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Hydroponics is a farming method whereby you grow plants on water or other nutrient high media instead of in the soil. To run a successful hydroponics system, you must maintain good water chemistry and pH levels. Hence, the need to get the best pH meter for hydroponics.
Getting a good pH meter for your hydroponics system is not as easy as you would think. You must get one that serves its purpose and monitors every detail.
If this sounds like what you are looking for, you are in for a good surprise. This article covers everything you need to know about the best pH meters for hydroponics. Keep scrolling!
Table of Contents
Best pH Meters For Hydroponics
What is a pH Meter for Hydroponics?
A good pH meter will help you to monitor the growing process of your plants. It also maintains or adjusts pH levels and temperatures of your hydroponics system.
This measurement ensures that your plants get the needed minerals or nutrients and adequate temperature for growth.
How Does a pH Meter For Hydroponics Work?
Ideally, tepid water contains an equal number of hydrogen and hydroxide ions. When other factors or materials are introduced to the water, it changes the pH levels. The hydrogen ions either increase, thereby making it more acidic or more alkaline because of increase in hydroxide ions.
A pH meter for hydroponics has a tube for reference and a glass sensor. The probe generates a nominal voltage across the reference tube and sensor by measuring hydrogen ions activity. Then, it converts the voltage to the pH value. This value is displayed on the digital screen.
Most pH meters have an in-built thermometer that detects and automatically adjust any difference in the baseline temperature of 22oC or 77oF. This function is called automatic temperature compensation (ATC).
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Why Is Measuring pH In Hydroponics Important?
Measuring pH levels in hydroponics is very important. There are frequent abrupt changes in pH levels because of the process involved in metabolizing nutrients in plants. These changes can block the absorption of nutrient in some elements.
These changes can affect the health, flavor, and appearance of the plants. In some cases, it can result in stunted growth leading to plant death. PH levels must be kept at its optimum between 5.5 and 6.5.
Although this varies from one plant to the other, a fluctuation in pH values and poor nutrient concentrations can predispose your plants to diseases and pest attacks.
PH Meters for Hydroponics Reviews
1. Vivosun pH And TDS Meter Combo
The Vivosun pH and TDS meter combo is reliable, accurate and very easy to use. It has a pH meter that can measure pH levels and a TDS meter that includes TDS, temperature, and EC function. Hence, it is referred to as a 3-in-1 designed tester meter.
It has other features such as a protective case and a lock function that makes it very easy to read the pH value. This pH meter also has a 9 minutes automatic shut off feature.
- It is portable
- Made with high-quality materials and so it’s durable
- Easy usage
- The battery runs down quickly
2. Digital pH Meter and Water Quality Tester
The digital pH meter and water quality tester have two built-in 1.5V button cells and three pH buffer powders.
It has high accuracy, auto-calibration and an ATC feature that adjusts temperature and quality of water giving pH values almost immediately. It can read pH value at any temperature between 32oF-176oF (0oC-80oC).
This pH meter is easy to use. Remove the protective cap and insert the meter’s electrode in the water you want to test. Then turn it on.
- It is fast and gives reliable readings
- Very easy to use
- Difficult to calibrate for first-time users
3. Apera Instruments AI311 Premium Series PH60 Waterproof pH Pocket Tester Kit
This pH meter is specially designed for professional pH value measurements. Its self-diagnostic feature signals you when you wrongly calibrate it and show you how to fix it. It has a high-sensitive replaceable pH probe with a sensor shield at the top.
Additionally, it has an ATC feature that ensures accurate temperature readings. Other features include reading alarm, a battery operation up to 2000 hours and an automatic reading lock (optional).
- Easy to install replaceable glass probe
- Easy usage
- Gives stable readings
- It has three large color backlit screens
- Fully waterproof
- It takes some minutes before the temperature probe warms up for measurement
- It can be affected by freezing conditions
- Replaceable glass probes can be expensive
4. Bluelab PENPH pH Pen Fully Waterproof Pocket Tester
It measures pH for acidic or alkaline conditions in the water. The Bluelab PENPH meter has a 2-point calibration system with ATC feature, calibration reminders, and backlit display which makes it handy. Its double junction glass probe improves the lifespan, reliability, and accuracy.
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Other unique features of this pH meter include battery indicator, auto-off function, temperature units as well as a Kit (contains lanyard, AAA battery and calibration solution).
- It is fully waterproof
- Inclusion of an ATC feature for reading accuracy
- 2-point calibration process
- It has a double junction probe
- It can expose you to harmful chemicals like Nickel
5. pH Meter with Automatic Calibration
This pH meter comes with two sets (6 packets) of powder for calibration and gives accurate readings. It is easy to use and very portable. Also, it has a built-in ATC that can determine pH levels at any temperature ranging from 0oC to 80oC.
- It is portable, durable, and easy to use
- Easy to read
- It does not require any storage fluid
- It does not have an auto-lock reading feature
6. Water Quality Tester
This specially designed meter pen has an advanced microprocessor technology, TDS (total dissolved solids), EC (electrical conductivity), and ATC (temperature) meters.
It is equipped with backlit LCD for easy reading, hold, and auto-lock function for easy read and record.
- Factory calibrated
- Auto-off feature (2 minutes) to conserve battery
- It comes with a protective case
- It does not measure pH levels
7. Bluelab MONGUA Guardian Monitor for pH
The Bluelab MONGUA guardian monitor has a 2-point calibration. Once the pH probe of the monitor is calibrated, you don’t need to calibrate it for temperature and conductivity.
A unique feature of this pH meter is that it can be hung on the support or fixed on the wall, which makes it suitable for indoor use.
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It is also temperature compensated and always give accurate readings. The best part is that you don’t have to worry about your meter getting damaged on exposure to water. The Bluelab MONGUA Guardian meter is water-resistant and has green LED lights that are safe for your plants.
- Requires no calibration for temperature and conductivity
- It is water-resistant
- Large displays
- Presence of flashing alarms
- The probes can be burnt without proper calibration and care
- The digital displays can bug out
8. Apera Instruments AI209 Value Series PH20 Waterproof pH Tester Kit
This high-quality pH meter has an easy calibration system with high buffer recognition and ATC. The ATC feature gives accurate results in different temperature ranging between 32-122OF. Its sensors also have low impedance. This feature ensures there is a high response rate.
Also, it has the pH buffers 4 and 7 as well as a lanyard. Its auto-recognition of balanced values contributes to its consistency. So that you know, the Apera Instruments AI209 Value Series is powered by AAA batteries and can run for 2000 hours non-stop.
- Calibration is easy
- It comes with calibration solutions and cleaning brush for the probe
- Fully dust and waterproof
- Displays pH level and temperature of the water
- It takes approximately 30 seconds longer before it displays readings
- Bubbles can form inside the probe sensor
What to Consider When Buying A pH Meter for Hydroponics
The following are factors to consider when buying a pH meter for hydroponics:
Portability
Taking samples to the lab for testing can compromise your pH readings. So, you should collect your samples and test their acidity at the point of usage. Portable pH meters help to get correct readings of the pH levels of your hydroponics system.
Precision
When managing a large hydroponic farm, there is more risk of damage involved resulting from fluctuations in pH levels compared to smaller farms. This fluctuation is as a result of lots of biological processes involved in big hydroponics farm.
In this case, the need to get accurate results cannot be overemphasized. So, get a pH meter that can balance the pH levels at all time.
Temperature
Temperature is a key factor in measuring pH levels. So, it must be put into consideration when you are getting a pH meter for hydroponics.
Intended Usage
The purpose of usage should be considered first before buying a pH meter. There are different pH meter products available today, each built with specific features to meet your needs.
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How to Calibrate a Hydroponic pH Meter
Before calibrating your hydroponics pH meter, make sure you read the product manual to know the best way to clean your model. Here’s a general method of calibrating most hydroponics pH meter below.
What you will need
- PH meter calibration buffer solutions.
- 2 Plastic containers.
- Flathead screwdriver (for manual calibrations).
Step 1
Pour a small quantity of buffer solutions into the plastic containers.
Step 2
Clean or rinse the pH meter probe.
Step 3
For electrical calibrations, turn the pH meter on and press hold on the button marked ‘set/hold’ or ‘mode’ on the pH meter. For manual calibrations, turn the screw using the screwdriver until the pH value is 7.
Step 4
Place the pH meter in the container containing a pH buffer solution wiggling it a little.
Step 5
Press and hold the ‘set/hold’ or ‘mode’ button on the pH meter for electrical calibrations. Place the meter in the buffer solution of pH value 4.
Caring for Your pH Meter for Hydroponics
To care for your pH meter for hydroponics, do the following:
- Calibrate the pH meter frequently
- Maintain the pH sensor
- Store reference tubes and glass sensors in the right solution
- Rinse pH sensors in distilled or deionized water before storing in its solution
- Take proper care of the electrodes
Note: There are different methods of caring for your pH meters, read the manufacturers manual for specific instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should pH Meter for Hydroponics Be Calibrated?
PH for hydroponics should be calibrated as often as you use it. If it is used daily, the meter should be calibrated once every week. If you usually use the pH meter weekly, endeavor to calibrate it monthly.
How Do You Maintain pH Balance in Hydroponics?
To maintain a pH balance in hydroponics, always use products specially formulated for this system. You can use weak acids like citric acid or vinegar for a small hydroponics system. Preferably, use automatic pH controllers that can keep the pH level balanced.
Why does pH Go Up in Hydroponics?
PH goes up in hydroponics because nutrients added to the system are acidic. When your plants consume these nutrients, the pH level increases; this leads to a natural pH swing from 5.5 to 6.2. It can be brought back to a pH value of 5.5 and then allowed to drift up slowly for optimal plant growth.
What is pH Water Best for Plants?
The best pH water for plants is a pH value between 5.5 – 6.5.
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Conclusion
Using a pH meter for hydroponics is the easiest way to measure the pH, nutrient levels and temperatures of plants in your farm.
However, you must ensure you calibrate it often to get the right readings always. Besides, you must take proper care of the meter and store it properly to prevent total damage.
Always remember that the pH meter is a sensitive instrument and must be treated as such. Also, read the manufacturer’s manual carefully before use. Hope you found this best pH meter for hydroponics review helpful and that it has put all your doubts to rest.
