Best 6 EC Meters for Hydroponics That Are Trusted By Gardeners
Managing a grow room or an indoor garden is fun but not very easy. From installing the right lighting system to maintaining the right conditions in the room, you need to ensure that everything is in check.
You also have to supply the growing plants with the right nutrients to thrive and produce higher yields. To make your work easier, you need to have a quality electrical meter to check if you’re supplying your crops with the right amount of nutrients.
That’s why you need to select an accurate EC meter to find out if you need to increase or reduce the level of nutrients in your hydroponic solution.
Observing your hydroponic solution will help you know if your growing plants are consuming the right amount of nutrients or if you will have to reduce or add them.
Since there are so many EC meters on the market, picking the best one for your indoor garden or grow tent is vital. We conducted thorough research and selected some of the most outstanding electro-conductivity meters for hydroponic use. These meters have lots of positive reviews and are from reliable brands.
bluelab pH Pen-Digital pH Tester
AERO-GRO Digital 5-in-1 Meter IP67 Waterproof, Pen-Type Tester
Bluelab BLU2221 ppm Pen EC Meter
Hanna Combo pH/EC/TDC/C/PPM Tester HI98129
Apera Instruments PC60 Waterproof EC/pH Meter
Bluelab BLU27100 Guardian Monitor for Plant Germination
Here are the 6 best EC meters for hydroponic use:
bluelab pH Pen-Digital pH Tester
What We Like About This Product
Bluelab’s pH Pen stands out for its precision in measuring pH levels in various solutions, making it ideal for applications like hydroponics, aquariums, and brewing.
Product Overview
This digital pH tester is designed to measure pH and temperature in solutions and soil accurately. It features a lab-quality glass probe and Automatic Temperature Compensation (ATC), ensuring consistent readings regardless of temperature fluctuations.
The pH pen is fully waterproof and has a double junction electrode for increased lifespan and reliability.
Pros
- Accurate pH and temperature readings.
- Fully waterproof, enhancing durability.
- ATC for consistent readings.
- User-friendly with a simple two-point calibration process.
- Double-junction electrode for enhanced accuracy.
- Includes necessary accessories like battery, lanyard, and calibration solution.
- 1-Year Limited Warranty.
Cons
- If dry, the probe requires soaking in KCL solution, which is sold separately.
- It may require regular calibration for optimal performance.
Verdict
The Bluelab pH Pen is a reliable and precise tool for anyone needing accurate pH measurements, particularly in hydroponic setups or aquariums.
Its robust and waterproof design and user-friendly interface make it a top choice for optimizing plant health and performance.
AERO-GRO Digital 5-in-1 Meter IP67 Waterproof, Pen-Type Tester
What We Liked Most About the Product
The AERO-GRO Digital 5-in-1 Meter is versatile, offering five crucial functions in one compact, pen-type tester.
Ideal for hydroponics, water quality testing, and more, this device measures pH, TDS, EC, Salinity%, and Temperature.
Its IP67 waterproof rating is a significant advantage, ensuring durability and resilience in various environments.
Product Overview
Efficiency and precision define the AERO-GRO 5-in-1 Meter. It’s easy-to-read display and intuitive design make it a user-friendly tool for novices and professionals.
The pen-type form factor is convenient for on-the-go measurements, and the waterproof feature allows for worry-free water use.
Including temperature readings alongside salinity, EC, and pH levels makes it a reliable tool for ensuring optimal conditions in hydroponics setups, aquariums, spas, and even winemaking.
Pros
- Multi-functional: Measures pH, TDS, EC, Salinity, and Temperature.
- User-friendly: Simple operation with clear display.
- IP67 Waterproof: Suitable for use in moist environments.
- Portable Design: Pen-type meter for easy handling.
- Broad Application: Ideal for hydroponics, aquariums, and more.
Cons
- Battery Life: This may require frequent battery changes.
- Calibration: Regular calibration is needed for accuracy.
Overall, the AERO-GRO Digital 5-in-1 Meter is a reliable, multi-functional device that caters to various measurement needs, making it a valuable tool for anyone involved in hydroponics, water treatment, or similar fields.
Bluelab BLU2221 ppm Pen EC Meter
What We Liked Most About the Product
Bluelab is the most sought-after EC meter brand on the market. They boast of quality, reliable, and accurate EC meters.
The Bluelab BLU2221 ppm pen electro-conductivity meter is a fantastic tool for measuring the number of dissolved salts in your hydroponic solutions. Besides, you can also use it to test the temperature of your nutrient solution.
What we like most about this device is that it provides accurate results, and it is fully waterproof. As a result, you can depend on it for many years as long as you maintain it well.
Product Overview
The Bluelab BLU2221 ppm pen meter can also be utilized to measure the temperature of your hydroponic solution. It can measure temperature from 0 to 50 degrees Celsius or 32 degrees to 122 degrees Fahrenheit, with an accuracy level of 1 degree Celsius or 2 degrees Fahrenheit.
Additionally, it measures conductivity within a range of between 0.0 and 10.0 EC with a resolution of 0.1. Furthermore, it has a ppm range of 0 to 500 ppm and 0 to 700 ppm in 10 ppm increments.
Similar to other devices on this list, the Bluelab is a compact and portable device. It is also easy to use and calibrate. You will know the nutrient level in your hydroponic solution quickly than with most devices.
The large backlit LCD display enables you to view results even in poorly lit environments. With the hold button, you can read results later.
Unlike some EC meters that don’t alert you when the battery gets low, this tester has a battery level indicator. So, you will know when to replace the batteries.
The only challenge you will face is using the backlight display, which shuts off after less than 3 seconds.
Pros
- Sturdy piece
- Easy to calibrate
- Straightforward to use
- Clear instructions
- Extremely accurate
- Waterproof design
- Low battery indicator
- The automatic shut-off saves power
Cons
- It is quite expensive
- The backlight display shuts off quicker than expected
The Bluelab Blu2221 pen EC meter is a quality and durable device that will allow you to know the nutrient levels in your hydroponic solution. As a result, you will correct the nutrient level to ensure that your plants grow smoothly.
Hanna Combo pH/EC/TDC/C/PPM Tester HI98129
What We Liked Most About the Product
Hanna is another top EC meter brand. Established in 1978, Hanna instruments manufacturers’ analytical instrumentation and supplies make EC meters, PH meters, chemical reagents, buffer solutions, and electrodes.
They produce quality and accurate electrical conductivity meters that are used in laboratories, indoor gardens, aquariums, and even hospitals.
The Hanna Combo pH/EC tester is a reliable and quality meter that you can use to grow healthy crops. It runs on 4x 1.5V batteries, which are cheap and easy to find.
However, the most exceptional feature of this EC meter is the replaceable electrodes, which prolongs the life of the device as you can change them after a few years of use.
Product Overview
The Hanna Combo pH/EC meter features an automatic calibration at one or two points with two sets of memorized buffer values for straightforward use. On top of that, it has automatic temperature compensation that gets rid of additional calculations.
The meter also offers broader ranges to the user. To start with, it has a temperature range of 0.0 to 60.0 degrees Celsius/ 32.0 to 140.0 degrees Fahrenheit, a pH range of 0.0 to 14.0, a TDS range of 0 to 2000 ppm, and EC range of 0 to 3999 uS/cm.
Using the tester is simple and straightforward. It comes with an LCD screen for displaying readings even in poor light conditions.
Furthermore, it has an automatic shut-off to save battery power. With a waterproof body and lightweight design, the meter will float on water without being managed.
The HI 98129 meter features an EC electrode that can withstand salts and other corrosives. But to acquire this EC meter, you will have to pay more. Also, it has a 1-year warranty, which is short-lived considering its initial price.
Pros
- It has an automatic shut-off that saves battery life
- Easy to use
- Automatic calibration at one or two points
- A sturdy unit as it is waterproof
- Versatile device
- Replaceable electrodes prolong the life of the unit
Cons
- It has a short warranty – 1-year pen and 6-months on the electrode
- It is quite expensive
Generally, the Hanna Combo EC meter is a durable and versatile device that you can use to test both EC and pH of your hydroponic solution. With the replaceable electrodes, you will use this meter for long as you can change them when they become worn out.
Apera Instruments Premium Series PC60 pH/EC/TDS/Salinity Tester Kit
What We Liked Most About the Product
Apera Instruments Premium Series pH/EC meter may not be as popular as Bluelab or Hanna, but it is still a quality meter for testing your hydroponic solution. The device is compact and lightweight for easy carrying. It can be utilized to test EC, pH, temperature, TDS, and salinity.
With this device, you will always get quick, accurate, and reliable readings. Use it to test the EC of your aquarium, pools, hydroponics, pools, and even spas.
The most outstanding thing about this electrical conductivity meter is the replaceable probe. The probe prolongs the life of the unit as you can change it when it wears out.
Product Overview
Powered by 4X AAA batteries, the Apera Instruments PC60 multi-parameter tester can run for 1000 hours before changing the batteries.
It is also compact with a durable design that withstands both water and dust. This is because it comes with an IP67 rating.
The device delivers accurate readings thanks to Apera’s unique brush-resistant platinum black sensor. Aside from that, the device has an automatic calibration that recognizes 5 different types of pH buffer solutions.
Additionally, it has different ranges to pick from, which include 0 ppm to 10 ppt, 2.0 to 16.0, 0 to 20.0 mS/cm, and 0 to 50 degrees Celsius auto temperature compensation.
Equipped with a large 2-color backlit LCD screen, you will have an easy time reading results even in dim areas. Hold the auto-hold function if you’re busy and read results later.
And when the probe gets worn out, simply buy new probes and replace them to prolong the life of the meter.
Pros
- Robust design
- Simple to use
- Outstanding run time of up to 1000 hours
- Easy to calibrate
- Versatile device
- The auto-hold function allows you to read results later
- Easy to read results even in the dark
- A compact and lightweight device
- Replaceable multimeter probe for longevity
- 2-year limited warranty
Cons
- Many users have complained that the device does not remain calibrated for long
If you want a professional EC/pH/TDS meter for your large grow room or greenhouse, then this is the tester for you. It delivers accurate results and it is durable. However, it is slightly costly when compared to other EC meters.
Bluelab BLU27100 Guardian Monitor for Plant Germination
What We Liked Most About the Product
If you’re ready to spend to get one of the best EC meters for hydroponics, then you will love the Bluelab Guardian Monitor tester.
The Bluelab BLU27100 Guardian Monitor is a high-quality EC tester that is best suited for large grow rooms. It ensures that you supply your hydroponic solution with the right nutrients for proper growth throughout different stages.
What we liked most about the Bluelab BLU27100 Guardian Monitor is that it displays all the three crucial parameters for the smooth growth of your plants. These are pH, EC, and temperature.
Product Overview
The Bluelab BLU27100 EC meter is easy to use with a push-button. On top of that, it features a large display for quick and easy reading of test results.
You will enjoy using this unit as it allows you to adjust brightness. Besides, it has low and high alarms that flash when the meter tests high or low parameters from what is expected.
Installing the meter is simple as you can mount it on the wall or hung it on the ceiling. Moreover, it is compatible with the international power supply, so you don’t have to worry about power connections.
With such fantastic features, you will have fun using this unit to monitor your plants and get the best yields possible.
Pros
- It doesn’t need calibration for conductivity and temperature
- Large LCD screen for easy interpretation
- Replaceable double junction pH probe for longevity
- Simple to use with a push button
- It has an adjustable LCD brightness
- Flashlight low and high alarm alerts you when there is a change in conductivity
- Excellent tolerance
- Compatible with international power supply
Cons
- It has a short warranty of 6 months
With the replaceable double junction pH probe, this is a device that you can rely on for many years to come. Apply it to ensure that the nutrient solution has the right amount of nutrients for healthy plant growth.
Our most frequently asked questions on EC meters.
What is an EC meter?
To begin with, EC means electrical conductivity. An EC meter tests the electrical conductivity of a nutrient solution. So, the EC meter helps you to know the number of nutrients dissolved in your hydroponic solution.
EC meters are also referred to as total dissolved salts (TDS), parts per million (PPM), and conductivity (CF) meters.
What to consider when looking for an EC meter?
Picking the best electro conductivity meter is not simple. But if you want to get the best EC meter, then there are various things that you should look at.
These include accurate reading, hold function, waterproof/water-resistance, shockproof, battery level indicator, and automatic shut-off. A quality EC meter should have most of these features.
How often should I calibrate my EC meter?
If you want your EC meter to last longer, then you will have to calibrate it. When used consistently, the EC meter will build up salts, which means that you will have to clean and calibrate it.
It is recommended to clean and calibrate your EC meter every month. However, this also depends on the tests that you undertake over the month and how clean you keep your device.
How does an EC meter function?
An EC meter works by the probes being put into a solution. After that, one probe sends an electric current to another probe.
If the solution has a low level of dissolved salts in it, the electrical current will pass through the solution at a slightly lower speed, and if there is a high level of dissolved salts, then it will pass at high speed. The EC meter takes a few seconds to provide readings.
What are the best EC meter brands?
Even though there are several EC meter brands on the market, only a handful of them can be relied on. There are some cheap models, but they don’t provide accurate readings.
If you want a device that you can fully rely on, then you’re better off with a proven brand such as Bluelab, Hanna, Essentials, and Apera. Most of these brands have been in the industry for long and have created a name for themselves.
Conclusion
Finding the right EC meter for your hydroponic solution is vital. With so many electrical conductivity meters on the market, you don’t want a device that will give you false readings and kill your plants or lead to lower yields in the end. A good EC meter should be accurate, easy to use, waterproof, and drop-resistant.
After you’ve found an EC hydroponic meter of your choice, you should maintain it well so that it can last longer. Clean it after every use so that no salts remain on it.
Also, you should calibrate it monthly to ensure that you receive accurate readings throughout. I wish you all the best as you select your next EC meter for your grow room!