Buying and using a ph/ec pen?

I have 2 pens, one is the bluelab and one is cheaper. The bluelab is best by far, doesn't need calibration anywhere near as much as the cheaper one. Kci fluid for storage, ph 4 and ph 7 solution for calibration are needed.

Get a pen that has parts you can replace if it breaks. and don't forget to get the calibration solutions and storage solutions. 4.01 + 7.01 + KCl, they sometimes have a three point calibration for liquid above 8PH 10.01 but growers don't need that, more for food safety stuff. Any brand of solution works, does not need to be theirs. do whatever is cheapest. Aperia is a great alt to bluelab and is better IMO. same price point. Their TDS + PH pen model has very specific storage directions, if you can't do that get TDS and PH pens separately or the probe tip will be damaged. Some of the models have interchangeable tips so you can have TDS tip, PH tip, PH soil tip and others. Check em out. Smart Premium is the best but not always needed. Email them for a discount and say you want to show it off on grow diaries, they should give you something. Premium Lineup https://aperainst.com/product/pocket-testers/premium-pocket-testers Smart Premium Lineup https://aperainst.com/product/pocket-testers/smart-pocket-testers Basic Linup https://aperainst.com/product/pocket-testers/value-pocket-testers Premium Weed Branded Lineup - same as premium just different colours. kinda dumb. https://aperainst.com/product/pocket-testers/grostar-pens Keep the probe wet, if it dries out don't turn it on till its been soaking for 24hrs. Clean it with soap and water once in a while. Use an old tooth brush if its got crusties on it. Follow the auto calibration guide when its requested or once a month. Do not reuse calibration solution it must be fresh. Don't contaminate your main bottle. only out, never back in. Good Luck!

Dont forget to buy some extra KCL Storage Solution and Calibration Fluids also. Bluelab is very nice👍

Agree on the quality pen, the cheap ones are OK, until they are not! One thing to consider is ensure you purchase the calibration liquid if the pen does not include the calibration solution.

- Buy a good one not a cheap one (bluelab is a good one) - Calibrate it often (at least once a month or when the flag "checked" disappear) - Keep it clean (especially the part that goes in the water) - Move the pen gently in the water while measuring to get the right value - Always put the cap on the pen