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PH & TDS Meters

PH Testers


Oakton pH - Eco Tester #1

The waterproof pH Tester from Oakton is the perfect meter for any hydroponic grower. This tester features a durable dustproof waterproof housing that floats in case you accidentally drop it into the reservoir. pH is one of the most important aspects of hydroponic growing and pH testing has never been easier. Just turn the unit on and stick it in reservoir to get the pH of your nutrient solution.Specifications:·× Range -1.0 to 15.0 pH ·× Accuracy ±± 0.2 pH ·× Auto shutoff after 8.5 minutes of nonuse ·× Self-diagnostic messages

Oakton pH $74.95
All pricing is in Canadian dollars
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pHep 4

When Hanna Instruments introduced it's first pHep® in 1986, it immediately revolutionized the standards in pH measurement.

The pHep®'s ease-of-use in combination with it's affordability made it possible for non-technical and technical personnel alike to measure pH on the spot, accurately and inexpensively throughout a variety of industries.

Since its introduction, over 1 million pHep®'s have gone to satisfied customers around the world. For this new series, Hanna has included all of the features you have asked for and more!

The pHep® 4 include features such as a dual-level LCD, battery level indicator, replaceable pH electrode cartridge, stability indicator, automatic shut-off, automatic calibration, waterproof casing plus 100% buoyancy.

Some of pHep® 4's outstanding features include:
  • Completely waterproof, can be fully immersed in water.
  • Easy-to-read Custom Dual-level LCD.
  • Automatic Temperature Compensation (user may disengage).
  • Replaceable pH electrode cartridge.
  • Stability Indicator.
  • Battery Level Indicator.
  • Automatic calibration - with 2 sets of memorized cal solutions.
  • Auto shut-off.


pHep 4$119.95
pHep4 replacement probe$59.95
All pricing is in Canadian dollars
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The Champ

Champ is a rugged pH meter with single point calibration and a battery life of over 1 year even if used for 1 hour everyday.

The new design features a larger LCD so measurements are easier to read from any angle. Champ comes with a protective cap that can be used to hold storage solution or as a measurement vessel.

The electrode itself is replaceable by the user and has a non-clogging fiber junction which makes it last much longer.

The Champ can be used for Research, Science, Laboratory, Education, Aquariums, Hydroponics, Pools

Champ$79.95
All pricing is in Canadian dollars
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Milwaukee pH 600

Milwaukee T.D.S.$64.95
Milwaukee pH 600$64.95
All pricing is in Canadian dollars
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Milwaukee Waterproof pH

  • Completely waterproof, can be fully immersed in water
  • Easy to read LCD
  • 700 hours battery life
  • Automatic Temperature Compensation
  • Rugged, integral electrode in protective housing
  • Sealed protective cap can be filled with water to keep electrode activated and prolong its life


Milwaukee $69.95
All pricing is in Canadian dollars
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General Hydroponics pH Test Kits

General Hydroponics pH test kits are fast and accurate. Each kit includes the test solution, a testing vial, and an accurate pH level chart.

GH pH test kits$9.95
All pricing is in Canadian dollars
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pH Papers

pH papers are an easy to use alternative when you do not have a pH pen for testing. pH papers will provide an accurate reading of the pH in your reservoir.

pH papers$9.95
All pricing is in Canadian dollars
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Oakton TDS

Oakton TDS Testers optimize nutrient concentration to ensure fast uptake, growth, flowering and fruiting. Each features water and dust proof construction, auto shu-off to conserve batteries, 1% full-scale accuracy, and a hold function to freeze the reading.

Oakton TDS $89.95
All pricing is in Canadian dollars
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Nutridip Trimeter Continuous Monitor:

The nutridip Trimeter accurately and conveniently displays Temperature, TDS, and pH. This unit has two remote probes which stay in your reservoir and uses an AC adaptor that plugs into the wall.

Nutradip Trimeter $249.95
All pricing is in Canadian dollars
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Nutradip TDS Continuous Monitor:

The Nutradip CMS with automatic temperature compensation, is a new way of measuring the total dissolved solids in your water. This system uses a remote probe which stays in your reservoir and an AC powered unit.

Nutradip TDS Continuous Monitor - $119.95

Nutradip TDS Continuous Monitor PH - $129.95




Hanna Grochek portable pH/EC/TDS Meter:

3 meters in 1 with manual calibration and rugged replaceable cloth junction probe. Specifically engineered for growing applications, with 0.7 TDS conversion factor.
  • Rugged Probe
  • Battery Error Prevention System
  • 9V Battery Operation
  • Simple to use


Hanna Grochek pH/EC/TDS$299.95
Hanna TDS 601$69.95
Grochek TDS$109.95
All pricing is in Canadian dollars
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Hanna Combo Unit:

The only tester in the World that measures pH, conductivity, TDS and Temperature! The HI 98129 and HI 98130 Combo waterproof testers are designed for high accuracy pH, EC/TDS and temperature measurements. No more switching between meters, the Hanna Instruments Combo does it all!

Hanna King Combo Unit$279.95
All pricing is in Canadian dollars
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Adjustment and Calibration Solutions:

pH and TDS Calibration Solutions are available for all of your pH and TDS meters. Each solution is made with superior ingredients and are conveniently color-coded for easy reference.

Calibration 1000$5.95
Calibration 1400$5.95
Buffer 4$5.95
Buffer 7$5.95
All pricing is in Canadian dollars
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  pH up and down:

Will adjust your solution to the desired pH level. pH is a scale from 1 to 14 that measures acid to alkaline balance. 1 is the most acid, 7 is neutral and 14 is most alkaline.

Grotek pH up 1L $9.95
Grotek pH up 4L $23.95
Grotek pH down 1L $9.95
Grotek pH down 4L $23.95
Grotek pH down 10L $
All pricing is in Canadian dollars
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What is pH and how to Measure it?


The pH scale is a way to measure the Acid of Alkaline quantities in water. The official definition of pH is : a unit of measure which describes the degree of acidity or alkalinity of a liquid solution. It is measured on a scale of 0 –14. Acids are in a range from 0 –7, with the lower numbers being a stronger acid Alkaline is in the range from 7 to 14, with the higher numbers being a stronger Alkaline. The term pH is derived from ‘p’ the mathematical symbol of the negative logarithm, and ‘H’ the chemical symbol of Hydrogen. The technical definition of pH is the negative logarithm of the Hydrogen ion activity { pH = -log[H+] } pH ions are added the pH gets more acidic, thus having more of a positive charge. Similarly when substances with more hydroxide ions are added the pH gets more alkaline, thus having more of a negative charge. These charges are present in the nutrients, the water, the trace elements, the growth mixture and the gases at the roots and all have different electrical charges. Theses then surround the roots and exchange positive and negative charges allowing for the absorption of nutrients into the roots. For this reason the pH must be carefully monitored during the growth cycle of the plants to maintain the maximum healthy uptake of nutrients. The pH of the nutrients will affect how well each element passes through the root wall and nourishes the plant.

A pH of 7.0 is considered to be neutral, and this is very safe to handle. Actually if the pH of a chemical is in the range of 3.0 to 10.0 these can be handled fairly safely, at least from the point of view that the acid or alkaline levels will not be harmful to exposed skin. It should be noted that any chemical with a pH of lower than 3.0 or higher than 10.0 should be handled with care because these pH ranges can be harmful. It is recommended that if you are dealing with chemicals in these ranges that you wear gloves and eye protection.

When growing soil less it is very important to control the pH of the water. The recommended pH range for plants is 5.0 to 7.0 with 6.0 to 6.5 being ideal for the vegetative stages. For flowering and fruiting stages a pH of 5.5 – 6.0 is ideal. The problem with giving a specific value to keep the pH at is that different plants need different pH. The pH of the water can be changed by adding up or down. These chemicals are usually called pH up and pH down with potassium silicate being the best used to increase the pH and phosphoric acid being the best to decrease the pH. Both of these products are plant additives.

The nutrient we use in soil less gardening can also affect the pH of the plant. When adjusting the pH in the water, it is recommended that you add the nutrient first then measure the PH to find out if the pH needs correction. It is recommended that during the growth cycle of the plants that the pH be checked regularly. The pH has to be monitored to see if its drifting out of the desired range, this can be caused by many factors. Some things that can change the pH are: when nutrient is replenished to the system, the type of growing medium used, the plants themselves affect the pH by consuming and depleting nutrient from the reservoir, as well as evaporation of water from the reservoir.

A liquid pH Test Kit
One of the least expensive ways to measure the pH of a sample of water is to use liquid pH kit. The pH range that can be measured with the liquid pH kit is usually around 5-8 with .2 increments on the scale. To test the pH you simply add two or three drops of the provided solution to about ˝ of a vial of the water you wish to test and compare the color of the water to the color bar on the test kit.

Litmus Paper
Another very economical method for pH measurement is the litmus paper. The scale of pH that can be measured with litmus paper is usually around 5 –7. Litmus paper is a small piece of paper that has been chemically treated; when dipped into a water sample it will change color to indicate the pH level. Then you compare the color on the paper to the color on the chart provided.

A pH Metering Device
The most accurate pH measurements are obtained with a pH meter, It is much easier to get an accurate reading because the user is not required to do color comparisons. A pH measurement system consists of two parts: a PH measuring electrode and a high input impedance meter. These may be included in one device or the probe may be attached by a cable to the meter. The pH electrode can be thought of as a battery, with a voltage that varies with the pH of the measured solution. The pH measuring electrode is a hydrogen ion sensitive glass bulb, where the measured value varies with the changes in the relative hydrogen ion concentration inside and outside the bulb. PH probes accuracy are between (+ or - ) 1 to 2% depending on the value spent.

Notes when looking for a pH meter
The pH probe needs to be replaced over time. They are like a battery and will wear out especially when the probe is allowed to dry out or the solution in the probe has become contaminated. The pH proves usually have a glass bulb in the measuring end. The bulb is delicate and can be broken, making the pH probe unusable. Replace the pH probe if this happens. A pH meter may need to be recalibrated to keep it accurate. pH value will drift due to the pH probe aging or from battery power lost on pH pens. To get the most accurate readings it is recommended that the pH meter be AC powered since the power will remain constant and the meter will remain in calibration for a longer period. The size of the pH probe and amount of solution in the probe will make a difference no how long it will last. It is recommended to buy a pH meter which has a probe separate from the meter, this way when the probe wears out it can be replaced without having to replace the most expensive electronic parts of the meter.

Buffer Solutions and Calibration
Buffers are solutions that have constant pH values and the ability to resist changes in that pH level. They are used to calibrate the pH measurement system. There can be small differences between the output of one electrode and another, as well as changes in the output of electrodes over time. Therefore, the system must be periodically calibrated. Buffers are available with a wide range of pH values, and they come in both premixed liquid form or as a convenient dry powder capsule. Most pH meters require calibration at several specific pH values. One calibration is usually performed near the isopotential point (the signal produced by an electrode at pH 7 is 0 mV at 25 degrees Celsius. And a second is typically performed at either pH 4 or pH 10. It is best to select a buffer as close as possible to the actual pH value of the sample to be measured. A pH meters calibration should be checked every month to insure that the displayed value is the actual pH value of the solution. Most hydroponics stores that sell pH meters will sell the buffer solutions. The pH buffer solutions that are recommended for calibration of the pH meter are pH 4 and pH 7. These pH buffer solutions are very close to the recommended pH values for plants and will ensure that your meter continues to display an accurate value.




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