How important is a TDS(total dissolved solids) or EC(electrical conductivity) meter in a hydro drip system? Will using purified water(soft) cancel the need for one or do I need to monitor my nutrient levels to have a successful garden? This is really important!!!! I'm new to this hydro thing and need help...bad!!! Thnx!
The silence is deafening. Here is the little bit I know about this. Knowing your ec and tds can matter. But sometimes it doesn't. ? My hydro supply dealer let me borrow a combined high end meter ($50 deposit, but I'm a good customer). The end result was that my TDS and EC levels were within normal levels at the time of the test. So maybe I was ok all along? Then when I had signs of fert burn, I didn't have the meter but flushed out with well water (mine isn't hard) and all was well. I guess the answer is that it would be nice to have one, but probably isn't really necessery. You can become a gear junkie. Hope this helps a little.
It doesn't help ALOT....but it DOES help and you did respond so i'm very greatful!!! Guess i'll get one. $50 deposit?!? http://www.gchydro.com/detail.asp?product_id=SUNLEAVES_TDS for $15 less you could own one. Thanks again though...alot.
$50 was a DEPOSIT, he gave me the 50 back. Also you get what you pay for... I think his $300 instrument probably gave a more accurate reading than a cheapie. If you spring for the $35 unit, try to borrow another meter from someone or some store and do a side by side comparison so you have some sort of overall idea . I've had several very good hydro crops without an EC meter; maybe with the meter they would have been even better. Maybe.
