Here I am again with more questions! I have the Vivoson two meter kit, ph and tds testers. I have read that they are totally and inaccurate, but my plants look great in the veggie state so far.
I have read that the BlueLab combo kit is super great and better than the Vivoson kit. Even though I am on a tight budget I am willing to spend the extra bucks on the set.
My question is whether any one has used either of these test meter kits? I have been on this site quite a bit lately asking tons of questions and do appreciate every ones advice and response.
I had great response for my co2 question and decided to try the bags, I think they are green earth, don’t remember now.
Thank You all for the help.
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Most of us settle for the apera ph pen , tds doesn’t need to be crazy accurate , but ph pens needs to be calibrated often for accuracy
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I have the blue labs ph and TDS units, have worried great during my year of ownership, proper maintenance and calibration are required.
I went to their site and was viewing the PC 60 Premium multiparameter tester. I also saw the Optional PH60S-E pH Probe but don’t know how to purchase it as I did not see it offered on the site.
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Thanks for the info, are you suggesting I look into the apera testers instead of the BlueLab? I have been to both sites and just need to get the best bang for the buck.
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I have no idea about any of that i just bought it on amazon , heres a bonus tip find out exactly how much ph down you need per nutrient strength level that way you just need to measure everything once ( assuming your water doesnt change)
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You can go with blue lab or apera, they are very good ph meters. For tds, the cheap ones work fine.
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Either unit is great, I bought blue lab as I was more familiar with the brand and have used them over the years.
Everyone says the apera is just as good, so I don’t think you could go wrong with either option.
I use this. Love it.
I bought and used the individual pens from Vivosun and others and then went to the Apera because they didn’t seem to hold accuracy very long or give stable readings…but the Apera just quit working one day…now going on a year and half I have been using the Vivosun all in one TDS/EC/PH/Temp and it holds it accuracy and shows all the readings I need in one pen…a good choice to consider
I have Blue Labs as well.
In pH I have two: I recently replaced one that was 7 yrs old because I contaminated it accidentally: warranty is 18 months, but take care of them and they can last.
In EC: I have a truncheon and a hand held unit. The truncheon is 20 yrs old and still in range to the handheld that is a year old.
Tip none of the mfr share: Buy the calibration and storage solution made by same mfr. it’ll be another $50 of junk, Especially the storage solution. BL is straight KCl while others have a different dilution in h20 - It matters. between the single junction and double junction meters.
Over the years I’ve had milwaukee, bluelab, hanna, apera, cheaposun, strips, liquid kits - everything has an expected life span so learn to maintain and calibrate it and it can last beyond the warranty.
Apear or blue lab would be a good choice for PH meter. Personally I’m not a fan of multimeters. A good ph meter Will save you some headaches down the road. Good luck 
A year ago I bought the vivson meters I really only wanted the PPM meter but the set was cheaper than just one pen… 
I already had a Milwaukee pH meter but my ppm/ec meter broke.
I decided to test the vivson meter next to my Milwaukee. I’ve used both for 3 grows checking between the two for any differences. I can say with confidence that they are not as inaccurate as everyone screams. Are they cheap sure… Do they fall out of calibration, what pH pen doesn’t?
I have not seen wild swings or anything That’s been reported by others.
I’m a nerd so it’s a little fun experiment 
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Thank you for the confident vote for vivoson. I have the ph and tds set from them and just cannot afford a new blue lab or aerpa pen right now. On army disability and don’t make that much so I am happy to hear your experience with vivoson.
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It wasn’t really a vote… 
Anyway make sure you are checking it for calibration about every 20 waters. That seems to be the sweet spot for that pen. It won’t be crazy off but will start seeing a few point difference to recalibrate right around that time.
Biggest issue I’ve ever seen folks hit is not water resistant much less water proof, one dunk and dead. So the workaround, put a wrist tether on it.