Hello,

I hope this does not fall under the same ol' question category, but I gotta ask.

I can only afford one meter either a TDS or an EC. I understand how to use a TDS meter, but do not know anything about EC.

Which is the best of the two to purchase? Which will help me out on a more reliable basis?

Thanks

Peace

both metres u mention are used for measuring nutrient strength,,theyre basically used the same way and for the same reason ,if u are used to a tds then get tds ,,,but either will do the job ,,,hope this helps

Hello,

Thanks for the reply. I was just not sure if one was more reliable than the other.

How do you convert a EC reading to a ppm? The EC pen I was looking at goes from 0 to 10.

Thanks for the help.

Peace

[BuzzBob]

HiYa Student! --

LOL... This is the second time today I've posted this chart! {Instead of sending you elsewhere, I'll just link it in again...}



Bottom line, both meters do the same thing, they just report it to you differently is all...


Hope that helps!

Hello,

Thank you very much BuzzBob.

I am looking at the Milwaukee brand, so I assume that would be the same as the Hanna conversion. What do you think?

Thanks again.

Peace

[BuzzBob]

Added blurbage, since we're on the topic, and its one of my Soapboxes... :wink:

Expressing your nutrients in EC is universal, and requires no additional explination unless desired.

However, by contrast, whenever nutes are expressed in PPM, the Conversion Factor should also be noted, since meters manufactured in different areas of the world compute TDS differently...

As example... Personally, when I state EC I will normally say something like "EC 1.8 {900 PPM @ .5}" And if I state only PPM, I strive to still always include the Conversion Factor for readers' clarity...

Buzz'dBob steps off his Soapbox now...

[BuzzBob]

Yeah, I'd say if its mfg'd in the US, it probably uses .5 conversion. It really does not matter though... Since once you are using one, it could express its values in Colors if it wanted, as long as it was on a scale, and consistant, eh?

Hello,

Good point. Thanks for all of the help.

I am off to make a purchase.

Peace

[Rider]

Great post buzz bob.

BTW I've read that the variation in the conversion factors is due to the fact that these meters only record electrical resistance, and different substances will give different readings making EC just a guess of the TDS. BUT plant nutrients conversion factor from EC to PPM or TDS is KNOWN to be from 0.64 to 0.70 at 20c. Whereas sewage is known to be closer to the 0.50 conversion factor.

I guess that Hanna thinks its product will end up reading shit.

[igrowMy0wn]

Hey BuzzBob!!! Dont put that box away yet! I use Oaktons, do I use the Eutech conversion?