Old Reviews General hydroponics pH up/down thoughts

[karlkutta]

Hey guys, so I'm new to this, I'm on my first grow. Been adding to my arsenal of equipment as I got and encounter problems/needs .

Bought the general hydroponics pH up/down a while ago and it came with a pH liquid test solution.

I compared the liquid test solution to what I use for my aquarium and I have to say that GH one is way off. This is absolutely crazy, already the instructions tell you to add water about half way up their test tube and then add 3-5 drops of the pH test solution. I am my aquarium test kit is accurate, the GH one is garbage.

Maybe it's user error, but I thought I say something.
Cheers,
Karl

 

[The Iconoclast]

Hey guys, so I'm new to this, I'm on my first grow. Been adding to my arsenal of equipment as I got and encounter problems/needs .

Bought the general hydroponics pH up/down a while ago and it came with a pH liquid test solution.

I compared the liquid test solution to what I use for my aquarium and I have to say that GH one is way off. This is absolutely crazy, already the instructions tell you to add water about half way up their test tube and then add 3-5 drops of the pH test solution. I am my aquarium test kit is accurate, the GH one is garbage.

Maybe it's user error, but I thought I say something.
Cheers,
Karl

The indicator solutions are very accurate and in my opinion more usable than a pH meter. Having said that there are a few caveats. I don't know about the GH drops but I assume it's the same as the one I'm currently using which behaved the same way as the one I used 25 years ago.

1. First thing to know is that the colour key that comes with it is only the vaguest of guides.
2. They are very accurate in the range of 5.5 to 6.5, outside that range not so much
3. Buy a cheap $7 meter and some packets of pH6.86 buffer and calibrate your eyes. After a while you'll trust the drops.

I use a an empty 10ml syringe case and use it like a pipette, dip it in block the end with my thumb, turn it upside down with the pointy end blocked and allow the fluid to drain out to leave 2-3mls and put a single drop in. pH6 is a completely neutral pale yellow, a hint of greenish tinge would be 6.2 a hint of a warmish tinge would be 5.8

It takes some practice and a bit of skill to recognise tints. Keeping a pH meter looked after and constantly calibrated is a royal PITA.

 

[Mizzo81]

@member420 i do the same thing. I got the strips that were accurate to the .5 and learned the color of it when using the drops. Same I shoot for 6but if it’s slightly greener but not quite to 6.5 I’m good or slightly “warmer” then I know it’s around 5.8 and I’m good to go. Hasn’t failed yet.