So I ordered a milwaukee ph55 meter, calibrated it. I stored it in the 4.0 solution just as the instructions said. 2 days later ph readings are all jacked up. Its not even reading 4.0 in the solution, I am soo mad right now. Is it normal to have to recalibrate every use? What ph meter is everyone using
rhetorrikz
Well-Known Member
Eco test ph2 has been great, 12months + hasnt needed calibration i just give it a rinse under the tap after use
Using a Bluelab PH Pen here and has been solid so far, I store it in plain water and have only calibrated it once, not that it needed it.
JuanCarlos
Well-Known Member
What about a chemical test kit? Cheap and reliable.
NCDude
New Member
I have a drawer full of them...I use soil with dolomite: freedom from PH meters..
- Thread starter
- #6
Yea, I am starting to think that's the best way honestly.
rhetorrikz
Well-Known Member
Or a.n. ph perfect ? Is it really that simple 
I have a drawer full of dead Milwaukee ones as well. Eventually sold my kid into slavery and got a Bluelab guardian.
MickFoster
Well-Known Member
I have been using the GH pH drops for years with no problems. No 4.0 and 7.0 solutions, no storage solution, no calibration, no problems.
- Thread starter
- #10
Yea, I agree with you. I had to the pet store last night to get a test kit. I know a guy who kill an entire room because of a broken ph meter.
I agree the drops are very nice because they don't break. Personally I don't find them accurate enough for any sort of soilless or hydro growing. They make a good backup, but I can't judge ph/color within a small enough range to be happy with them.
swwilson20
New Member
I have a milwauke ph-80. Honestly don't feel too comfortable unless I have the cal solution ready. I have probably calibrated more than I have needed to, but it frequently moves a tenth of a point. I use 7.0 calibration solution. When it moves, I calibrate. Never seen it move more than that, but I've never let it.. I think I'm nearing the boundary of being OCD with that stupid thing..
LEDBud
Well-Known Member
Best lower priced meters that I could find
After doing research and pricing I got a set of HM Digital TDS and PH meters for $100
The PH-80 , PH meter cost $60 with the matching COM-80 TDS meter costing $40
Whats nice about a TDS meter is it reads in ppm's unlike a EC meter
They both have one button calibration and come with the storage and ppm/PH calibration packs
After doing research and pricing I got a set of HM Digital TDS and PH meters for $100
The PH-80 , PH meter cost $60 with the matching COM-80 TDS meter costing $40
Whats nice about a TDS meter is it reads in ppm's unlike a EC meter
They both have one button calibration and come with the storage and ppm/PH calibration packs
kushnoj27
New Member
The HM digital PH meter is great, I found it does fluctuate the ph readings if not properly stored in Kcl solution (potassium chloride) - get the stuff from blue lab. Put 4-5 drops of it in the ph meter lid and then put away your ph pen. This will hold the proper Ph readings for about a week. But I would recommend recalibrating every week or each feed just to be safe. the 1 button calibration makes it super easy
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pino0911
Well-Known Member
I bought two blue lab ph pens which were expensive. They do make me mad but seem to be reliable so far. One hits the ph number fast and don't move then the other i will put in solution shoots high and floats to the same number as the other jus takes five good minutes of patience. I did cheap out on a HM digital ppm meter and must say very pleased with it. It doesn't take long to get reading but be aware if u r used to Fahrenheit u don't want the HM cause it only reads in Celsius. Hope ii helped wit my lil experience. I would love to get the truncheon by blue lab for EC and PPM. But that's another 100 dollars i dont have at the moment.
Integrum Stultus
New Member
I have a Hanna Tester PH meter ($49) and Hanna Primo 5 TDS meter ($25). Both seem to be reliable, they are easy to use/calibrate/maintain and Im very happy with both. ..
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MickFoster
Well-Known Member
I use this chart for my colors - I've compared the colors with a meter and they are dead on. For my coco, I adjust the color to an orangy/yellow and it's good.
LEDBud
Well-Known Member
The 80 series of the HM digital pens has both F and C, the ppm meter does both ppm and ec 500 switchable , both will calibrate temperature as well as values.
Full featured and cheap enough for most consumers
My particular PH pen reads and settles within 3 to 10 seconds depends on the samples PH difference
I am finding the ph meter to be accurate but do keep the cap saturated and calibrate once a week to be sure its bang on.
Like was mentioned it must be stored properly if you want it to be accurate.
Also the ppm meter reads instantly feels solid in the hand, I like quality items the 80 series have the speed and feel you expect from good meters.
Once I get the rdwc built I will shelve these and start using a set of wifi logger meters but for Pens I am impressed
Full featured and cheap enough for most consumers
My particular PH pen reads and settles within 3 to 10 seconds depends on the samples PH difference
I am finding the ph meter to be accurate but do keep the cap saturated and calibrate once a week to be sure its bang on.
Like was mentioned it must be stored properly if you want it to be accurate.
Also the ppm meter reads instantly feels solid in the hand, I like quality items the 80 series have the speed and feel you expect from good meters.
Once I get the rdwc built I will shelve these and start using a set of wifi logger meters but for Pens I am impressed
