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5 Best pH Meter for Hydroponics – Reviews and Buying Guide

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The typical task in hydroponic gardening is to measure the nutrient solutions’ water quality and pH level. If this track of detail is not followed, the plants will weaken.

The best pH meter for hydroponics will help you monitor the germination and growth process. Your hydroponic plants need the right minerals and temperatures for healthy development.

Typically, this device can help you examine the temperature and pH level. It is unique because it measures the pH condition for acidic and alkaline solutions.

It has simple two-point calibration plus automatic temperature compensation (ATC), which is helpful. Likewise, it features a glass probe that can be replaced to test different solutions without compromising accuracy.

This best pH meter for hydroponics has a bright LCD, a calibration reminder, and a dual pH display that allows you to use it in harsh conditions.

Thanks to the stable smiley icon, it can be displayed when the solution is measured, and the reading becomes stable and accurate. It features the probe cleaning brush that cleans the probe, prevents contamination and offers accurate readings.

Likewise, it has a carry case for storing device and measurement components. The dual double junction probe improves reliability, durability, and accuracy. So, buy the best pH meter for hydroponics to get the best out of it.

Apera Instruments AI311 PH60 Premium Series Waterproof pH Meter Best pH Meter for Hydroponics 2
Apera Instruments AI311 PH60 Premium Series Waterproof pH Meter via Amazon

Factors To Consider When Buying The Best Best Ph Meter For Hydroponics

PH meter precision

It is crucial to consider precision when buying the best pH meter for hydroponics. If the precision is not the same, there may be some discrepancy in the readings.

This may be hazardous as most pH meters contain an accuracy of minus or plus 0.2. The dissimilarity between the 0.2 readings below and above is not good.

Portability

Sometimes you require immediate readings; the pH meter for hydroponics needs to be portable. Taking and moving the samples in all directions inside a lab or elsewhere can change readings.

Thus the pH meter must be small, lightweight, and sleek for instant results. This also maintains the accuracy of the pH meter.

Purpose

The purpose of the pH meter also is very significant. If you don’t know why you’re buying a pH meter or don’t know how the pH meter is used, it’s not worth buying. It would be a great idea to consider it.

There are other pH meters with different instructions for use and pH findings. The most important thing is to have the correct information.

First, find out what purpose you will buy a pH meter. When you buy a pH meter for hydroponic, know the garden soil. Learn about the features and usage of various pH meters and buy the one that will give you the best benefits.

Temperature

Temperature is important to consider when buying the best pH meter for hydroponics. You can change the composition of matters and their chemistry. Ensure the sample temperature is average, not too hot and cold. The ideal temperature guarantees a balanced pH and immediate results.

At high temperatures, the sample may change shape and activity, altering the pH results. Cold conditions also lead to abnormal pH. For accurate outcomes, the pH meter must be calibrated like the sample temperature.

Build and design

Most pH meters have a sturdy and robust design. However, some are very fragile and sleek; thus, they can be broken or damaged. They also have automatic sensor bulbs to detect or measure pH. Sometimes the bulbs have delicate glass sensors.

People go for the pH meter with a cap to protect a bulb sensor and provide accurate readings. Also, the pH meters measure temperature, which people prefer because they have two functions to measure temperature and pH.

Ease of use

The pH meter must be easy to use. It is necessary to immerse the pH meter for hydroponic inside the sample for immediate results. There should be no complications when using a pH meter.

Thus it should be simple, as small as a pen, and lightweight so that you can take it anywhere. Several pH meters are even capped. Typically, this protects the pH meter so that the sensor is protected and covered.

PH probe type

There are probes, which are replaceable and detachable. The benefit is that it’s possible to maintain the central unit if the probe reaches its lifespan. Another pH probe type is a complete unit. This probe is more affordable and easy to maintain.

Electrode type

The sealed electrodes are simple to use and need only essential maintenance. The refillable electrodes are rejuvenated to extend the lifespan. Also, there are solid-state electrodes, which are exact and have a high resolution of the pH units.

Price

When buying the best pH meter for hydroponics, you need to consider the price. When you want to create a better purchase, you need to have a better budget to receive what you purchase.

You usually get what you buy for the pH meters, but consider the best product that gives the correct measurement.

Calibration

It’s very significant to check the pH meters’ calibration. Each meter must be calibrated to ensure that it meets the standard values or else is within the range.

It is essential to verify the accuracy, as carefully calibrated instruments will tear and wear out after a few years of use, reducing the efficiency and accuracy of the pH meter. Digital pH meters should also be calibrated using a colored liquid with identified pH values.

Each pH meter contains a different calibration, which means several methods are employed to calibrate pH meters. Also, some have automatic calibration while others have manual or two- or three-automation calibration.

Response time

The pH meter for hydroponics is supposed to have a response time, which is fast. This means it should be quick and accurate to get the most out of the appliance. If your pH meter has a slow response, your experimentation, work or research in the hydroponic garden may be delayed.

Whether you want to test the soil in the garden and need instant results, your pH meter must contain fat. Also, there is no time to wait to get results. However, it would be best to wait 30-50 seconds for balanced and accurate results.

Tips for correct pH meter testing

The hydroponic plants are very sensitive to pH conditions. For best results, plants must have the correct pH. The following tips will ensure that your tests are very accurate:

  1. Choose the correct pH meter for the test

The pH testing is significant in hydroponic gardening. Typically, the meters used are digital and provide reliable readings, and most of them are inexpensive.

  1. Get the right electrode

The electrode is a sensor and comes into contact with a growing solution. Made of glass, it ensures that the one you select is the most dependable for testing the growing conditions for the plant.

  1. Keep the electrode clean

Do not clean the electrodes as this may interfere with the charged sensor, rinse them with filtered water instead. Keep them properly between uses, and do not touch the glass bulbs with oily fingers.


5 Best pH Meter for Hydroponics

1. Bluelab PENPH Digital Meter pH for Hydroponic

Bluelab PENPH Digital Meter pH for Hydroponic Best pH Meter for Hydroponics

Bluelab has developed this best pH meter for hydroponics in growing tents, drinking water, swimming pool, aquarium, brewing, and fish tanks.

It helps measure pH in the nutrient solution (alkaline or acid) for precise down up adjustment with the laboratory quality glass probe. In all honesty, it comes with the ATC, which can offer a consistent reading despite any temperature fluctuations.

Similarly, this pH meter has a durable design with repeated uses that float and waterproof solutions. You will get the double junction electrode with a long lifespan compared to the standard probes because of less contamination.

Equally important, it is more reliable and accurate than comparable drops, test strips, pens, and more.

Combined with the ppm meters, it ensures complete monitoring of indoor garden nutrients in soil and water. Also, you will get other features like units for temperature, low battery indicator, and auto-off function.

What is more, it comes with a 1-year warranty with purchase proof, which makes it convenient because you work with it without any fear of breakage.

Pros
  • Provides consistent reading
  • It is fully waterproof
  • Auto-off function
  • It is more reliable and accurate
  • Easy calibration
  • It comes with a warranty
  • Low battery indicator
  • It can withstand the drops, deep-water plunges, and knocks
  • Fast readings
  • It has a superior design
  • Convenient
  • Automatic temperature compensation
Cons
  • It doesn’t come with the calibration kit

2. Apera Instruments AI311 PH60 Premium Series Waterproof pH Meter

Apera Instruments AI311 PH60 Premium Series Waterproof pH Meter Best pH Meter for Hydroponics

Many people are going for this Apera model because it comes in a complete kit with calibration bottles, ready-to-use calibration solutions storage solutions, and AAA batteries.

For one thing, it comes with an auto power-off that has eight minutes without operation. Thanks to the automatic temperature compensation (ATC), it can ensure accuracy in different temperatures of 32 to 122˚F.

I really appreciate the replaceable and high-quality glass pH probe because it is ideal for regular water solutions like pools and spas, beverages, environmental monitoring, hydroponics, cooling towers, etc.

In like manner, this pH meter has a large LCD with three backlit colors that indicate different modes, reminders of stable readings and completed calibrations, and a dual display of temperature/pH.

The smiley icon can indicate the stable readings, not guess when the correct time to record measurement is.

Also, this pH meter has an automatic reading lock, which does not guess the reading when held manually for readings. It is self-diagnosis that can tell you what can go wrong when calibrating and how to fix it.

Pros
  • It has the automatic reading lock
  • Automatic temperature compensation
  • It turns off automatic for some minutes if it is not operating
  • Ready-to-use calibration solutions
  • It ensures accuracy in different temperatures
  • Rugged portable case
  • Indicates stable readings
  • It is self-diagnosis
  • Stable and accurate measurements
  • It has a fast response
  • Easy to install
  • It is water-resistant
  • It is reliable
  • Strong and rugged
  • Compatible with other pH electrodes
  • Minimalist user interface
Cons
  • It is relatively expensive

3. Bluelab METCOM Combo Easy-Calibration pH Meter for Hydroponic

Bluelab METCOM Combo Easy Calibration pH Meter for Hydroponic Best pH Meter for Hydroponics

If you want the best pH meter for general use like growing tent, hydroponics, drinking water, and swimming pool, go for this product from Bluelab.

It comes with the conductivity (TDS) level to ensure the plants get the balanced feed, temperature, and pH down and up with a laboratory quality glass probe. This pH meter comes with a low battery indicator, auto-off function, and units for temperature.

There is the ATC, which can provide consistent reading despite any temperature fluctuations. Likewise, it has conductivity scales that include EC, CF, and PPM.

Combined with Bluelab controllers and meters, it can ensure complete indoor lawn nutrient monitoring in soil and water. This model is unique because it is ready to use and come factory calibrated.

Thanks to the double-junction probe, it reduces the buildup on the probe to increase lifespan and consistent readings.

On the other hand, it has a 30-day calibration indicator, easily observed on the meter’s screen. Besides, it is portable and doesn’t need a power supply to operate where you can get accurate and quick readings anywhere and anytime.

Pros
  • Offers consistent reading
  • Ready to use
  • It offers consistent readings
  • Easy pH calibration
  • Accurate and fast readings
  • Lightweight and portable
  • No calibration is needed for temperature and conductivity
  • Easy to read
  • Low battery indicator
  • Auto-off function
  • Simple and reliable
Cons
  • The display is not backlit

4. Dr.meter Upgraded Pen-PH838 0.01 Resolution High 0-14pH pH Meter

Dr.meter Upgraded Pen PH838 0.01 Resolution High 0 14pH pH Meter Best pH Meter for Hydroponics

The first thing you will notice with this pH meter product from Dr.meter is that the design is simple. For instance, it comes with 3-point calibration procedures where the device automatically recognizes the calibration solution to give you the readings in a snap.

In a like manner, it has an automatic temperature compensation that can ensure you are getting the best reading.

Additionally, this pH meter has a range of 0 to 70 degrees; therefore, you can test the hydroponic in any environment. There is a backlit LCD that helps display the information in the intuitive layout to see even in the low visibility situation.

When a pH value is 3.5 and lower than that or 12.5 and higher than that, a white digital display can change to red and then flash to warn you.

I really appreciate the sensitive electrode, low impedance glass film, and premium integrated chip because you will get the accurate readings very fast with a resolution of 0.01.

Alternatively, this best pH meter for hydroponic has an anti-slip design on both PH tester edges to prevent it from breaking if you drop it. Even more, it comes with a storage case that can keep it protected and safe when you are on the go.

Pros
  • It has automatic calibration
  • Automatic temperature compensation
  • Clear digital display
  • It is user friendly
  • 15-minute auto-off functionality
  • Accurate readings quickly
  • It is anti-slip
  • Portable carrying case
  • Easy to use
  • The design is simple
  • It is well-written
  • Easy to understand.
  • Accuracy and nice resolution
  • Portable and lightweight
Cons
  • It breaks easily

5. VIVOSUN 3-in-1 ±0.1 Accuracy Digital pH Meter for Hydroponic

VIVOSUN 3 in 1 ±0.1 Accuracy Digital pH Meter for Hydroponic Best pH Meter for Hydroponics

The VIVOSUN model is 3-in-1, where you can correctly measure pH, temperature values, and TDS to discover the water quality to ensure the family’s health.

Featuring three-point calibration, this pH meter can automatically identify the calibration solutions of pH 9.18, pH 4.00, and pH 6.86. Equally important, it has a highly sensitive probe to give you the entire measurement range of 0 to 14 pH with 0.01 pH resolution.

The backlit display can ensure you read the results under any condition. With the accurate automatic temperature compensation, the pH/TDS/EC/temp function can precisely read the sample values across the temperature range between 32 °F and 140 °F.

Also, the ATC function helps to solve the inaccurate measurements problem caused by liquid temperature changes.

Similarly, this model has the lock function that locks the reading results, making it easy to record and read. The pocket-sized design and multi-functional feature make it ideal for daily use when testing drinking water and as a family and friends gift.

Above all, it comes with an electrode with composite glass, which gives agile precision and response.

Pros
  • It is 3-in-1
  • Automatic temperature compensation
  • It has automatic calibration
  • It is multi-functional
  • Easy to use
  • It is pocket-sized
  • Auto shut-off function
  • It is reliable
  • Easy to record and read
  • High accuracy and sensitivity
  • Easy to calibrate
Cons
  • It has misleading instructions

Conclusion

To get the best pH meter for hydroponic, you need to consider the above factors. Also, the above products can help you determine how much nutrient solution and water your plant needs.

The advantage of these products is that you can adjust and monitor all variables to get maximum plant growth.

The best-selling one is VIVOSUN 3-in-1 ±0.1 Accuracy Digital pH Meter for Hydroponic because it has a backlit display, which can ensure you read the results under any condition.

Likewise, it comes with the ATC function, which helps solve the inaccurate measurements problem. This product has attained the above factors because it has a backlit display to help read the results and has the ATC function to solve the inaccurate measurements problem.