New setup questions

Hey all,
Currently I’m setting up a 2 plant RDWC and I’m curious if it’s worth is to buy a ph/ec/temp monitor/controller? And if it is any recommendations?
My next run is going to be 2 Gelato Fem from i49. Under an HLG 600 V2 Rspec, advanced nutrients, 70/L per min air pump with (2) 4x2 air stones, 5x5 tent with SCRoG, in (2) 13 gal EzStor buckets with 13 gal reservoir.
I’m using (4) 7gal totes DWC and have to check each one individually, each tote is different ph,ec/tds. It’s been a chore monitoring each one. But it’s nice to be able to customize to each plants needs.

DeadSilent said:

’m curious if it’s worth is to buy a ph/ec/temp monitor/controller?

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i've been fine with a an EC meter and a pH meter. some people want to see the #'s all the time and buy a monitor.
personal preference and budget

A controller isnt economical for each bucket.

I joined all my DWC totes together and use a controller.

Just one controller for two buckets. I’ll place it in the main tank. The system I’m putting together is designed to be expandable. Going off the PA hydro “Fallponics” system. I can’t seem to find anything that’s not $250 or more. So if anybody knows a decent brand.

It's not something I'd buy but I would've at one point.
I'd advise you to save your money but if you want to buy it I can relate to that so go for it.

Blue lab is difficult to go past but probably expensive.

I use guardians in the flower room because I want to keep a keen eye on them at that point, for everything else, I have a handful of cheapo pH meters which I just chuck out every few months and a bluelab truncheon for PPM. I've never found the use for a doser/controller. That's something you want control over imo. Nothing should be swinging that wildly that you cant leave it for 3 days ad if it is, you have more problems than needing a controller.

Your grow size and style comes into the equation, me with 4/5 pots of coco doesn't need anything as extravagant there's not really much to go wrong besides user error, I can mix my nutrient and forget about for a week it's only when the tank runs low (5/10ltr) the ph start to drop a few points per day.
I've blue lab truncheon for ppm and a €40 ph pen that's near enough provided I keep it calibrated, I only need a few points either side of ph6.0 and I'm happy enough.

Thanks guys. I’ve been looking at the Bluelabs monitor. I haven’t found anything that’s reliable for cheaper than those. I prefer to adjust ph myself. But the setup I’m running now is a pain. Checking and adjusting 4 individually seems like a lot more work than it should be running the same strain. (I know 4 plants is nothing compared to others) I’ve been using AN and I haven’t had any problems with ph swings. I’m thinking it’ll be nicer/easier to just peak in and see what’s going on.

firsttimeARE said:

A controller isnt economical for each bucket.

I joined all my DWC totes together and use a controller.

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That’s a nice setup you have going. Do you have any problem with algae and those totes? I have similar ones and the tops don’t block light very well. I had an issue a few weeks ago but cleaned my totes and put panda film on top and everything’s been good since.

DeadSilent said:

That’s a nice setup you have going. Do you have any problem with algae and those totes? I have similar ones and the tops don’t block light very well. I had an issue a few weeks ago but cleaned my totes and put panda film on top and everything’s been good since.

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I get a little on the inside of the yellow tote. But mostly nothing. Doesnt harm the plants. I may cover them with black/white Poly at some point