Ph meeters

Whats up growers can some one recommend me the best ph meeter I got these 2 they the same but both give me different readings

have they been calibrated ?

Did both, or either calibrate correctly via manufacturer recommendations?

I don't understand how you can keep those ph meters probes wet. Mine have to be stored in kcl storage solution, when not in use.

I’ve had luck most recently with the Apera ph 20. After going down a rabbit hole of research about different probes, the Apera uses a type of probe that won’t completely die from drying out. It can be “reconditioned” by soaking it in the storage solution and recalibrating it. The probe itself is also replaceable, so you don’t have to trash the whole meter if it does die. It’s half the price of a Blue Lab pen, and comes with a nice storage case as well as calibration/storage solution.

Never wrong.......no calibration required.

Hollatchaboy said:

I don't understand how you can keep those ph meters probes wet. Mine have to be stored in kcl storage solution, when not in use.

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I use the cap that comes with the probe. Like in the picture the one on the left isn't capped completely. Could be the reason for two different readings. Attention to detail, could be the difference between an okay grow and a good grow. Or I am too stoned to have a reasonable opinion.

Purple love said:

Whats up growers can some one recommend me the best ph meeter I got these 2 they the same but both give me different readings View attachment 5346690

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Unfortunately, junk and junk.
Unless you're willing to spend $50 on an Apera PH20, you'd be better served with the GH pH drops.
Those ubiquitous $15 pH meters are borderline useless.

Billy the Mountain said:

Unfortunately, junk and junk.
Unless you're willing to spend $50 on an Apera PH20, you'd be better served with the GH pH drops.
Those ubiquitous $15 pH meters are borderline useless.

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Agree. These kind of pH meters are great to get you off the ground for your first grow, but if you're going to continue, it's worth investing in an Apera, or Bluelab, or similar mid-grade consumer level meter as well as the storage solution & calibration solutions. I have a Bluelab right now that's been solid, but might opt for a decent Apera with replaceable probes in the future. My only other thought is to pick one that meters quickly, since it can be a bummer to wait 5 minutes to get a meter to settle in.

MissinThe90’sStrains said:

I’ve had luck most recently with the Apera ph 20. After going down a rabbit hole of research about different probes, the Apera uses a type of probe that won’t completely die from drying out. It can be “reconditioned” by soaking it in the storage solution and recalibrating it.

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I hadn't heard that before, can you post a link?

I can recommend the Apera ph-60 and Milwaukee mw102, both are quality meters.

Hollatchaboy said:

I don't understand how you can keep those ph meters probes wet. Mine have to be stored in kcl storage solution, when not in use.

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1 is brand new the other just got done using when I took the photo

MickFoster said:

Never wrong.......no calibration required.
View attachment 5346715

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This is what I use too..

Purple love said:

1 is brand new the other just got done using when I took the photo

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You never answered whether you have tried calibrating those two meters... I've used a few of the "cheaper" meters and some work better than others, even two new identical meters - even after calibrating... The cheapo I'm using now is remaining accurate and I keep calibration solution in jars for checking/calibrating...

Just received a "better" multi-meter (pH/PPM/EC) that I will be returning as it seems to have a cold solder joint on the circuit board that is keeping TDS/EC functions from working properly... When switching mode from pH to PPM it may or may not flash a reading for a split second before reverting to zero and only once displayed an EC reading before reverting to zero... Replaced the batteries with new and had the same results...

My advice, always keep new batteries onhand, preferably 357/303 Silver Oxide instead of the cheaper LM44 Alkaline's they come with... The 357/303's last far longer and give steadier readings... Well worth the extra expense...

Another vote for Apera. I have the PH60 which features the replaceable probe. As far as I know, you can’t replace the probe on the PH20. The 20 is going for about $50 while the 60 is going for around $80.

Blue lab and Aphera-
My blue lab is 3 years old- working perfectly
Just got the Aphera as a backup- haven’t used it yet-

I use the bluelab guardian. I also have 2 Ph probes that are replaceable, and I find, if I switch them out every other week, they stay accurate. I've had both for quite a long time. Cleaning, storing, and calibrating them often, makes them last longer.

I buy cheap equipment, fans, tents, hid bulbs, lights etc.
If it's within your budget, a Blue Lab pH/EC combo meter is worth the investment.

I feel like it depends on how accurate you need to be. Hydro you want to be accurate as possible, soil you still want accurate, but it's not as crucial, imo.

1212ham said:

I hadn't heard that before, can you post a link?

I can recommend the Apera ph-60 and Milwaukee mw102, both are quality meters.

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I read the manual, and it said probe can be replaced.

MissinThe90’sStrains said:

Amazon.com

I read the manual, and it said probe can be replaced.

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Not so much.