pH/ppm meters

[Hotdog]

I've used the search function and done research on meters, but I'm still sort of stuck.

Is it better to get cheap meters that don't cost an arm and a leg to replace, or more expensive meters (like Bluelab) that have expensive replacement probes? Which meters are more reliable? Will the difference in accuracy between a cheap meter and an expensive one really make that much of a difference?

 

[pete2]

Welcome to the 420 club Hotdog. You have come to the right place for well educated answers. I'm kinda a newbie here as well. I know your post doesn't have anything to do with this, but when it comes to problems with the plants, Pics will help a lot. Just a heads up.
As far as your question, I really can't give you a definite answer. Right now I'm using a 25.00 TDS meter and a 10.00 ph tester. Seems to me they work just fine. Well Good Luck and keep posting, I'm interested to see what you produce.
This is my baby

 

[DukeO]

I love my Bluelab combo meter. I have owned many cheap ones along with a good Hana HI9813-6.

It cost $100 to replace a Hana probe and $50 for a Bluelab which last longer and a Bluelab PPM probe is factory set unlike the Hana.

I just wish the Bluelab was built like the Hana. But it is fast, accurate and turns itself off.

I have found all the cheap ones to be junk that did not last.

Having a good trusted meter makes growing DWC much easier.

 

[Hotdog]

I love my Bluelab combo meter. I have owned many cheap ones along with a good Hana HI9813-6.

It cost $100 to replace a Hana probe and $50 for a Bluelab which last longer and a Bluelab PPM probe is factory set unlike the Hana.

I just wish the Bluelab was built like the Hana. But it is fast, accurate and turns itself off.

I have found all the cheap ones to be junk that did not last.

Having a good trusted meter makes growing DWC much easier.

Which Bluelab meter do you have and how long have the probes that came with it lasted you?

 

[DukeO]

Which Bluelab meter do you have and how long have the probes that came with it lasted you?

Bluelab Combo Meter (pH, Conductivity, and Temperature) I have had it for six months and it works like new still.

 

[Hotdog]

Bluelab Combo Meter (pH, Conductivity, and Temperature) I have had it for six months and it works like new still.

Awesome, thanks!

 

[billy13778]

I have been using a cheap $20 ph meter (Dr.Meter® 0.01pH PH001 High Accuracy Pocket Size pH Meter with ATC (Automatic Temperature Compensation) and it is so much easier than using the drops. I do not know how long this one will last but I cannot go back to the old way.

 

[kazz]

I used a yellow cheap pH meter for a couple of grows, then replaced it with a Bluelab meter. My main reason was TIME. It seemed to take forever for the yellow meter to settle in on a reading, but it did seem fairly accurate. The Bluelab is much quicker, has a two point calibration, and has a reminder on the screen when it needs to be recalibrated.

Good luck with your decision.

 

[tucker99]

I have a cheapo from Amazon and calibrate it weekly with the high and low solutions. Works great!

 

[Hotdog]

Bluelab Combo Meter (pH, Conductivity, and Temperature) I have had it for six months and it works like new still.

I decided to bite the bullet and get the guardian.
With your meter, do you need to rinse it or clean it if you're going to test 2 things? Like testing your reservoir and your then nutes/water you'll add right after.