An electrical conductivity meter (EC meter) measures the electrical conductivity in a solution. Commonly used in hydroponics, aquaculture and freshwater systems to monitor the amount of nutrients, salts or impurities in the water.
EC/CF/TDS 3 in 1 meter
This handheld 3-in-1 EC, CF and TDS tester, once calibrated, enables you to do just that. It allows you to check and monitor the TDS - the total weight of all solids (minerals, salts and metals) that are dissolved in the water - and the lower the TDS level, the purer the water is.
Benefits:
Make sure you and your family are swimming or relaxing in the cleanest possible water
The same applies to your aquarium - your fish deserve to enjoy a pure and pleasant environment too!
Use for monitoring your hydroponics - grow better fruit and veg!
3 functions in 1 handy meter
Accurate results every time – tester is easy to calibrate at home and comes supplied with screwdriver for making adjustments when necessary
Has ATC (automatic temperature control) so you don't have to re-calibrate when changing environments
Hold button for saving earlier readings
Fully waterproof casing
Easy-to-read LCD displays clear reading in seconds
Comes in padded waterproof storage box
Easy to handle and simple to store
Specifications:
EC measurement range: 0.00 ~ 19.99 EC
CF measurement range: 0.0 ~199CF
TDS measurement range: 10 ~ 19990ppm
EC resolution: 0.01EC
CF resolution: 0.1CF
TDS resolution: 10ppm
Accuracy: ±2% F.S
Operating temperature: 0ºC ~ 50ºC (32ºF~122ºF)
Automatic temperature compensation (ATC): 0ºC ~ 50ºC (32ºF~122ºF)
Calibration: manual – screwdriver included
Dimensions: 18cm x 3.5 cm x 10.5cm
Weight: 86g (inc batteries)
Powered by: X4 1.5V (AG13) batteries (included)
Tough plastic body
Instructions, diagrams (including for calibration) included
Brand new and factory boxed in tough, padded storage case
One method of checking the strength of a nutrient solution is to measure how well it conducts electricity.
Although pure water is not a conductor, the flow of electricity increases proportionally as salts are added. So measuring electrical conductivity (EC) is a direct indication of the nutrient level in a solution.
A CF (Conductivity Factor) meter determines conductivity by measuring the amount of electricity that passes between two electrodes placed in the solution. CF meters designed for use with hydroponic systems usually have a scale of 0-100 CF units. Nutrient level is also often expressed in Parts Per Million (ppm), so it is helpful to know that 65 PPM is equivalent to one CF unit. (Just for the record, one CF unit is equal to 10 milliMhos, also called milliSiemen.)
Different crops have different nutrient needs, and so grow better at different CF values. Lettuce, for example, grows best between 6 and 12 CF units, while tomatoes are heavier feeders and are happiest at 22 to 28 CF units. Adding more nutrient (in the proper proportions, of course) will increase the CF level. To lower the CF reading of a solution, simply add more water. Plants generally grow best at levels of 7.5-20 CF, although readings of 20-30 CF are considered acceptable. Nutrient levels above 30 CF should be avoided, as there is the potential for soluble salt damage.