Comments on: How Strong Are My Nutrients? 
EC and TDS Meters Explained http://urbangardenmagazine.com/2010/07/how-strong-are-my-nutrients-%e2%80%a8ec-and-tds-meters-explained/ Hydroponics for Growing Minds Wed, 14 Dec 2011 07:43:56 -0800 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.6 hourly 1 By: Tilapia farmer http://urbangardenmagazine.com/2010/07/how-strong-are-my-nutrients-%e2%80%a8ec-and-tds-meters-explained/comment-page-1/#comment-1908 Tilapia farmer Sat, 09 Jul 2011 13:25:49 +0000 http://urbangardenmagazine.com/?p=5042#comment-1908 Will the The Bluelab Truncheon measure organic waste such as fish waste in a aquaculture system, or would the more common method of measuring waste water strength (TDS meter) be better? Is fish poop salty? Will the The Bluelab Truncheon measure organic waste such as fish waste in a aquaculture system, or would the more common method of measuring waste water strength (TDS meter) be better? Is fish poop salty?

]]> By: gomez http://urbangardenmagazine.com/2010/07/how-strong-are-my-nutrients-%e2%80%a8ec-and-tds-meters-explained/comment-page-1/#comment-1284 gomez Mon, 16 Aug 2010 08:25:36 +0000 http://urbangardenmagazine.com/?p=5042#comment-1284 Finally, a clear concise article that actually explained EC/TDS, I already knew that I had to have a meter but wasn't sure what kind to purchase. I ended up settling on an EC/TDS combo meter. I figured why not let it do the calculation for me? I'm glad, now I can't wait to get it and start improving my results. Finally, a clear concise article that actually explained EC/TDS, I already knew that I had to have a meter but wasn’t sure what kind to purchase. I ended up settling on an EC/TDS combo meter. I figured why not let it do the calculation for me? I’m glad, now I can’t wait to get it and start improving my results.

]]> By: greenfinger http://urbangardenmagazine.com/2010/07/how-strong-are-my-nutrients-%e2%80%a8ec-and-tds-meters-explained/comment-page-1/#comment-1229 greenfinger Sun, 01 Aug 2010 21:40:30 +0000 http://urbangardenmagazine.com/?p=5042#comment-1229 thanks for the info G-MAN. just proves ingnorance is bliss. Been scratching my head asking about this PPM/E.C for years.Its still accurate and gives an overall approx. PPM strength (extra-essential and figured the fuss was to create/exploit a new market for gadgets.=almost forked another £70 on the same object) Even the "20+year professional" got it wrong. Less is 100% more when applying nutrients,that i know now through experience but knowledge is power. so thanks again P.S i know a TDS/PPM- isnt exact. it just gives you an estimate of the overall water quality. Marine even tropical fish leave little room for forgiveness. The cost of your fish dieing due poor water is devasting and determental to your morale so its worth investing in peace of mind=priceless thanks for the info G-MAN. just proves ingnorance is bliss. Been scratching my head asking about this PPM/E.C for years.Its still accurate and gives an overall approx. PPM strength (extra-essential and figured the fuss was to create/exploit a new market for gadgets.=almost forked another £70 on the same object) Even the “20+year professional” got it wrong. Less is 100% more when applying nutrients,that i know now through experience but knowledge is power. so thanks again P.S i know a TDS/PPM- isnt exact. it just gives you an estimate of the overall water quality. Marine even tropical fish leave little room for forgiveness. The cost of your fish dieing due poor water is devasting and determental to your morale so its worth investing in peace of mind=priceless

]]> By: G-Man http://urbangardenmagazine.com/2010/07/how-strong-are-my-nutrients-%e2%80%a8ec-and-tds-meters-explained/comment-page-1/#comment-1217 G-Man Fri, 30 Jul 2010 23:48:22 +0000 http://urbangardenmagazine.com/?p=5042#comment-1217 James, EC and TDS meters do the same job > they let you know the strength of the nutrient solution. If you are in the UK, I recommend buying an EC meter as most growers and nutrient manufacturers in the UK and Europe use EC. The Bluelab Truncheon is an excellent meter and will last you a life time. James, EC and TDS meters do the same job > they let you know the strength of the nutrient solution. If you are in the UK, I recommend buying an EC meter as most growers and nutrient manufacturers in the UK and Europe use EC. The Bluelab Truncheon is an excellent meter and will last you a life time.

]]> By: james uk http://urbangardenmagazine.com/2010/07/how-strong-are-my-nutrients-%e2%80%a8ec-and-tds-meters-explained/comment-page-1/#comment-1216 james uk Fri, 30 Jul 2010 23:28:08 +0000 http://urbangardenmagazine.com/?p=5042#comment-1216 I'm looking to buy a meter this week so what is the thinking ec or tds. Someone let me know, this page has put a spin on what i thought was a easy buy and get on with it I’m looking to buy a meter this week so what is the thinking ec or tds. Someone let me know, this page has put a spin on what i thought was a easy buy and get on with it

]]> By: G-Man http://urbangardenmagazine.com/2010/07/how-strong-are-my-nutrients-%e2%80%a8ec-and-tds-meters-explained/comment-page-1/#comment-1194 G-Man Tue, 27 Jul 2010 23:21:21 +0000 http://urbangardenmagazine.com/?p=5042#comment-1194 Greenfinger; I have been in touch with Accent Hydroponics in Australia. The Saltesta's made back then use the TDS 650 conversion factor. So if your looking for an EC (mS) reading, divide the ppm value on the Saltesta by 650. Example: 1200ppm / 650 = EC 1.85 mS If you have any more questions about your Saltesta, please email me at gareth@urbargardenmagazine.com and I'll put you in touch with Accent Hydroponics direct. Greenfinger; I have been in touch with Accent Hydroponics in Australia. The Saltesta’s made back then use the TDS 650 conversion factor.

So if your looking for an EC (mS) reading, divide the ppm value on the Saltesta by 650. Example:

1200ppm / 650 = EC 1.85 mS

If you have any more questions about your Saltesta, please email me at gareth@urbargardenmagazine.com and I’ll put you in touch with Accent Hydroponics direct.

]]> By: Rob http://urbangardenmagazine.com/2010/07/how-strong-are-my-nutrients-%e2%80%a8ec-and-tds-meters-explained/comment-page-1/#comment-1178 Rob Tue, 20 Jul 2010 21:42:09 +0000 http://urbangardenmagazine.com/?p=5042#comment-1178 Greenfinger, you should contact Accent Hydroponics and ask them which conversion factor your meter uses. The instrument manufacturer always knows. If you want your readings direct in EC, your best bet is to simply get an EC meter, in which case you'll never need to do any math and there's no guess work. HM Digital's EC-3 and AP-2 are very inexpensive. (Yes, I work for HM Digital.) Please also note there is no such thing as a "ppm meter." Many parameters use ppm as a measurement scale, including chlorine, carbon dioxide and dozens more. What you have is a "TDS meter." Greenfinger, you should contact Accent Hydroponics and ask them which conversion factor your meter uses. The instrument manufacturer always knows. If you want your readings direct in EC, your best bet is to simply get an EC meter, in which case you’ll never need to do any math and there’s no guess work. HM Digital’s EC-3 and AP-2 are very inexpensive. (Yes, I work for HM Digital.)

Please also note there is no such thing as a “ppm meter.” Many parameters use ppm as a measurement scale, including chlorine, carbon dioxide and dozens more. What you have is a “TDS meter.”

]]> By: greenfinger http://urbangardenmagazine.com/2010/07/how-strong-are-my-nutrients-%e2%80%a8ec-and-tds-meters-explained/comment-page-1/#comment-1171 greenfinger Sat, 17 Jul 2010 12:20:36 +0000 http://urbangardenmagazine.com/?p=5042#comment-1171 my ppm is called SalTesta made by Accent Hydroponics Australia,model st-3 (yellow & black) point is It cost me about £70.($100) 6sh-years ago.Problem is nobody i know can convert ppm into e.c its worked for years but i never kept notes before whilst using it before. I dont want to waste more £ as its working perfectly-(sometimes use in tropical fish tank) The mutli scale conversion isnt clear. to me or anybody ive met. If anybodyelse knows which scale (KCL x50/x65/ 442 x75 ? your supposed to use to work out e.c id be v.grateful thanks my ppm is called SalTesta made by Accent Hydroponics Australia,model st-3 (yellow & black) point is It cost me about £70.($100) 6sh-years ago.Problem is nobody i know can convert ppm into e.c its worked for years but i never kept notes before whilst using it before. I dont want to waste more £ as its working perfectly-(sometimes use in tropical fish tank) The mutli scale conversion isnt clear. to me or anybody ive met. If anybodyelse knows which scale (KCL x50/x65/ 442 x75 ? your supposed to use to work out e.c id be v.grateful thanks

]]> By: greenfinger http://urbangardenmagazine.com/2010/07/how-strong-are-my-nutrients-%e2%80%a8ec-and-tds-meters-explained/comment-page-1/#comment-1170 greenfinger Sat, 17 Jul 2010 11:54:58 +0000 http://urbangardenmagazine.com/?p=5042#comment-1170 Very informative info. as usual,ive only ever had a PPM meter and had mixed results,some jaw dropping yields others id rather deny or forget. Through experince id suggest growers pay more attention to the p.h its MORE IMPORTANT than nutrients (or as imporant) nutrients are often locked out by P.H and hence are useless/pointless. Always remember its much easier to add nutrients than trying take away=flush. P.H all the way,and remember as the plant feeds the ppm/p.h all change. Very informative info. as usual,ive only ever had a PPM meter and had mixed results,some jaw dropping yields others id rather deny or forget. Through experince id suggest growers pay more attention to the p.h its MORE IMPORTANT than nutrients (or as imporant) nutrients are often locked out by P.H and hence are useless/pointless. Always remember its much easier to add nutrients than trying take away=flush. P.H all the way,and remember as the plant feeds the ppm/p.h all change.

]]> By: Paul Terrio http://urbangardenmagazine.com/2010/07/how-strong-are-my-nutrients-%e2%80%a8ec-and-tds-meters-explained/comment-page-1/#comment-1142 Paul Terrio Tue, 13 Jul 2010 14:21:20 +0000 http://urbangardenmagazine.com/?p=5042#comment-1142 While EC, SC, and TDS will be affected by some of the minor nutrients like silica and potassium, these measurements will not tell you anything about the major nutrients nitrogen and phosphorus. While EC, SC, and TDS will be affected by some of the minor nutrients like silica and potassium, these measurements will not tell you anything about the major nutrients nitrogen and phosphorus.

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