When using mineral-based nutrients and additives, the nutrients are provided to plants in their ionic form, and the pH level of the solution directly affects the availability of these ions. At the right pH level, nutritional ions are in forms that plants can readily uptake. Deviating from the optimal pH can result in nutrient deficiencies or imbalances, as certain ions become less available for absorption.

Pinpoint your pH & temperature with a single tool — a 2-in-1 Bluelab pH Pen. Bluelab is one of the industry's best-known and most trusted brands; all of their testing equipment delivers a level of reliability and accuracy that's second-to-none. Take a small sample of the water to be measured rather than measuring direct into large volumes to avoid any likelihood of electrostatic interference.

Clean pH probe heads regularly to ensure accurate readings

For the Bluelab Leap Probe, hold cap, twist one full turn, then gently remove. 2. Fill a small plastic container with clean tap water Gently brush around the glassware with a few drops of Bluelab pH Probe Cleaner or mild detergent and a soft toothbrush. Rinse well to remove all traces of detergent. 5. Calibrate the pH probe Soak probe in KCl storage solution for 24 hours and retest. Don't measure proteins or oils with the pH pen. You may need to replace the pH pen.

Unboxing and Initial Setup: After unboxing the Bluelab pH Meter, install any batteries if required. Make sure all parts of the device are secure and undamaged. Choosing between a high-accuracy, premium meter and a more affordable, less precise option depends on your needs. If you’re a casual grower or a beginner, a budget pH meter might suffice. Single-Purpose: Unlike some other devices, this pH meter doesn’t measure moisture or light levels. If you need these additional features, you might want to consider a 3-in-1 device.

Questions & Answers

This step was so unbelievably easy I actually was able to do it in the hydroponics shop! I ended up purchasing the Bluelab calibration kit just so I would be able to do it at home as well. To calibrate, the steps are pretty simple: Auto-Off Function: To conserve battery life, the Bluelab pH Pen comes equipped with an auto-off feature. The device automatically turns off after a period of inactivity, ensuring the longevity of the battery.

Calibrate your pH pen. Calibrate before first use and return to this guide if you need a monthly calibration refresher. Reading the Result: Once the probe is inserted into the soil, give the meter a few moments to provide a reading. The pH level will be displayed on the digital screen. Minimise the exposure of the sample to air as CO2 absorption can decrease pH. CO2 will react with water to make carbonic acid and shift the pH to below 7 (more acidic). Due to having no ions present, the solution cannot mediate this change (no buffering action) and the change in pH will be larger than it should be for the amount of acid present. To ensure proper cleaning, use the Bluelab pH Probe Care kit (or use a mild dish washing liquid) and follow the steps below. 1. Remove cap Price: The Bluelab pH Meter is more expensive than many other soil pH meters on the market. It might not be the first choice for casual gardeners or those on a tight budget.

Why your pH reading may not be stabilizing, and what this has to do with ionic content, or ionic strength.

Bluelab's pH products are charged with reference material which expends over time and use. The average life span of a pH pen is approximately 18 months. Good care will help to maintain your pen. Follow our guides to proper hydration, regular cleaning and calibration. Testing the Soil: Remove the protective cap from the probe. Insert the probe into the soil to the appropriate depth – usually about 2-4 inches or as per the product manual. It’s best to test multiple locations to get an average reading. It could be the fact that I’m partially colorblind, but I felt that basing my plant’s health off of what shade of “orangish yellowy red” my pH vial or strip was showing me was probably not a good idea in the long run, especially if I wanted to get serious about the quality of my grows.