pH testing

1

1212ham

Well-Known Member
1st, these questions are about testing water for growing in soil.
Should I ph the water before or after adding epsom salt?
Same question for nutes.

I have the General Hydroponics wide spectrum indicator solution, but I find it hard to read at 7.0 and above.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/General-Hydroponics-PH-Test-Indicator-8-Ounce/232635257362?epid=2256108736&hash=item362a245212:g:iwAAAOSwPkBaYRwv

I want a narrow spectrum test, something that is easier to read around the 7.0 range for use with soil. Other than a meter, what is a good ph test solution or strips?

I was looking at these strips as they have good color change right above and below 7.0.
 
Gilbertslab

Gilbertslab

Member
I use a liquid drop indicator instead of a meter now. I can't speak for the general hydroponics one because I use an aquarium test kit. Cheaper than the same thing branded for cannabis nutrient solution testing. After using them for a while you get pretty good at interpolating the colour in between 6.5 and 7.0 or 7.0 and 7.5. My test kit has the 7.5 ph denomination between 7.0 and 8.0. You may want one that has that on the scale as the GH one goes from 7.0-8.0 and they are both green.
 
1

1212ham

Well-Known Member
What brand of test are you using? I'm thinking of a meter due to the poor color differential around 7.0 with most strips and drops.
 
nc208

nc208

Well-Known Member
If you do get the pen, also grab a bottle of storage solution so your probe doesn't dry out. That's the only pain/downside to the ph pens.
 
Gilbertslab

Gilbertslab

Member
1212ham said:
Thanks guys. I'm seriously considering a meter. My theory, the only thing worse than no data is inaccurate data!
Click to expand...
If you go with a pen also get calibration solution and calibrate it once a week. I have had several pens and none of them ever held a decent calibration.
 
J

Jimmy the vest uk

Well-Known Member
Gilbertslab said:
If you go with a pen also get calibration solution and calibrate it once a week. I have had several pens and none of them ever held a decent calibration.
Click to expand...
A good one
Gilbertslab said:
If you go with a pen also get calibration solution and calibrate it once a week. I have had several pens and none of them ever held a decent calibration.
Click to expand...
ph pen from a company called essentials is great. I had a blue lab pen one of the more expensive ones and returned it for this cheaper easier to use smaller option. I bash it about dip it time and time again drop it regularly sometimes in the juice and whenever I go to calibrate it it’s always still bang on 7.0. The guy at the shop said don’t bother with any storage solution as he uses the same one and it wasn’t necessary it’s over 1 year old now and it’s still spot on
 
ANC

ANC

Well-Known Member
I kinda enjoy using the drops rather than the pen. Aim for piss yellow and all is good.
I use pH down, and silica to bring it up if I overshoot due to adding xyz at random feedings.
 
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