cool beans
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Jul-08-2004
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Message #84460 posted by cool beans (Info) March 06, 2008 09:53:33 ET
In Reply to: Re: More Q's - appreciate the help posted by xaint vicioux (Info) March 05, 2008 19:38:41 ET
I have used the PH tests that you put a drop or two of their reagent into a sample of your water, and then compare the color it turns, to a color chart they provide with the kit. Those seemed to work ok and seemed to give a fairly close general reading. Its been years since trying those and never have looked at an aquarium PH tester, so i dont know if they work.
There are PH&PPM "pens" out that are a mini meter. My own experience with the half dozen i've had is that they last only a short time, like a couple/few months. I went thru six or seven, at about $50/$60 each, Plus lotsa those small, round, batteries, and a lot of frustration when they wouldnt work. There again, its been several years since buying or trying a pen type. Maybe the manufacturers have improved the quality of those types, but i still read posts where someone is having problems with them.
I finally got fed up with the constant probs with the pen types, and bought a Hanna Instruments HI9813 combination PH-PPM meter in 1999 for $200. Its been used every day at least once, holds calibration for at least a year at a time, the 9v battery lasts at least a full yr, and gives me zero problems. I think those might be up around $250 now. I highly recommend those meters.
There are many other of good products around. I see lots of good posts about Blue Lab Truncheons, Milwaukee combo meters, and some others. Check around a few places and you will see there is a lot of discussion about meters, good and bad. Bottom line is....if youre serious about doing this for the long term, you WILL eventually get a good meter. I wish i had spent the the $200 on my Hanna right off the bat, rather that wasting money, time and effort on the "throw aways"
Yes PPM=parts per million. Another definition is EC=electrical conductivity. They both mean the same thing to you as a grower. Its how much stuff {usually fertilizers} are in the water.
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