Alternative to Bluelab equipment (Guardian/pH doser, etc)

[thelittleninja]

Hi Guys,

I'm setting up a new grow room and was wondering if there is a better alternative to Bluelab equipment?

Before, I was using both their pH doser and guardian however I wasn't happy with them because fully calibrated brand new probes showed different values in the same 500L reservoir.

I even added a 2nd guardian and that also showed a 3rd different pH reading. i.e. the pH doser would show 5.6, one guardian would show 5.7 and another would show 5.8. The only thing they showed the same was the conductivity and temperature.

I guess I could live with this if I had a more accurate meter that constantly showed pH.

Any ideas?

 

[hotrodharley]

Hi Guys,

I'm setting up a new grow room and was wondering if there is a better alternative to Bluelab equipment?

Before, I was using both their pH doser and guardian however I wasn't happy with them because fully calibrated brand new probes showed different values in the same 500L reservoir.

I even added a 2nd guardian and that also showed a 3rd different pH reading. i.e. the pH doser would show 5.6, one guardian would show 5.7 and another would show 5.8. The only thing they showed the same was the conductivity and temperature.

I guess I could live with this if I had a more accurate meter that constantly showed pH.

Any ideas?

Are you talking handheld or total control units? Check Hanna for any of it. Used in reference labs around the world. Way more affordable than Blue.

 

[thelittleninja]

Hey Buddy. Wall mounted control units that I will monitor with remote ip cameras. Have been looking at Milwaukee Instruments as well. They look pretty good.

 

[hotrodharley]

Hey Buddy. Wall mounted control units that I will monitor with remote ip cameras. Have been looking at Milwaukee Instruments as well. They look pretty good.

https://hannainst.com/industrial-grade-ph-and-tds-controller-with-proportional-fertilizer-dosing.html?gclid=CjwKCAjwnMTqBRAzEiwAEF3ndrW5qbAeXDe49-mW2UvBBMbj64RUOoIj97PywA2ljFezRMvXkYpJbhoCLL0QAvD_BwE

https://hannainst.com/bl981411-ph-mini-controller.html?gclid=CjwKCAjwnMTqBRAzEiwAEF3ndkBHaJsVWmKnLI2UDZnrknu1YQ2lMkW7vlFuhkeUV0D5nDcAhP6gwBoCtgkQAvD_BwE

Big price difference.

 

[thelittleninja]

Thanks Buddy.

I'll still keep my bluelab pH controller for dosing as I have one already and a spare. However, I will order an on-the-wall pH meter from both Hanna and Milwaukee Instruments and use them as a reference to adjust my Bluelab and keep it in check.

 

[Dr. Who]

HANNA hands down the standard for lab equipment.

just don't buy any multimeter pens!

 

[thelittleninja]

HANNA hands down the standard for lab equipment.
just don't buy any multimeter pens!

I learnt that lesson a long time ago, I kept forgetting about them and letting them dry out.. garbage.

 

[Dr. Who]

I learnt that lesson a long time ago, I kept forgetting about them and letting them dry out.. garbage.

Yup! Then you have to over pay for a new probe tip...no matter the brand - NO MULTI METER PENS!

 

[2com]

I didn't know this about Hanna being "lab quality" meters. Interesting. Thanks guys.
I'm also looking for an (affordable) auto dosing setup, for at least pH, maybe other inputs. I'll have to look up Hanna now too.

 

[tk240]

I recommend Apera Instruments PH60 pen. Quality, accurate and has replaceable probe at a reasonable cost that isn't 80% the price of a brand new unit.

 

[2com]

I recommend Apera Instruments PH60 pen. Quality, accurate and has replaceable probe at a reasonable cost that isn't 80% the price of a brand new unit.

After the reviews of Apera customer service, I'll pass on that brand. Also, pen devices in general.