ph and ppm/tds meters

I plan on doing a small hydro set up and I know that i will need to keep a close watch on the ph and ppm

Right now have only the ph tester with the vile and color strip (pain in the ass)

I checked eBay and saw many digital ph meters that are in the 10 to 25 dollar range, and the same with the digi ppm meters

Is there anything wrong with getting those cheaper models because I've seen some that range in the hundreds as well and I would like to keep this purchase relatively inexpensive

*also is there any other meter that I need for hydro?

i just ordered the second one you have posted, the HM TDS ez, it sould be here tommorrow or the day after. as for quality, i'll keep you posted. i just figured 20.00 with shipping, why not? might as well give it a try.

I spent about 80 bucks on a couple of milwalkee ph and ppm meters.. bought a cheap one on ebay and it was giving crazy readings.....

i agree with hot mary... i have the same ones. the ppm meter good and will last a good while and the ph meter junk.. if you take care of it may last a couple weeks. mine lasted a week and they wouldn't warranty it. Even kept the electrode wet with the ph solution and was still crappy. jmo

Remember What Thay Do Is Critical,ive Got Okton Ph And Ppm They Were About 75 Each.

don't waste money, the ph/ppm you get will be your lifeline to whats going on during hydro. buy brand name on this one.

i have to agree with greenthumb, a high end meter will cost more up front but will more than pay for itself over time, i have bought cheap ones before and its nothing but a pain in the ass, there are some kick ass meters in the $60-100 range, i have a hanna ph and ppm pens and they work good, i think they were like $60 each

also with those you have to watch out for stuff building up on the bulb, it will give you crazy high readings, i use florakleen when they start reading high

Don't skimp on the PH meter. The TDS will probably be ok as it is not as imperative to be accurate. Cheap meters lose calibration quickly. Also, make sure whatever you buy is ATC (auto temperature compensating). HI98129 is a good Hanna combo meter for about $130. You can get the individuals for about $60-70 ea.

tds and ph are vary importent to waht your doing i wouldnt wast your time/$$$ trying to use a cheep meter that is unreliable and giveing inconsistant readings it will drive you nuts. if you can pony up adn get a 200-300$ meter i would do it but a 20$ meter is still better then none.

-rfdc