Need a budget pH and ec pen until I can do better
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The cheapest yet most functional ph meter i got was the apera ph20 and they also have the ec model as well but even at that your looking at $100 between the 2 but these arenāt something you want to cheap out on. I upgraded a while back to my bluelab and it was $112 now on Amazon on sale for $69 the ec bluelab was $94 now on sale for $73. If you buy cheap youāll have to buy again or risk messing up your grow using faulty or cheap meters. Vivosun meters are garbage btw
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Apera 20 - pH (dont cheap here, $50 is nothing in the grand scheme)
Cheapo TDS ($9 is really nothing)
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absolutely agree!!! Been using my apera 20 for almost 2 years now with zero issues.
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I use the a
I use the Apera AI209. Used paper and cheaper meters but this is a nice choice.
APERA INSTRUMENTS AI209 Value Series PH20 Waterproof pH Tester Kit, Ā±0.1 pH Accuracy
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01ENFOHN8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_NXT8WXMV3KQGDYG78V57?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1?tag=greenrel-20
More importantly you should prepare to store your meter in solution and master the calibration method for the unit you go with.
8oz. pH Calibration Buffer Solution Kit (pH 4.00 & 7.00), plus 4oz. 3M KCL Storage Solution for pH/ORP Electrodes
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MSZ4Q7Z/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_7608FE5D5QVY86GSV1XM?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1?tag=greenrel-20
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Agree with the rest the Apera 20 is the cheapest quality PH meter you can get buying one of those yellow Amazon ones is just throwing your money away
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I have had digital ph 80 works great over a year now. I clean it regularly with a soft brush store it wet and calibrate it every few weeks about 60 bucks
Just bought a second apera 20 for a backup. I use a cheap ppm meter. Good luck! 
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All above of great choices I was lucky enough my local shop had this types, canāt find pic of tds meter but I got both for less then 100$ and both have warranty and local shop helps me keep them calibrated so super lucky. Funny thing in live in a state where it is illegal but have a awsome shop in town.
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Are these strips? What if your testing a nutrient solution? How can you see the color properly in murky water?
Also does it within a tenth or hundredth? PH is a fickle gal. Huge diff between 6.3 and 6.9. But if it just reads 6ā¦ how do u decipher the diff? Or from 6.5 n 7?
Not tryna be a downer, just digital meters are frigging awesome man. No guesswork needed. Colorblind friendly. And if u get a good one, calibration is a once a year deal
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30 bux for meter. 20 for solutions. I keep it clean and submerged in holding solution. Has a sponge in cap to soak with base and keeps probe wet. Works great. Just rememberā¦even the best meter will fail fast with improper cleaning and storage.
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Spend the bulk of the money on a good Digital PH meter Apear or blue lab and buy cheap Conductivity meter .
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Here is my morning PH test of my DWC nutrient, and itās too high at 6.2 to 6.3, so Iāll add a few mls of PH down.
I have had this bottle for over a year and done at least 500 tests, and itās still half full.
Looks like 6.5 to meā¦. Haha I kid. Gotcha man. Yea that beats strips. But its a digital worldā¦ come to the dark side my sonā¦
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I get 3 at a time just in case one or 2 gives out for any reason mid grow , hey Iāve seen it all at least once are it has not happen to me yet , but just think you and the help both have a pen and within 4 hours the same day in the garden we breaks both pens and we had no spare at week 8 in veg , yeah its worth the $100 for 3 units and they hold they calibration , I get about 3 or 4 grows before the batteries get weak but none have lost its calibration thus far , good pen for cost !
Had an HM pH meter, not sure which model but in the $30 range. Just started grow 4 and it wouldnāt calibrate so going with cheaper Apera but want replaceable probe. This is the cheapest one I can findā$56ābut why does it specify āsuitable for test tube testingā? Does that matter? Thanks in advance for the advice!
Apera Instruments, LLC-AI221 SX610 Waterproof pH Pen Tester, Ā±0.1 pH Accuracy, 0-14.0 pH Range, Suitable for Test Tube Testing, Replaceable Probe
by Amazon.com
Learn more: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01ESYG6B0/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_XEM73S8ZXHJRC2FZYAV4?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I think thats a āalso suitable for testing tubingā kind of statement. In case you specifically needed it for that function. Not entirely certain tho.
Looks like a great meter tho