pH and cf
Low or high pH levels affect the availability of the minerals required by the plant. The correct pH range for hydroponics is between 5.5 and 6.5, for soil it’s not so critical, but generally around 6.3; outside of these figures nutrient problems will quickly occur as minerals become insoluble. The nutrient strength needs to be matched to the current stage of plant development. Too high a concentration can quickly burn a plant, whilst too low produces pale, weak growth. Measuring is knowing. Good results are attainable by anyone prepared to stick to this rule. Whimsical guesswork rarely leads to success!
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Professional ph meter
This is pretty much an industry standard for the home grower. Offering accuracy up to +-0.02, this hand held unit with a remote probe is all you may need. Just plug in a new pH electrode when it wears out. |
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Budget pH meter
Easy to use and supplied with full instructions and calibration solution. Accurate to +-0.1 and aimed at the hobby grower. This unit has a working life of 3-6 months before needing replacing. |
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Chemical pH test kit
These easy to use liquid kits offer a fair indication of a solutions pH; good for at least 100 tests. Simply add a few drops of pH indicator (20ml) to the nutrient sample. Displays pH levels between 6.0 and 7.6 in .2 intervals. 10ml refill bottles also available. |
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Looking after pH meters
As of 2003 we will not sell you a pH meter unless you purchase the required chemicals to look after it. It is very important that the probes are cleaned at least every two weeks, and that the storage solution is left in the cap so it can soak into the probe. Failing to do this will result in the early death of your meter (and it will all be your fault!). |
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pH calibration and care
Calibration of the pH meters using both buffer 4 and 7 should ideally be done every day or whenever you use it. Storage solution should ALWAYS be kept in the pH meters cap. Clean the probe regularly for long life. |
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pH adjustment
To lower the pH use an acid, to raise it an alakli. Nitric acid (38%) is useful during the grow phase and for soft water areas; phosphoric acid (81%) for the flowering cycle and hard water areas. Handle both with extreme care and keep away from children. Supplied with full instructions for handling aggressive liquids. |
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Professional cf meter
A rugged, reliable piece of equipment that you will find in use on many commercial scale hydroponic farms around the world. Very easy to use, waterproof, auto on/off, temperature compensated and pre-calibrated at the factory. The only one you’ll ever need, and comes with a 5 year guarantee. |
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Budget cf meter
A low cost alternative for the hobby grower. Simple to use, just dip the sensor into the test solution and stir, wait and read a stable reading in about 20 seconds directly. Easy to calibrate. Unlike the truncheons, you can calibrate this unit - very useful. It's not waterproof, so be careful where you drop it! |
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Looking after cf meters
Calibration should be carried out regularly as accumulated nutrient salt deposits on the tip, and ageing batteries, can affect readings significantly. Store your calibration solution at room temperature for accurate readings. |
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Blue Lab Combo
New from the creators of the cf Truncheon, the Blue Lab Combo meter is an affordable, easy to use unit for accurately measuring pH , cf and temperature. Simple push button calibration and a large 13mm digital display for easy reading. Three display options for nutrient - EC, CF and ppm; two display options for temperature. Comes with a 5 year guarantee! |
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Water Proof pH meter
Clumsy customers look no further - this is a quality water proof meter built to withstand an accidental dunking. Comes with calibration solution and full instructions. |
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