what should i get a digital soil ph tester or soil tester kits for ph?

sourdiesel404

sourdiesel404

Member
I have a digital tester this is my 4th grow btw an I use it every time after I water an it gives me different readings quite a bit an don't know if its reliable where can I get a reliable digital tester or tester kits?
 
rwbrock

rwbrock

Active Member
You don't really need to ph your soil. I mean if your using decent soil and testing the water ph you should be fine. But a digital water ph tester is a good investment.
 
A

arson420

Member
I was told to test the runoff. Make sure your water is ph'd correctly and then when you water test the runoff with a cheap ph test kit.
 
rwbrock

rwbrock

Active Member
Nope you don't need to test runoff. Ph your water (after you add food) and you should be good to go. Make sure it is in the proper range but soil is a great buffer. I never test runoff or soil and haven't had any issues. I have bad water here high ppm and ph and ended up getting a RO water system. But not required either.
 
JohnDee

JohnDee

Well-Known Member
sd404,
The time to test soil ph is before you put a plant in it...when you can still take action to correct. And the best method is to take a bit of soil, add water...shake and then test the water. Soil testers are quite inaccurate. And yes, people do check soil runoff...but usually after they are having plant problems. It can tell you if your soil is toxified from nutes but little else. So a water tester of the chemical drop system will do the best job for you.
JD
 
JohnDee

JohnDee

Well-Known Member
SD404,
Yes, certainly within the range of a hobby grower. But they require calibration and proper storage. Why don't you just get some drops to start? Should be fine for a soil grower.
JD
 
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

Well-Known Member
The pH test drops are accurate enough especially for soil
Dr. Jekyll

yes digital pH testers are more accurate, and more expensive and more maintenance, and more effort
Mr. Hyde
 
AimAim

AimAim

Well-Known Member
Buy some decent potting soil and throw in an extra handful of dolomitic lime and be done with it.

Or buy some electronic gizmos and chase your tail regarding pH.
 
sourdiesel404

sourdiesel404

Member
is there a particular method of calibration cause I ordered 1 off ebay an it comes with a screw driver or something for calbrating
 
JohnDee

JohnDee

Well-Known Member
Just follow the instructions that come with it. I've only owned one and it has a tiny screw for calibration. You use solutions of known ph (calibration solution) and be sure it reads accurately on those.
JD
 
A

anzohaze

Well-Known Member
You should invest in a quality ph tester. Those cheap ones work but they can also fudge ya to check it often w calibration 7.0 fluid
 
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