EC Pens - should I spend a lot?

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peach

Well-Known Member
I already have a pH meter that cost about $250, it was used for something else. So I have a no problems with that. I haven't been using an EC pen since following the packs dilution guide has worked out perfectly. I'm now thinking about bumping up the solution strength, but I don't want to have to keep trying to work out how much I've put into the solution since the volumes change around quite a lot. I've found that the accuracy of my pH meter far exceeds what's necessary for plants. It reads to .001, but even .1 is fine. Some of the EC pens cost 2-3 times more than the cheap ones (bluelab & horticare are quite a lot more). I'm really bothered about getting ripped for something I don't need, since I used to work for a company that sold similar products to the hydroshops (we did mushroom kits and spores) and my boss used to be great at getting people to buy shit they didn't need. Is it worth getting the pricey ECs or will the cheaper ones work just as well for the most part?
 
Mcgician

Mcgician

Well-Known Member
Other than getting enough light to the plants, pH has always been the most important in my experience. I also recommend you have more than one method of testing pH as well just in case something happens to your meter. Make sure to look after the electrode, and when you do test pH, also test with a strip or some other method just to be sure. EC/Tds pens are next on that list. I don't think you need something ridiculously priced though.
 
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peach

Well-Known Member
I'm quite green fingered I think. I check my plants daily and always have a look over the leaves for even the slightest signs of something being wrong. I figure this is the best way to judge what they can take with each strain being different. The main issue is, once I find what they're happy taking, keeping it at that point. There seems to be about three prices levels. The no name brands $30 - 40, then $80 and then the BlueLab at something like $100 - 120. A better question might be, how much was yours and do you think it's too good (expensive) or not good enough?
 
Mcgician

Mcgician

Well-Known Member
peach said:
I'm quite green fingered I think. I check my plants daily and always have a look over the leaves for even the slightest signs of something being wrong.
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With all due respect, I think most people on here growing would say the same thing about themselves too. Everybody cares and wants their plants to thrive don't ya think? When things are going well, there's not much to be concerned about, but when things start to go south, it's best to have the tools you need in order to diagnose what problems you might be encountering. just my two cents.
 
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peach

Well-Known Member
Mcgician said:
With all due respect, I think most people on here growing would say the same thing about themselves too. Everybody cares and wants their plants to thrive don't ya think?
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You're right, and I didn't mean to suggest you guys don't, just that I wasn't planning to set and forget it - no offense meant. I'd still like to hear how much you've spent and what you think of it. I'm open to spending more, but I've already spent about $1k or more and, if the cheaper ones are fine, I might have some money left over for something else (like an RO unit).
 
Big P

Big P

Well-Known Member
guys the light has shone upon you, behold the best prices in town:

Home > CATEGORIES > - eWaterGear > - Hanna > - HANNA Instruments Pocket Testers > HANNA Primo TDS / ppm Tester, Meter
If you find a lower price anywhere (including shipping) please let us know and we will beat it!
HANNA Primo TDS / ppm Tester, Meter

HANNA Primo TDS / ppm Tester, Meter
Item# Han-PRIMO
Regular price: $24.99
Sale price: $18.99







HANNA Instruments Primo Pocket TDS Tester, Meter

One free 20ml 1382 ppm TDS calibration solution and two extra free batteries included.

* High accuracy * Exceptional linearity over the entire range * Automatic calibration with the press of a button

The Primo provides a fast and dependable way to measure the Total Dissolved Solids level in your water samples. It is ideally suited for the rigorous demands of water quality professionals, who will appreciate the practicality of the Primos easy-to-read Liquid Crystal Display when demonstrating the before and after results of conditioning and filtration systems. Temperature is compensated automatically to ensure the readings are consistent to the standard or reference temperature. Operating and routine maintenance has never been easier. The Primo TDS uses a single button at the top of the meter. Press it once and the meter is powered and ready for use. Press and hold the button for a few seconds and the Primo automatically enters calibration mode. Simply open a sachet of the calibration solution, dip the probe and within seconds, the meter recognizes the calibration solution and calibrates itself!

Primo is supplied complete with batteries and instructions.

Specifications:

Range 1999 ppm (mg/L) Resolution 1 ppm (mg/L) Accuracy (@20°C/68°F) ±2% Full Scale pH Calibration Automatic at 1382 ppm Temp. Compensation Automatic, from 0 to 60°C (32 to 140°F) Battery Type / Life 2 x 1.4V, 200 hours of continuous use Environment 0 to 50°C (32 to 122°F); RH 90% Dimensions 180 x 50 x 25mm (7 x 2 x 1") Weight 80 g (2.9 oz.)

<<< Due to the size and weight of the item's case, it will not be included for the First Class Mail. The cases will be included for the Priority Mail or the order of 5 or more. >>>



Accessories

Milwaukee 1382 ppm TDS Solution, 3x20ml, M10032
Milwaukee 1382 ppm TDS Solution, 3x20ml, M10032
$3.99
Milwaukee 1382 ppm TDS Solution, 3x20ml, M10032 Mil-M10032B_3x20ml
Replacement Batteries for Pocket Testers, Pack/10
Replacement Batteries for pH TDS ORP Pocket Tester Meter, Pack/10
$3.99, 2/$6.00, 5/$10.00
Replacement Batteries for Pocket Testers, Pack/10 TQ-AG13_10X


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I just posted the cheapest one I use and love, but go to his web site he seems to have every kind imaginable at the best rates if you like fancyer stuff



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