The growing medium you use for your plants affects how they grow, that is why it is vital to test the soil’s pH that your plants are growing in to know how your plants will be affected.
pH value is the measurement of the number of hydrogen ions in a substance. When it concerns cannabis, the nutrient solution can be affected by the soil’s acidity, alkalinity, and neutrality. Purchasing the right pH meter will allow you to monitor your plant’s development from germination to bud formation.
FACTORS TO TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION WHEN SELECTING A pH METER
It is vital to test your soil’s pH, but finding the best pH meter can be a hassle because of all the numerous options available on the market. However, ignoring the pH level of your soil can lead to nutrient deficiency. However, when choosing a pH meter, there are factors you have to take into consideration to make sure you select the product best for your needs. These factors include;
Types Of pH Meters
When it comes to cannabis, there are three different pH meters you can choose from; you can either get a unit that measures only pH or a unit that measures both pH and moisture or a unit that measures moisture, light and pH. You can also decide to go for an analog or digital pH meter.
Out of the three options, the most sort after is the three-in-one unit that measures light, pH and moisture. Unlike the other two types, the 3-in-1 type makes caring for your plant’s way easier. With one device, you’ll be able to keep an eye on all the three parameters by simply toggling a switch.
The device will let you know when the soil has a high acidic content when your plants need to be watered and if they are getting sufficient light.
Readout Scale
It is very important to consider the calibration and size of the readout scale. You have to be able to see the pointer clearly and easily understand the readings.
A good quality pH meter should have a measurement of about 3.5 to 8. The red part of the scale will read from 3.5 to 7 pH while the green part will read from 7 to 8 pH points. You should know that every adjustment in the point can indicate a tenfold increase or decrease in the alkalinity or acidic level.
For example, a soil that has a pH level of 5 has a high acidic level compared to a soil with a pH level of 6. Between each point on the readout scale, there is a tenfold difference. Getting accurate readings and control is vital to the healthy growth of your cannabis plants.
Cannabis plant thrives best in soil that has a pH level that ranges from 6.5 to 7. This pH range allows your cannabis plant to absorb and efficiently utilize the nutrients available in the soil. It is quite easy to use and understand the light and moisture scale.
Detection Technology
It will be easier for you to get quicker and more accurate readings if your pH meter has an advanced detection technology feature. The electrodes or sensors for pH and moisture detection has to be high performing. The probe that it features has to have sensitive material with a low impedance.
The sensors or electrodes have to possess excellent thermal stability and provide you with fast responses. This will ensure that you get accurate and quick readings.
Ease Of Use
Any good quality pH meter that you buy to grow cannabis should be easy to handle. The preferred types are the units that do not need electricity or batteries for them to work.
A good quality pH meter will have long electrodes that can penetrate deep into the soil to provide you with top-notch moisture and pH detection. The electrodes or sensors should be designed in a way that allows you to stick the probe into the soil, reaching 2 to 4 inches for accurate and precise readings.
Another part of the design you should take into consideration is the toggle switch. It should be easy for you to switch from the pH to moisture to light without any problems with the pH value.
Accuracy Of pH Meters
One issue with pH meters is that if they are regularly calibrated, and the electrodes are not changed from time to time, the readings might become inaccurate. Calibrating your pH meter is necessary to check the accuracy, and this can be done by using solutions with known pH level.
Depending on the device’s price, it may provide you with pH readings that are close to 0.1 or 0.01 pH unit. However, it is unlikely that you’ll get 0.01 pH unit in majority of the applications.
The majority of pH meter probes have a lifespan of about 1 to 3 years; after that, they will need to be replaced. If not, you will end up with incorrect readings.
Caring For Your pH Meter
The first step you should take when your unit first arrives is to read the instruction manual that comes with it. Get used to the instructions and what they mean, ensure your unit stays calibrated. Make sure that you keep it away from humidity and heat, avoid touching the sensor or electrodes and always handle your unit with care.
There are numerous pH meters available on the market, but not every pH meter is ideal for a cannabis grower. After doing our research, we have found some of the best pH meters for growing cannabis. Let’s take a look at the list.
The Best PH Meters For Growing Cannabis Are Reviewed Below
Table of Contents
We have carried out extensive research and found the best pH meters available on the market that is suitable for use by a cannabis grower. We have provided you with their specifications and key features, so you know what to look for in a good quality pH meter.
1
Atree Soil pH Meter
The Atree Soil pH Meter will make your dream weed garden come to life. It is a 3-in-1 pH meter that measures moisture, light and pH levels. It has an easy to understand readout scale. It is easy to decipher the calibrations on the pH meter scale. The red part of the pH scale is acidic and reads from 3.5 to 7 while the green part is alkaline and reads from 7 to 8. If the moisture reading is in the red part from 1 to 3, it means that the soil is dry while the green part reading from 4 to 7 shows that the soil is moist while the blue part ranges from 8 to 10 means that the soil is wet.
It has a light sensor that shows you whether your cannabis plants are receiving sufficient light. The light sensor has a relative light intensity of 0 to 2000 LUX. It is one of the easiest device to operate. You simply have to place the probe into the soil to about 2 or 4 inches into the soil, then adjust the pH and the position of the meter until the pointer moves.
After that, wait for a few minutes and move the switch to check the soil’s pH, light and moisture level. After you’re done. Remove the probe from the soil and wipe it clean.
Key Features:
- Three-in-one function
- Compact
- No electricity or battery needed
- Sensitive probe
- Scientifically accurate
Specification:
- Brand: Atree Soil pH Meter
- Model: Atree Soil pH Meter
- Weight: 3.52 Ounces
- Dimensions: 12.91 * 4.06 * 1.61 inches
- Colour: Green
Pros
- It has a three-in-one feature
- Its readout scale is simple with easy to read calibrations
- It doesn’t need any electricity or battery to work
- It doesn’t require you to have any special skill to operate
- It has a sensitive probe that provides you with accurate pH readings
Cons
- The light sensor isn’t very useful
- It can only be used in soil and not liquids
2
Hofun Soil pH Meter
This pH meter will help you improve your plant care and ensure that you fall in love with your garden. It is a 3-in-1 probe that tests for light, pH and moisture.
It is an excellent pH meter that can be used for potted weed plants that stay indoors. It features a readout scale that is easy to decipher. The scale on this pH meter reads from 3.8 to 8, and the moisture scale reads from 1 to 10 while the light scale reads from 0 to 2000 LUX.
This device comes with three sensors. The sensor for testing for light is located below the scale, and it helps you know if your plants are getting sufficient light. The moisture sensor is located at the left of the unit, and it lets you know when your weed plant needs water. The pH sensor is found on the right side of the unit, and it tells you the pH level of soil and when it needs to be corrected.
Unlike other pH meters, this units makes use of double detection technology that ensures you get accurate readings, increases the speed of detection and also analyzes the pH alkalinity or acidity and also the soil moisture content.
Key Features:
- Three-in-one function
- Double-needle detection technology
- Batteries not needed
- Toggle switch
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
Specification:
- Brand: Hofun
- Model: Hofun SPH002 Soil pH Meter
- Weight: 3 Ounces
- Dimensions: 13 * 4 * 0.7 inches
- Colour: Green
Pros
- It has a three-in-one feature that makes it reliable
- It has an easy to understand readout scale
- You can easily control the pH level of your soil with this device
- It has enhanced detection accuracy and speed
- It doesn’t need batteries or electricity to work
- The moisture sensor alerts you when your plants need to be watered
Cons
- The light sensor has little to no usefulness
3
Sonkir Soil pH Meter
This pH meter model is versatile and easy to operate and will make your soil care much easier. It is a well-constructed device that has an easy to understand interface that boldly displays the pH up and down level, light intensity and moisture range.
This device allows you to easily know the ideal pH level for your cannabis plant. It lets you know acidic the soil is and this allows you to make corrections quickly. Your cannabis plant will not need to stay without sufficient water anymore, because the moisture range will let you know when the soil needs more water.
This pH meter also tests the intensity of light that your plants receive. It features an advanced light-sensing receiver for improved sensitivity. Unlike other basic units, this upgraded model of this unit features high performance dual sensors. The advanced sensors or probes are more sensitive to changes in the moisture and pH levels.
Key Features:
- Three-in-one function
- Improved probes
- Large display screen
- Upgraded detection technology
- Outdoor and indoor use
Specification:
- Brand: Sonkir Soil pH Meter
- Model: Sonkir MS-X1 Soil pH Meter
- Weight: 3.98 Ounces
- Dimensions: 11.3 * 2.8 * 1.3 inches
- Colour: Blue
Pros
- It can be used to test the pH level in liquids
- Its features 3-in-1 functions that reduce the need for multiple devices
- It doesn’t need batteries or an external power source to work
- It has a large display screen that makes it easy to read
- Its lightweight design makes it suitable for indoor and outdoor use
- Its upgraded double sensors provide you with superior moisture and pH detection
Cons
- It doesn’t work in dry soil
4
Göksu Soil pH & Moisture Meter
This pH meter is ready to use straight out of the box. It is a handheld unit that is simple to use. It has a heavy-duty body that can withstand various conditions. It has a metal probe that is placed into the soil for accurate pure water, moisture and pH detection.
The metal probe has a metal sensing electrode that provides you with accurate readings. This pH meter has a simple and durable readout scale that has a measurement of 50 mm in diameter. The pH scale reads from 3 to 8, while the moisture scale ranges from 1 to 8.
It doesn’t need any external source of power to work, and this makes it one of the best pH meters for indoor use in checking the acidity and alkalinity of your potted weed. The installation of this meter is quite easy. You simply have to push it into the soil until the metal rings are completely covered. It can reach a depth of approximately 2 inches.
Key Features:
- pH range of 3 to 8
- Metal sensing electrode
- High accuracy
- Handheld size
Specification:
- Brand: Göksu
- Model: Göksu Soil pH & Moisture Meter
- Weight: 2.39 Ounces
- Dimensions: 1.5 * 1.5 * 5.5 inches
- Colour: Black
Pros
- Its metal electrode is highly sensitive to provide you with accurate readings
- It has an easy to understand readout with boldly defines calibrations
- It comes with a one-button pH and humidity switch that is easy to use
- It doesn’t need electricity or batteries to work
- It helps to improve your overall plant care and maintain the best soil pH level
Cons
- It doesn’t go very deep into the soil
- It can be used in liquids
5
Veroyi ST02 Soil pH Meter
This soil pH meter is a versatile device to own. It can improve your weed plant care, whether indoors or outdoors. It comes with three functionalities in one device. It can test moisture levels, pH levels and light intensity that is received by your plants.
The simple design of this device is truly impressive. It doesn’t need electricity or batteries to work; all you have to do is insert it into the soil and let it do its job. To adjust the pH levels and settings, you just have to toggle the switch. With this device, you’ll be able to monitor the moisture and pH levels and also the intensity of light that your plant receives.
It features a simple to understand display that clearly displays all the moisture, pH, and light measurements. It features an advanced dual sensor design that provides you with accurate analysis and readings. Caring for your plant has been made easy with this unit.
Key Features:
- Features three functions
- No external power source needed
- Double-needle detection technology
- Display screen
- Indoor and outdoor use
Specification:
- Brand: Veroyi
- Model: Veroyi ST02 Soil pH Meter
- Weight: 2.57 Ounces
- Dimensions: 11.7 * 4.1 * 1.7 inches
- Colour: Dark Green
Pros
- It has a simple design and doesn’t need any battery or electricity to work
- Its long probes go deep into the soil for accurate detection
- It has an easy to understand readout that provides accurate readings
- It is compact and lightweight for outdoor and indoor use
- Thanks to its multiple functionalities, you don’t need to get different devices
Cons
- Sometimes defective pH meters are sent out
Buying Guide Questions
Below, you will find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions. It will help you understand how pH meters work and their importance.
What is the best pH meter? What are pH meters used for?
Our top pick for pH meters is the Atree Soil pH Meter. It has multiple functionality, and this allows you to measure not just the pH level in the soil but also the moisture content and light intensity.
pH meters are used to determine the basicity or acidity of a medium. It helps to maintain the right level of acidity or basicity in a medium.
What is the working principle of a pH meter? Are pH meters expensive?
pH meters measure the voltage that is produced between the two electrodes or sensors and shows the converted results in pH value.
The price of pH meters depends on the type you’re purchasing. The price ranges from $10 to $50.
What exactly does pH measure? Are cheap pH meters accurate?
pH measures how basic or acidic a medium is. It ranges from 0 to 14 with 7 being the neutral phase, less than 7 shows acidity while more than 7 indicates a base.
The majority of cheap pH meters are accurate enough for any purpose. You just need to calibrate and maintain it properly.
What is a pH meter called?
A pH meter is sometimes called a potentiometric pH meter.
How do I calculate pH?
In order to calculate the pH of a medium, you need to know the concentration of the hydronium ion in every mole per litre. pH is calculated using the formula pH = – log [H3O+].
What KCI is used in pH meter?
The electrodes usually used in pH meters are glass or a mercurous mercury chloride called calomel.
What are pH and PH meter?
A pH meter uses a voltmeter joined to a pH responsive sensor and an unvarying electrode, while PH meter is an electric device that measures the hydrogen ion activity in a solution.
Why is pH paper not accurate? What is a pH test strip?
Each measurement on a pH paper is only accurate within a unit or two; it doesn’t provide you with highly accurate readings.
A pH test strip is a piece of litmus paper that has the ability to measure the pH value of a liquid. It shows different colours for different acidities.
Conclusion
Except you are using soilless plants, it is important to own an accurate pH meter so that you can easily know how acidic or alkaline your soil is and if it needs to be corrected.
Marijuana plants need the pH level of your soil to be optimum in order for them to properly utilize the nutrients available in the soil for them to thrive. The work of pH meters depends largely on the electrodes or sensors. So it is best to choose a pH meter that has an advanced detection technology in order to get the best results.
It is important to get a device that has the 3-in-1 feature of monitoring light, pH level and moisture. These features will allow you to know if your plants are getting enough light or if they need to be watered.
Taking care of your cannabis plant can be as easy as placing a probe into the soil and check the moisture and pH levels.
Hopefully, after going through this guide, you now have the knowledge you need to choose the best pH meter for your cannabis plants. However, the pH meter you choose will depend on your needs and budget, ensure you select the best one for your needs.
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