Do you need a tds/ec meter if you use well water? Just another newbie asking a newbie question
Absolutely. My well water has an ec of .385. I ended-up buying a cheap r/o system.
Ec/TDS helps you know if you’re over/underfeeding, as well as telling you how hard your water is. Both sets of info are important when growing.
5 Likes
Yes you’ll definitely want to but digital ph and tds meters
Stay away frim the dual Probe soil type meters 3 in 1 style they stink and i dont care fir the liquid either it leaves to much to interpretation imo
These two tools are probably the most important in the gardeners tool box @Zepman55
1 Like
Any recommendations say around 50$ is
1 Like
Give me one min @Zepman55
Heres a inexpensive starter set
Youll need to get the calibration fluid as well for ph meter and recliabrate as needed
https://www.amazon.com/Briidea-Digital-Quality-Accuracy-Readout/dp/B074M8F9RG?tag=greenrel-20
This one is popular with the other members but only does ph
https://www.amazon.com/Apera-Instruments-Value-Pocket-Tester/dp/B078NPH1W3?tag=greenrel-20
Here a tds meter for you as well if separate purchases are made
1 Like
10/4 Ian in your capable hand and your good graces thanks for the help
1 Like
No worries @Zepman55 anytime i can assist just tag me im on and off tbe site all day long during the week 
1 Like
The Apera tester is $45 while the other meters you listed are around $10 each. Is the Apera much more accurate - is that why it’s favored by a lot of members? Just wondering if it’s worth the additional expense or, maybe more importantly, really necessary. Money is tight and I just don’t need to be blowing any more than necessary right now. I’ll buy the Apera tester if it’s really worth spending the extra on but I wanted to understand why its worth the extra cost…if you don’t mind explaining a little further.
1 Like
Yes I believe the apera is worth the extra money
Although i dont own one i would trust the members on how well they work
the cheap ones will need to be calibrated much more often but i will post them for those on a budget
Any meter is better then none
I personally use a 600$ meter but it nit necessary to spend that kind of money either 
1 Like
Whats a good range for EC?
Can I have a recommendation for a TDS meter? I have a aperia ph20 for Ph, but need a tds. Don’t want to spend more than 20. If possible as I’ve heard you don’t have to spend big bucks for this meter?? ( is this correct) the one listed above isn’t available anymore. So help please!
1 Like
Myron L company makes a excellent conductivity meter. I have used one for over 20 years the same one in and Industrial environment . They’re pretty tough. Conductivity meters are not near as high maintenance as PH meters.
Please don’t waste your money on 1 of those cheap ph/tds meters from Amazon like I did.
Get the APERA!!! I bought the cheapo meters together as a set for $23.00, and it almost cost me my plant.
6 Likes
Cheap tds meters not cheap PH meters apera is solid.
4 Likes