Quality PH meter recommendations

[INDIGO-STEVE]

I'm wanting to buy a QUALITY PH meter. I've went through two Apera Instruments meters in under a year. My price point is around $150. I would prefer not to buy anyone meter from Apera Instruments.

 

[Colorado]

Have heard good things about Bluelab

Bluelab Multimedia pH Meter

Combine the Bluelab Multimedia pH Meter and Bluelab Leap pH Probe with 6.6' standard cable (included) to take fast and accurate measurements in nutrient solution, soil, coco coir, rockwool, potting mix and many other media types.Calibration is simple with one push button on the meter and fresh...

www.greenhousemegastore.com

 

[INDIGO-STEVE]

Have heard good things about Bluelab

Bluelab Multimedia pH Meter

Combine the Bluelab Multimedia pH Meter and Bluelab Leap pH Probe with 6.6' standard cable (included) to take fast and accurate measurements in nutrient solution, soil, coco coir, rockwool, potting mix and many other media types.Calibration is simple with one push button on the meter and fresh...

www.greenhousemegastore.com

Thank you.

 

[19Mateo83]

Blue labs meters are very good meters.

 

[Wires_Guy_wires]

Going through two pH meters within a year is kind of worrying because they should last at least 5.
Do you use saturated KCl storage solutions and do you clean them with 1% HCl overnight sometimes?
How long do you store the calibration fluids?
If those things aren't in order, it's unwise to buy new equipment because it'll last for a short time if improperly cared for.

I don't like to be the partypooper here, but I've seen a lot of people cycle through expensive pH meters because they handled them as if they weren't precision tools. Just want to make sure you're getting the best out of your investments.

 

[AJL]

Whats wrong with good ole Litmus paper?!!

 

[Paradox]

I've used fish tank pH test kits for fish tanks but I've never needed a pH meter/test kit for bonsai in the 12 years I've been keeping trees.

 

[ChefB]

Going through two pH meters within a year is kind of worrying because they should last at least 5.
Do you use saturated KCl storage solutions and do you clean them with 1% HCl overnight sometimes?
How long do you store the calibration fluids?
If those things aren't in order, it's unwise to buy new equipment because it'll last for a short time if improperly cared for.

I don't like to be the partypooper here, but I've seen a lot of people cycle through expensive pH meters because they handled them as if they weren't precision tools. Just want to make sure you're getting the best out of your investments.

This. A good one needs to handled with care and stored properly to maintain calibration. You likely don’t need this unless hydroponics or reefkeeping is your thing. How bad is the water you use on your trees?

 

[INDIGO-STEVE]

This. A good one needs to handled with care and stored properly to maintain calibration. You likely don’t need this unless hydroponics or reefkeeping is your thing. How bad is the water you use on your trees?

I use municipal water and the ph ranges anywhere between 6.0-8.5+. The water company randomly changes water sources without notice.

 

[Mellow Mullet]

I have this one in the lab:

Thermo Scientific Orion Star A329 pH/ISE/Conductivity/Dissolved Oxygen Portable Multiparameter Meter - pH and Electrochemistry, Electrochemistry Meters

Accurately measure pH, ion concentration, conductivity, dissolved oxygen and temperature with our pH/ISE/conductivity/RDO/DO portable meter.

www.fishersci.com

Works really well.

 

[INDIGO-STEVE]

Going through two pH meters within a year is kind of worrying because they should last at least 5.
Do you use saturated KCl storage solutions and do you clean them with 1% HCl overnight sometimes?
How long do you store the calibration fluids?
If those things aren't in order, it's unwise to buy new equipment because it'll last for a short time if improperly cared for.

I don't like to be the partypooper here, but I've seen a lot of people cycle through expensive pH meters because they handled them as if they weren't precision tools. Just want to make sure you're getting the best out of your investments.

Both meters were occasionally stored in KCI solution and periodically recalibrated. The problem is water seeps inside the meter through the seal on the probe. I had the same problem with both meters Apera Instruments PH 20.

 

[ChefB]

Hanna is reputable and their equipment always quality. I haven’t seen their lineup in some time but I trust their stuff. That’s a crazy swing. I would be interested to know how a varying water pH would affect your trees.

 

[INDIGO-STEVE]

From my understanding you want your pH between 6.0-7.0 for optimal nutrient uptake. A pH higher than a 7.5 starts causing nutrient deficiencies over time. I'm sure someone here could explain it in more depth and detail.

 

[ChefB]

That pH is going to vary depending upon species. This would not be the range for acid loving plants like azaleas, blueberries, camellias. You can add things to your mix to give you a better ph range. I use 20% fir bark in my mix to compensate for my alkaline water. My water is consistent though not sure how yours would act.

 

[INDIGO-STEVE]

That pH is going to vary depending upon species. This would not be the range for acid loving plants like azaleas, blueberries, camellias. You can add things to your mix to give you a better ph range. I use 20% fir bark in my mix to compensate for my alkaline water. My water is consistent though not sure how yours would act.

I use a 2-1-1 or a 1-1-1 mix of APL. I'll add in 1-½ part of Kiryu or Kanuma for acid loving species like Stewartia or Camellia. Spagnum moss is also quite acidic. My municipal water is horrible. It's so bad that the annual water quality report is practically hidden from public eyes. Thankfully my brother works in the sewer and water department of a neighboring town and has access to all that information. My eventual plan is to start collecting and storing rain water on a sufficient level.

 

[Paradox]

That pH is going to vary depending upon species. This would not be the range for acid loving plants like azaleas, blueberries, camellias. You can add things to your mix to give you a better ph range. I use 20% fir bark in my mix to compensate for my alkaline water. My water is consistent though not sure how yours would act.

You can also use fertilizers for acid loving plants for example to help with pH balance

 

[Wires_Guy_wires]

Both meters were occasionally stored in KCI solution and periodically recalibrated. The problem is water seeps inside the meter through the seal on the probe. I had the same problem with both meters Apera Instruments PH 20.

For a waterproof pocket meter, that's just shitty design. Good to hear you took care of it! But I'd sure send an email to the producer to inform them about their product failure.

 

[INDIGO-STEVE]

You can also use fertilizers for acid loving plants for example to help with pH balance

I use Biogold or oof a long with a weekly mix of humic acid/Kelp and fish emulsion. For trees I'm trying to bulk up I use osmocote plus.

 

[INDIGO-STEVE]

For a waterproof pocket meter, that's just shitty design. Good to hear you took care of it! But I'd sure send an email to the producer to inform them about their product failure.

That's how I got the second meter. Unfortunately it leaked like the first. I purchased a Bluelab pH meter last night. I figured it would be in my best interest to try a different brand.

 

[nuttiest]

Good ole home made turmeric paper best for checking alkalinity. What acid do you use to adjust?