The Bluelab pH Meter is used to accurately measure the pH value of a solution. Simply place the pH probe into the solution and the reading will be displayed on the screen.
The pH Meter has a FREE 5 year guarantee and the pH Probe has a FREE 6 month guarantee.
How many meters can you find that have a 5 year guarantee?
These meters have proven themselves in the horticultural market for years. The guarantee is our badge of proof - reliability and accuracy!
What is it used for?
The Bluelab pH Meter will give you the pH measurement of a solution. Suitable applications are in hydroponics, horticulture, agriculture, aquatics, waste water, pool and spa...anywhere that a pH measurement is required!
What can it NOT be used for?
The probe supplied with the Bluelab pH Meter should not be used to measure oils, proteins or suspended solids. They should not be immersed in very cold or very hot liquids.
Why would you use an electronic meter instead of test strips?
Test strips are an old fashioned method of measuring pH and are inaccurate and inefficient.
In a swimming pool, the chemicals used can bleach the test strips and a less than perfect reading will result!
In hydroponics, a pH reading is required after every addition of nutrient and once or twice a day. As the plants take up the nutrient, the pH level normally rises and this needs adjusting. As the water evaporates the pH value of the nutrient solution will drop. These situations are controlled more effectively if you take regular pH readings of your nutrient solution. Using a pH Meter is faster, easier, less fiddly and more cost effective than test strips!
How do you use it?
As the meter is lightweight and portable and does not need a power supply to operate, it can be used anywhere and anytime.
To take a pH reading of your solution, simply place the pH probe tip into the solution, push any button to turn the unit on and after a few minutes a stablised reading will be displayed on the large 13mm (1/2in) digital display.
pH instruments need to be calibrated to ensure the reading remains accurate. The Bluelab pH Meter is so easy to calibrate by using the push buttons on the meter and fresh pH7.0 and pH4.0 calibration solutions. We have made it even easier for you by placing the calibration instructions on the back label of the meter! Handy!
It is powered by 2 x AAA Alkaline batteries and has a low battery indicator to let you know when they will require replacing. The meter also turns itself off to save battery power.
The pH probe connects to the Meter by a BNC (bayonet Neill-Concelman) connector so the probe is easily removed for storage or when replacing.
Take a look at the instruction manual
Instruction Manual (english) Instruction Manual (dutch)
What is pH and why is it important?
pH is the measurement of acidity and its opposite, alkalinity in a solution. Neutral pH is 7.0 pH. Acidity measures below seven pH (7.0pH) with alkalinity measuring above it (7.0pH).
For example: It is important to maintain a hydroponic nutrient solution at a pH level where the elements in the nutrient solution are consistently available to the plant. If the solution is too acidic or too alkaline it can cause “lock up” – a situation which restricts certain elements essential for growth from being absorbed by the root structure. Deficiencies in the required elements become apparent in the plants growth and can lead to crop failure. Additionally the pH of the water we drink is crucial to our health, the pH of a swimming pool is important, not only for our skin and eyes, but also for the efficiencies of sanitisers and pool equipment. Again the pH of the water a fish lives and breeds in is critical to its existence as certain species require a particular pH to survive.
The elements we add to a solution will either increase or decrease the solutions pH measurement. Only accurate measurement of the pH level will allow complete control of the outcome.
What range of pH does the pH Meter have?
0 - 14pH
Because the meter has such a large range, it is crucial that calibration is between two points; pH7.0 and pH4.0. If a reading above pH7.0 is normal, the calibration between pH7.0 and pH10.0 is required.
Some cheap meters have a similar range but state that only one point calibration is required....be very weary of these products!
For further information see the Technical Specifications
What maintenance does it need?
The meter needs to be calibrated at least once a month and the probe will require cleaning to remove any built up nutrient salts or film over the glassware.
One of the most important things to note is that the wetting cap that is supplied with the probe, must be placed back onto the probe tip when the meter is not in use to prevent the probe from drying out. "If it drys it dies!"
The probe should be stored in pH4.0 solution or KCl (potassium chloride) storage solution.
pH Probe Cleaning Instructions
What could go wrong with the pH Meter?
The Meter itself is not waterproof, so if it is dropped into a tank or swimming pool this could be detrimental to it's health. The probes however are waterproof...meaning they may be submerged in liquid, just not up to where they connect to the meter itself!
See the extra documents below
Troubleshooting Guide
Do's and Don'ts
How big/small is it?
The pH Meter is 144mm (H) x 80mm (W) x 38mm (D).
The probes have 2 metre/6.5ft cables so they have a great reach!
What is supplied with the pH Meter when I purchase it?
- pH Meter
- pH probe (2m cable length)
- pH probe cleaning tool
- pH7.0 20ml single use calibration solution sachet
- pH4.0 20ml single use calibration solution sachet
- 2 x AAA alkaline batteries
- guarantee card (or you can register your guarantee on-line)
- instruction Manual
- maintenance card
What accessories does it have?
These accessories can be purchased separately when required.
In summary
- is light weight and portable
- long battery life
- batteries included (2 x AAA)
- auto off
- large easy to read digital display
- low battery indicator
- over range and under range indicators
- conductivity does not need calibrating
- simple push button for pH calibration
- calibration instructions on the back of the meter
- BNC fitting for connection of the pH Probe
- comes with a free 5 year guarantee for the meter
- comes with a free 6 month guarantee for the probe
- made in New Zealand
