TDS / EC / Temperature Meter

Electrical conductivity is the measure of all the ions that conduct electricity in a solution, and so reflects the concentration of nutrients present in the water. The more ions present in the solution (water + nutrients), the more electricity can be conducted between ions and, consequently, the higher the TDS / EC. Tracking the TDS / EC value is crucial, because if the water's conductivity is too high, you need to reduce the amount of nutrients added, or vice versa.

The TDS and EC meters can test the quality of liquids (drinking water, hydroponics, pools, aquariums, swimming pool water, etc.), ensuring water safety and quality.

Features

• High accuracy: the TDS and EC meters are highly accurate; digital TDS and EC range from 0 to 9990 ppm, temperature accuracy is 0.1 ℃ and the range is 0-99 ℃
• Self-calibrating LCD and backlit display: both measuring devices have a large backlit LCD display so you can read the measurement data accurately
• Smart features: the TDS and EC meter switches off automatically after 5 minutes. A handy auto shut-off function ensures long battery life.

Includes

• 1 x Electrical conductivity EC meter
• 1 x Pouch
• 1 x Manual

Why take measurements?

The main factors in maintaining nutrient solution quality are: solution temperature, electrical conductivity and pH.

Temperature

The solution temperature should stay around 25 °C and not exceed 28 °C. However, depending on the type of crop, some adjustments to the formulation are needed to control its specific characteristics. And it is important to always keep the solution protected from light to prevent algae from developing. In very hot regions, crops take up more water than nutrients, and more dilute solutions are needed.

Electrical conductivity

Electrical conductivity (EC, measured in millisiemens or mS) is measured daily to check the level of nutrient consumption. Electrical conductivity determines the amount of ions in the nutrient solution: the more ions, the higher the electrical conductivity. The ideal electrical conductivity varies according to the crop grown and the region (climate).

Solution pH

The ideal hydrogen potential (pH) for the nutrient solution should stay between 5.5 and 6.5. A nutrient solution outside this range prevents the plant from absorbing some nutrients. Nutrient uptake by the roots can change the pH of the solution, so pH must be measured daily.

The make-up of a good nutrient solution depends on the factors above; in hydroponic growing it replaces the minerals in the soil that nourish crops, hence its importance for the full, healthy development of plants, which find in it the basis of their nutrition.