What TDS Meter Would You Recommend For Checking PPM of 30 Gallon Reservoir?

[MajorGrindage]

I dont need anything fancy like a bluelabs, but if you guys think something like a bluelabs guardian is the best then id consider buying one.

Even just a simple TDS pen would be fine with me, i just want to make sure i get a brand/model that has been proven to give accurate reading.

I have heard Apera makes good pens, but there are so many model numbers im not sure which one to get.

Thanks in advance for any help, it is much appreciated!

 

[Rakkasan]

I've always liked blue lab's truncheon stick. Mine has to be pushing 15 years old and works great.

 

[Boo]

same here, bluelab for the win...good price on a great item...my pH pen is at least 8 years old and no issues...

 

[MajorGrindage]

I've always liked blue lab's truncheon stick. Mine has to be pushing 15 years old and works great.

I went ahead and bought one of the truncheons.

I have 2 questions for you if you dont mind:

1.Do you clean it regularly, and if so, how? I found this bluelab cleaning kit: https://bluelab.com/usa/bluelab-probe-care-kit-conductivity do you think that is the best option for cleaning it?

2. Do you need to calibrate the truncheon when you get it/every once in a while? Or does it come calibrated and stay calibrated?

Thank you so much for the help! I have confidence the truncheon is going to be a great pen.

 

[MajorGrindage]

same here, bluelab for the win...good price on a great item...my pH pen is at least 8 years old and no issues...

I went ahead and bought one of the truncheons.

I have 2 questions for you if you dont mind:

1.Do you clean it regularly, and if so, how? I found this bluelab cleaning kit: https://bluelab.com/usa/bluelab-probe-care-kit-conductivity do you think that is the best option for cleaning it?

2. Do you need to calibrate the truncheon when you get it/every once in a while? Or does it come calibrated and stay calibrated?

Thank you so much for the help! I have confidence the truncheon is going to be a great pen.

 

[Rakkasan]

No need to calibrate Truncheon stick. They recommend cleaning it once a month but I just rinse under cold tap water after each use. It has always been fine.

 

[Sergeant Stedenko]

Get a used Oakton Acorn meter.
I found a used Acorn Con6 meter with probe for $85 online. Paid $40 for my Ion 6 pH meter and another $90 for a single junction probe.
They are bombproof.
I've had my pH/Ion meter for over 17 years old (and was 8 years old when i purchased it) and my conductivity meter I've had for 16 years (same era as the ion/pH meter.)
The conductivity probe has never been replaced. I broke down and replaced my single junction pH probe last year after 17 years of use even though its still kicking and calibrates fine.
I prefer conductivity vs ppm because that's how i've been doing it for 17 years, but to each his own.