I have been reading alot about EC, PPM, TDS meters but still dont quite have a good understanding on which meter would be right for me. I have read that PPM and EC basically read the same thing but you have to use conversion/mathematics. I will have a simple system 4 plants max fed from a 10 gal res. I purchased 3 part nute system from advanced nutrients. Alot of these meters are pricey but they say well worth it. What do you all use to keep your nutrient to volume of water accurate. What is a good meter for a beginner that is easy to understand and is accurate. I am growing Hydropnically.

Thanks Folks!

Usually PPM meter and EC meter are one in the same. Push of a button to change the display. Mine is from Hanna and also reads PH. You won't feel like checking this stuff all the time but it is the only way to really know what is going on with your system. A worthwhile investment no doubt.

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Jay could you throw that happy plants/CA statement on those docs?

PPM and TDS read the same and there is no math conversion. If the bottle says add 200 PPM by adding 3 ML per gallon or something then you would add the recommended amount say 3 ML to a gallon and put the pen in the water and it will say you added 200 PPM if you did it right. Remember to check the PPM of your water before you add anything because your water will already have a PPM of say 150 just to throw a number out there, in that case if you needed to put 200 PPM/TDS of nutes in, you would put that 200 PPM/TDS on top of the 150 PPM/TDS that is already in the water so your PPM/TDS would now be 150 plus the 200 giving you 350 PPM/TDS reading on your pen.
PPM stands for parts per million and TDS stands for total dissolved solids. The PPM pens seem to be the easiest IMO and seem to be more compatible with different nutrient directions.
Hope this helps some, but yes you def need one IMO and a PH pen.
Adieu

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Thats kewl thanks for the replies. In your opinion, do you all think investing in ph up/down is worth it or is vinegar and baking soda just as effective

thanks

PH up and down is worth it. It's precise and well tested etc.

I bought a Hanna GroCheck continuous meter. It's like $120 at some pretty big online hydro stores (bghydro.com). I keep it in my water 100% of the time. I'm lazy like that

Also when you get a meter, take note of which calibration fluid you'll need for the EC/TDS and buy some. Buy some PH fluids also.

Thats kewl I will invest in the meter and the up/down solution. Just out of curiosity do you apply the up/down?

hey godbud ,
i happened across ppl. in arizona on ebay w/ killer prices on ppm n p.h pens . i got a milwakee p/h pen for 22.50 from em and the sell in our local hydro store for like 90.00 . w/o the proper tools you risk serious probs. such as nute lok out due to p/h flux. n burning plants from ppm being too high .
peace
crispi

I personally use the gerneral hydroponics PH up and down, yes. As needed.

When I only had tap water, my PH was very high, so I had to use ph down. Now that I have a water filter, my PH usually goes a little too low for hydro after I add nutrients and supplements. So I generally need no more than 2 drops or so of ph up to get my PH to 5.8 where I keep it. They're very poweful! A few drops is all you need, so quart bottles will last forever.

FYI...Advanced Nutrients 3-part is a copy of GH 3-part.

Next. get milwaukee meters...you won't be sorry...I got both mine off ebay...I use a milwaukee ph pen and a milwaukee sm-301 smartmeter (EC)
I have had them both over a year almost 2 and no problems. My local hydro store dealer told me he switched to milwaukee exclusively and avoids Hanna at all costs. He claims hanna has terrible customer service.

Thanks for the input folks. I purchased a HANNA HI991404 GroChek pH/EC/TDS/TEMP Monitor/Meter/Tester. I hope I dont regret it after what Latewood stated but it seems like a pretty good meter and it does it all. I spent about a bone forty on it. Comes with AC power adapter so no messing with batteries a feature I really liked. Also comes with all the calibrating solutions. What the hell I am just gonna roll with it. If it flakes on me and Hanna gives me the dickaround then I will try another brand as Latewood suggested. I called Advanced Nutrients and this dude answered. He was super cool and pretty much knew what I was talking about regarding what I was planning on growing and gave me lots of info. He was in BC Canada. One thing I do have a question about is Hydroton and net pots how in the hell do you keep that medium from falling into the res. I am going with cutting out holes in the lid and letting the roots just grow down into the solution.

Thanks brothas!

In a perfect world you'd have an airstone in the res if the roots will be resting in it, as roots need oxygen and will theoretically "drown" under water.

That being said, it won't kill your plants and I've "seen" plants that had massive root masses under water at all times in a res without an airstone and the plants were fine.

If price isn't an issue put an airstone in each bucket if you want optimized results.

With regard to your question about the Hydroton going through the holes, most planter tops I've come across have small enough holes that the corn won't fall through; if the holes in your tops are too large, somebody sold you the wrong product. It's no big deal if a few corns fall through here and there, though.

After many grows...I came across a 3.5" holesaw...and I bought 3.75" netpots...they fit perfect into hole, tightly.

as far as hydroton...See above...netpots are designed to hold in inert medium's...peace