From HYDRO4U@aol.comFri Oct 6 20:01:17 1995 Date: Fri, 6 Oct 1995 17:34:42 -0400 From: HYDRO4U@aol.com Reply to: hydro@Hawg.Stanford.EDU To: hydro@Hawg.Stanford.EDU Subject: Re: meters, etc In a message dated 95-10-06 10:08:17 EDT, you write: > >Hi, I'm looking for some feedback on what folks are using for test equipment >(ph, etc). I'm doing this from a hobby standpoint so can't afford big buck >stuff at this time. > >I just picked up a radioshack thermometer that has a built in hygrometer >and also has min/max temp. > >thanks in advance, >bob maccion >bmaccion@world.std.com > Bob, Most people use a simple aquarium pH test kit. Swimming pool kits generally start at pH 7.2 and go up, so they are of little use since you normally want to keep the pH between 6.0 and 7.0. The wide spectrum test kit by General Hydroponics reads from pH 4.0 to 8.5. The Wardley Jr. test kit reads from pH 6.2 to 7.2 so is a pretty good indicator. These kits use a solution such as bromide blue, which you put a couple of drops in a vial of your test water and match the color to a chart. Many people have trouble with the color charts. A pH test pen (meter) reads out digitally and is extremely accurate. The cost of a waterproof test pen is about $80.00 while the Wardley Jr. test kit is $2.50. Carl Anderson Virginia Hydroponics 368 Newtown Rd. #105 (804) 490-5425 Virginia Beach, VA 23462