Best PH Meter and TDS Meter
Hydroponics is one of the best indoor gardening methods. It enables plants to grow in a water-based solution instead of regular soil. If you want to try your hand at hydroponics, you’ll need to invest in a reliable and accurate pH meter to monitor the progress of your plants.
A good pH meter is an essential tool for the monitoring of the germination and of the development of your plants. Hydroponics relies a great deal on precision, hence the need for accurate tools to keep tabs on your nutrient solution at all times.
Water quality and the pH level of the nutrient solution are the two key parameters you need to track. If you fail to keep your nutrient solution under control, you’ll grow sticky plants, and you’ll compromise your crops.
Here are a few of the best pH meters that bear our seal of approval.
Contents
- Our Top TDS and Ph Meter Reviews 2020
- 1) HM Digital TDS-EZ TDS Tester
- 2) Atree Soil pH Meter, 3-in-1 Test Kit
- 3) Bluelab METCOM Combo Meter for pH
- 4) Doctor Meter PH100 – V High Accuracy Pocket Size pH Meter
- 5) Koolamo Digital PH Meter
- 6) Professional TDS ppm Conductivity Meter
- 7) SX 610 Waterproof pH Pen Tester
- 8) VIVOSUN pH & TDS Meter Combo
- How To Choose The Best pH Meter For Your Plants
- Our Recommendation
- Conclusion
Our Top TDS and Ph Meter Reviews 2020
IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | . |
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(paid link) | HM Digital TDS-EZ TDS Tester | (paid link) | |
(paid link) | Atree Soil pH Meter, 3-in-1 Test Kit | (paid link) | |
(paid link) | Bluelab METCOM Combo Meter for pH | (paid link) | |
(paid link) | Doctor Meter PH100 – V High Accuracy Pocket Size pH Meter | (paid link) | |
(paid link) | General Organics GH5100 Go Box | (paid link) | |
(paid link) | Professional TDS ppm Conductivity Meter | (paid link) | |
(paid link) | SX 610 Waterproof pH Pen Tester | (paid link) | |
(paid link) | VIVOSUN pH & TDS Meter Combo | (paid link) |
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#1
1) HM Digital TDS-EZ TDS Tester
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This model is slightly more expensive than the others. With that, it uses high-quality microprocessor technology to get the most accurate reading possible. It has a large and easy to read LCD screen.
The auto-off function allows the user not to waste the button cell batteries that are included. Its measurement range comes at 0-9990 ppm, making it possible to get an accurate reading regardless of the quality of the water or soil. A quick calibration makes this product easy to use right away.
This model is lightweight and small enough to hold in one hand and offers a very fast reading. The unit has a translucent blue converting the makes it durable so if you drop the meter it will survive. It also has a waterproof LCD screen so if you drop it into the water by mistake it won’t be ruined.
The unit is great for getting fast readings, once you put the batteries in you just have to remove the cap and turn the unit on with a click of a button and take your reading.
This model requires batteries to operate, which are included. This actually prolongs the use of the device. It is easy to use over and over again as power can be replaced with a simple battery change.
Pros
Cons
Some customers have complained it is hard to use with large hands.
#2
2) Atree Soil pH Meter, 3-in-1 Test Kit
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The Atree Soil pH Meter tester can do the following:
- Determine the moisture level of the soil to warn you when to water your plants
- Assess whether the plants are getting the right amount of light
- Measure the pH level in soil, whether it is acidic or alkaline
This tester is based on the advanced double-needle detection technology, being therefore extremely fast and accurate in the detection and the analysis of pH acidity and moisture of the soil.
To use the meter, insert the probes into the soil at a depth of 2-4 inches. You’ll get an accurate reading of the moisture level, so you’ll be able to adjust it to promote the healthy development of your plants.
The device doesn’t need batteries; therefore, it is extremely lightweight and portable, ideal for both indoor and outdoor use.
The Atree Soil pH Meter features copper and aluminum probes that detect the changes of the soil and send the information to the conductor that converts and displays them for you to read the values.
Pros
Cons
The display is rather small but decent for the price.
#3
3) Bluelab METCOM Combo Meter for pH
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The Bluelab METCOM Combo Meter for pH is a great portable instrument that measures pG, conductivity, and temperature of liquids.
All these values are very important because they have a direct influence on the development of your plants.
Are your plants growing too slowly? Do you see lots of yellow leaves? The Bluelab Combo Meter will tell you whether the vital parameters are the proper ones for the healthy growth of your plants.
The Bluelab Combo Meter features two probes, one for measuring the pH and the second one for measuring conductivity and temperature. To take a reading, immerse the two probes into the solution. You’ll get the values displayed on the screen.
The Bluelab Combo Meter doesn’t need a power supply to work, so you can take readings wherever you need.
The instructions for the calibration of the probe are displayed on the back of the instrument.
After 30 days, the calibration indicators will fade off. This will warn you that a new calibration is due.
Pros
Cons
Although in our opinion this is a great meter, some reviewers complained about the price.
#4
4) Doctor Meter PH100 – V High Accuracy Pocket Size pH Meter
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The Dr. Meter device is very easy to calibrate, thanks to the one-touch button.
The device uses the three-point calibration method, which is able to automatically detect the liquid and supply you with the pH reading in a split second.
The automatic temperature compensation function has the role of correcting any inaccuracies that may occur due to a changing of the liquid.
The Dr. Meter PH100-V 0.01 Resolution High Accuracy Pocket Size pH Meter is very easy to use. Just remove the cap from the handheld pH meter and plunge the composite electrode into distilled water. Stir it gently for about 5-10 seconds. Spin-dry it after you remove it from the water.
Push the on-off button to turn on the device and submerge the electrode into the solution to measure. Next, slowly stir the solution and wait for the stabilization of the displayed values. The screen will display the pH and the temperature of the solution.
Pros
Cons
Although in our opinion this is a great meter, some reviewers complained about the price.
#5
5) Koolamo Digital PH Meter
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The Koolamo Digital PH Meter is the ideal choice of anyone in need of an accurate pH tester for hydroponic or household use.
This digital pH meter is able to measure a range of 0-14 PH with 0.1 PH resolution. In addition to this excellent accuracy, the tester allows you to simultaneously measure the pH and read the values on the display.
To use the tester, remove the protection cap, plunge the pH meter probe in the solution and turn on the device by using the ON/OFF switch. This method is way easier than having to assess the colors of a litmus strip.
The Koolamo Digital PH Meter has a unique feature that automatically compensates for the water temperature and quality to provide instant readings of the pH level. You can also calibrate the tester with the help of a one-touch button and with buffing powder.
The tester comes with a comprehensive manual that will teach you everything you need to know to obtain accurate and stable pH readings. This purchase also includes three pH buffer powders and two 1.5V LR44 button cells.
Pros
Cons
Although in our opinion this is a great meter, some reviewers complained about the price.
#6
6) Professional TDS ppm Conductivity Meter
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This model comes in at the lower in for cost compared to the other meters on the list. It lasts a long time for the cost and can get an accurate, fast reading in only a few seconds. The advanced 3-1 ratting and microprocessor technology make the price well worth it.
This model swears by its 20% higher accuracy than other models on the market. It offers automatic temperature compensation to make up for other factors that may affect the reading.
A quick stir is all it takes to operate this model. A sturdy frame and guard for the screen make it durable, so it will not shatter if dropped. The easy instructions that come in the guide make it fast and easy to calibrate this device. A durable, titanium probe keeps this model functional for many years after it is bought. The free TDS guide helps the user understand the reading before use. An easy to buttons and screen make this machine extremely intuitive, so the guide may not even be necessary to learn how to operate it.
One thing we noticed is the lighting on the screen is a little dim. This might make it a little challenging to use for those with lousy eyesight. It does not come with any other function but to test the water.
Pros
Cons
Although in our opinion this is a great meter, some reviewers complained about the price.
#7
7) SX 610 Waterproof pH Pen Tester
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The SX 610 tester is a very smart tool that will help you grow successful crops.
This pen reads both the pH and the temperature of hydroponics and soils, which will help you provide the right nutrients to your plants.
The pH of the hydroponics solution has a tremendous influence on the availability of the nutrients and on the composition of the soil.
The SX610 Waterproof pH Pen Tester boasts an extremely simple automatic calibration. You only need to touch a button to have your tester automatically calibrated. Its 1-pt calibration method suits regular solutions within the 3-11 pH range.
This unit has several handy features such as easy to use buttons, backlit display, successful calibration indicator, low battery indicator, and hold and auto-off functions.
The pen comes with a very comprehensive start guide that will enable you to make use of all the functions of this device.
Pros
Cons
The bottles of solution could have been much bigger.
#8
8) VIVOSUN pH & TDS Meter Combo
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The VIVOSUM comes at an excellent bargain as it is a two in one for both TDS and pH meters.
This meter combo is excellent for water purification, hydroponics, aquaculture, and water treatment, and soil testing, which makes it perfect for growing indoors.
The TDS meter helps the user learn how high the level of dissolved solids are in the water.
This model comes with a protective case to ensure that there is no damage to the meter over time. It has an accuracy level of 2%.
This means there is a minimal deviation from the true number of solids in the soil.
This model is easy to calibrate, has a handheld design for easy use, and lightweight. It gives an almost instant reading as soon as it is placed in the soil. It’s as simple as pulling the cap off of one end and reading the level at the other.
The PH reading is essential in plant growth as well; this meter makes sure the PH is at an appropriate level not to impact the quality of your plants and does so almost instantly.
Because it is a two-meter design, you have to calibrate both meters at times, not just one.
Pros
Cons
Have to calibrate 2 meters
How To Choose The Best pH Meter For Your Plants
The first step to growing healthy, successful crops is to closely monitor the pH of your soil or hydroponic solution.
This is why the quality of your pH meter is so important. A good pH meter will help you determine the right nutrients for your plants, as well as whether they prefer acidic or alkaline soil.
Most plants are successful with a pH ranging between 5.5 and 6.5; for best results, our recommendation is to stick to 6.2.
Ease Of Use
Learning how to use your device is another crucial element of growing successful crops. This is why you should consider investing in an easy to use device.
While the instructions manual should teach you everything, you need to know, the design of the meter can sometimes make a huge difference.
If you want to read the measured values with ease, consider choosing a meter with a large LSD display. Keep in mind that you’ll need to put up with sunlight or with odd viewing angles.
If you’re going to perform measurements in poor lighting conditions, you’ll want to choose a device with a backlit screen.
Switching from one parameter to the other should also be easy.
Speed is also important. While many of these testers can provide you with your results within minutes, the most expensive models will display the readings in seconds.
Lightweight testers are best because they allow you to easily operate them with one hand. You’ll need your other hand to plunge the probe into the solution, so keep this in mind when shopping around for pH meters.
If you want to protect your device, you may want to purchase a carrying case to store it while not in use.
Reliability
As even slight deviations in the pH value can affect the health of your plants, you should ensure you purchase a reliable device with a narrow margin of error.
The automatic temperature compensation function is extremely useful, so make sure you buy a device that has it. This is the best way to ensure the stability of your measurements.
Some pH meters will remind you when your calibration is due, in order for you to avoid errors.
Versatility
Cheaper meters will require calibration before you can use them. Nevertheless, this is a straightforward process. More expensive models will offer you more details than the simple pH and temperature readings. They will tell you the electrical conductivity, the purity, and even the concentration through dispersed solids.
Functionality
You should be able to toggle between functions with ease. The initialization process should also be straightforward. This is where the auto-calibration function will prove to be useful.
Best Digital pH Meters
Digital pH meters can serve you for your entire life, provided that you take care of them. You’ll be able to use your device many years in a row to grow successful hydroponic crops.
Furthermore, digital meters are much better than manual ones, because they can test as frequently as you wish. You only need to remember to calibrate your meter in order to maintain its accuracy. If you overlook regular maintenance, your pH meter will let you down.
How To Care For Your pH Meter
First of all, male sure you read and understand the instructions your unit comes with. Here are a few considerations to help you care for your meter:
Our Recommendation
Koolamo Digital PH Meter
Conclusion
We hope this guide has helped you to learn more about pH meters and about the importance of closely monitoring your hydroponics.
Your choice of pH meter will depend on your budget, but also your specific needs and preferences.
We love the easy calibration of the Koolamo Digital, as well as its accurate measure display. We also love its price, and we believe this is the device that provides the best value for money.