ph pen?

[clue7]

I am starting to gather my supplies and was hoping for someone could suggest a good ph pen and a good hygrometer. I would like to spend 60 or less on each of them. Thank you in advance for your help.

 

[Guest]

I'd stay clear of any battery operated PH pens. Every one I've ever used was trash and needed constant calibration and STILL was off.

 

[Guest]

If you are growing in soil General hydroponices Ph Test Kit is what you want,my milwaukee pens gather dust

 

[Local420]

I'd stay clear of any battery operated PH pens. Every one I've ever used was trash and needed constant calibration and Still was off.

That would probably explain why my oaktron pen keeps drifting down the longer i kept it in the water i was trying to balance....

Any decent, accurate pH pen is worth more than $60...if you're going the hydro route that is, I don't know much about the soil pH testers.

 

[clue7]

Wow what a great response! Thanks guys. I plan to grow in soil. After giving the General hydroponices Ph Test Kit a look that looks like a good option. I might pick up a non battery one too. I found one for 10 bucks, the combo should do it.

 

[Guest]

That would probably explain why my oaktron pen keeps drifting down the longer i kept it in the water i was trying to balance....

Any decent, accurate pH pen is worth more than $60...if you're going the hydro route that is, I don't know much about the soil pH testers.

change the batteries

 

[Stay Puft]

I have zero first hand knowledge, but from what I have read around here:

It might be worth considering having the capability to measure EC and TDS as well.
A good example of a combo EC/PH/TDS pen may be the Hanna Instruments Model HI98129. (From what I gather this is not "top-o-the-line" .. but not a P.O.S. either)

One cost effective place to buy the HI98129 is:
www.sunstoneherbals.com/testers_ph_tds_etc.htm
(info found in cheap equip. thread)

If you are growing in soil and you ensure you amend your soil with Dolomite lime,you really will not need to worry about PH too much. But it would be good to know what the PH/EC level of your water/ferts.
Like I said ..I have zero first hand experience. (still learning myself)
Salutes,
Stay Puft


Ref Link:
http://www.icmag.com/ic/showthread.php?t=51552

 

[jarff]

Oakton for $60 with one yr warranty..throw it away after a year.I have three Hanna,s 98128 which never did work for very long..but I swear by the Oakton I have now.btw when the batteries went dead in the Oakton I took the batteries outta the Hannas and they worked perfect...It,s what works for me...also the Oakton takes about 10 seconds to calibrate.
good luck
jarff