't used the thing forever tho. Don't really have to bother with it once you get your mix down. Maybe worth buying one if you're recirculating your nutes I guess for topping off and so forth.

 

[Hammerhead]

Blue lab combo meter or Guardian

 

[SKUNK420]

I used to like Hanna but after buying their latest 9813-6N I've notice their quality is now crap. I want a Blue Lab now. I do have an 8 years Hanna 981289 that still works perfectly.

 

[overbudjet]

Bluelab

 

[agoutihead]

Blue lab combo meter or Guardian

I wasn't aware blue lab had a combo pen, I know theirs has a backlit display too.

I can only seem to find the individual pens for lue lab and guardian, do you have a link or know of a model #?

I want a pen, the drop solution is too inaccurate for me.

Thanks.

 

[Hammerhead]

Here ya go http://www.getbluelab.com/shop/Bluelab+Combo+Meter%99.html

ebay has them for 189$http://compare.ebay.com/like/270849148836?var=lv&ltyp=AllFixedPriceItemTypes&var=sbar

 

[agoutihead]

Ahh I thought you meant an actual pen, that's more of a meter.

I was thinking about getting their big controller that constantly monitors temp/ph/TDS.

Is there any other true pen combo to consider over the Hannah?

 

[Hammerhead]

lol I posted blue lab combo meter. There are no high qaulity pens IMO.. Hanna has the most pens. This unit looks OK. Maybe someone has it.

http://www.amazon.com/Hanna-Instrum...8L58/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1330212514&sr=8-1

 

[SKUNK420]

lol I posted blue lab combo meter. There are no high qaulity pens IMO.. Hanna has the most pens. This unit looks OK. Maybe someone has it.

http://www.amazon.com/Hanna-Instrum...8L58/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1330212514&sr=8-1

I know you said pens but I've wondered about the quality of the high end lab units. Them expensive desk top unit etc... Anybody use them in college labs or on the job? Way over kill for growing but just curious if you get what you pay for.

 

[agoutihead]

lol I posted blue lab combo meter. There are no high qaulity pens IMO.. Hanna has the most pens. This unit looks OK. Maybe someone has it.

http://www.amazon.com/Hanna-Instrum...8L58/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1330212514&sr=8-1

Yeah that's the unit my friend has. Seems like a quality pen, it would just be nice if it had a backlit LCD like the bluelab pens. Too bad bluelab doesnt make a combo pen. I may give them a call this week just to see if they have anything in the pipeline.

Pens are nice just because they're portable and allow you to walk around the grow room.

The Bluelab Guardian is def on the must have list though. But I think I still want a combo pen too.

 

[SensiBC]

I've had hanna, milwaulkie, and oakton pens... they're all junk. Bought a Tri-Meter 4 or 5 years ago and never looked back.

 

[agoutihead]

Have a link to the Tri meter you're referring to? Who makes it?

 

[Vash]

Oakton for me.

 

[Paul_Revere]

Have a Hanna combo ec/ ph and don't really care for it to much, seems like I'm constantly having to calabriate it and I never know if its right. I prefer the drops.

 

[SensiBC]

Have a link to the Tri meter you're referring to? Who makes it?

The Tri-Meter is made by Nutradip and can be found at many hydro shops, both online and brick & mortar. I have had very good luck with mine, which is an older 3 digit ppm model, although I have heard some people complain that they are susceptible to interference caused by some digital ballasts. I don't use digital ballasts and have had no issues. (aside from issues related to a bunk unbranded replacement ph probe and calibration solution my local hydro shop sold to me, which had me chasing my tail for far too long.) The Tri-Meter itself has served me well.

http://www.nutradip.com/nutradip_meters.html

 

[Guest 150314]

bluelab combo meter fasho

 

[dimodz]

Blue lab Guardianis best one in price level
i have try some another products, but the only thing that can recommend.
the pH meter and the ec-bar is also good from bule lab

greets