Measuring Equipment
Meters, Monitors, Controllers, etc
To effectively manage your cannabis grow, it is crucial to have the appropriate measuring devices on hand. In this guide, we present our recommended tools for measuring various parameters in indoor cannabis cultivation. These include hygrometers, pH meters, EC/PPM meters, LUX meters, and scales. These are all items which we personally use in our own grows.
Having the ability to measure temperature, relative humidity (RH), pH levels, electrical conductivity (EC), light intensity, and the weight of your harvest empowers you to maintain optimal growing conditions and make informed decisions throughout the cultivation process. Each measuring device serves a specific purpose in assessing and monitoring different aspects of your grow environment.
Hygrometers allow you to accurately measure and track humidity levels. Thus ensuring the ideal RH range for your plants’ growth. pH meters are essential for monitoring the acidity or alkalinity of your nutrient solution, helping you maintain the proper pH balance for optimal nutrient absorption. EC/PPM meters are used to measure the electrical conductivity or nutrient concentration of your solution, ensuring precise control over your nutrient strength.
LUX meters enable you to gauge the light intensity received by your plants, helping you optimize your lighting setup for healthy growth and maximum yield. Finally, scales are essential for accurately weighing your harvest, providing valuable data for tracking yields and dosage calculations.
By investing in these measuring devices, you can take full control of your cannabis grow. You can make data-driven decisions to optimize your cultivation practices. With accurate measurements, you’ll be able to fine-tune environmental conditions and nutrient solutions. This results in healthier plants and better overall results.
Thermometers & Hygrometers
Ambient Weather WS-10
This weather station system is unrivaled when it comes to comprehensive environmental monitoring. With its Radio Frequency remote sensors, it has the capability to monitor up to 8 receivers. This providing you with extensive coverage throughout your grow space. The main display can be conveniently placed anywhere, allowing you to monitor heat and humidity levels at multiple locations within your setup.
With its advanced features, this weather station system proves to be a highly effective tool for monitoring and managing the climate in your grow space. Whether you have a small or large-scale operation, this powerful climate monitoring tool is suitable for any size grow. Stay informed and in control of your grow environment with this exceptional weather station system.
Hygrometers with Probe
For a more budget-friendly alternative, we suggest opting for a hygrometer equipped with a wired probe, capable of measuring both temperature and humidity levels inside your grow space. This allows you to mount the main unit outside the tent while running the probe into the tent through a designated port. I personally utilize two similar hygrometers in various ways throughout each grow.
It’s important to note that many comparable units in the market only measure temperature with their wired probes, despite appearing to offer temperature and humidity measurements. In reality, they measure humidity at the base station rather than through the probe. The recommended units we suggest, however, accurately measure both temperature and humidity using their dedicated probes. This ensures more precise and reliable readings for monitoring the conditions inside your grow space.
Mini Hygrometer
Obtaining precise temperature and humidity readings during the curing process is crucial for achieving optimal results. Mini hygrometers prove to be especially valuable for this purpose, as they conveniently fit inside the jars alongside your buds. This enables you to closely monitor and maintain the ideal conditions for your precious harvest. While it is possible to manage with just one hygrometer for multiple jars, having two or three hygrometers can significantly simplify the curing process.
Briidea Hygrometer
The advanced digital humidity sensor, included in this hygrometer, ensures precise humidity and temperature readings, providing you with real-time data for your storage needs. This digital hygrometer is the ideal humidity meter and thermometer for maintaining perfect conditions for growing and curing your cannabis flowers.
Inkbird ITH-10
Here’s another great choice for a mini hygrometer. It’s more commonly found and comes at a lower price compared to the Caliber IV. Both of these models outperform cheaper digital or analog hygrometers by a significant margin.
pH Meter
This is another product that you may already have. However, pH is important for Plant health, so if you don’t have a way to measure and adjust, you will need to get one! The importance of setting the proper pH is examined in our article titled, “Measuring and Adjusting pH“.
Bluelab PENPH pH Pen
The technology involved in measuring pH is sensitive and sophisticated. There are numerous cheap pH meters on the market, but these are shortlived and unreliable. You do not need the most expensive models, but it is worth investing in a quality pH meter.
I have personally utilized and highly recommend the Bluelabs pH meter. This pH meter stands out due to its user-friendly interface, reliability, and accuracy. I have been using this pH meter for over two years, and it has consistently delivered precise readings without requiring frequent calibration. Additionally, it includes small jars of calibration fluid, which provide convenience compared to the traditional powder form. The Bluelabs pH meter strikes a great balance between quality and price, making it an excellent choice for pH monitoring in home cannabis cultivation.
Apera Instruments pH20
I both endorse and utilize the Apera Instruments pH meter, which we highly recommend. This pH meter is user-friendly, dependable, and provides accurate readings. I have personally owned this meter for a year and can attest to its consistent performance and infrequent need for calibration. Additionally, it includes small jars of calibration fluid, making the calibration process hassle-free compared to using powder alternatives. Considering its excellent balance of quality and affordability, the Apera Instruments pH meter is an ideal choice for pH measurement in home cannabis cultivation.
pH Calibration Solution
As a user, it is important to understand that all pH meters will require calibration at some point to maintain their accuracy. The Apera pH meter we recommended earlier includes convenient small bottles of calibration fluid that are sufficient for multiple grow cycles. This eliminates the hassle of dealing with calibration powders, which can be challenging to mix accurately.
To ensure reliable pH measurements and avoid using an inaccurate meter, it is highly advised to acquire pH calibration fluid and learn the proper calibration procedures. By regularly calibrating and maintaining your pH meter, you can ensure consistent and precise readings, enabling effective monitoring and adjustment of pH levels in your nutrient solutions. Investing time in learning how to keep your pH meter accurately calibrated with the help of calibration fluid is a worthwhile endeavor for successful cannabis cultivation.
Electrical Conductivity (EC)
Accurate measurement of Electrical Conductivity (EC) is crucial for effectively managing your fertigation strategy and determining the strength of your nutrient solution. Fortunately, the technology involved in measuring EC is relatively straightforward, meaning that you do not necessarily need to splurge on an expensive meter. However, if you do opt for a dedicated EC meter, it is important to note that the water being measured should ideally be at a similar temperature to that which is applied to the plants, typically around 68°F (20°C).
By investing in an EC meter or utilizing alternative methods of measuring EC, you can ensure precise monitoring of nutrient solution strength. This information is invaluable for adjusting your fertigation strategy and maintaining optimal nutrient levels for your plants. Remember to take temperature into account when measuring EC to obtain accurate and reliable readings for effective nutrient management.
BlueLabs Truncheon Nutrient EC/PPM Meter
The Bluelab Truncheon nutrient meter allow you to quickly monitor for precise up and down adjustment of your nutrient (TDS) level in solution to maximize your grow and ensure plants get the balanced feed they need; Measures while mixing nutrients in your tank. General uses include gardening, hydroponics growing tent and reservoir. Comes factory calibrated (no calibration required) and is fully waterproof; Automatic Temperature Compensation provides consistent reading regardless of any fluctuations in temperature. Combine with pH tester and other meters for full garden nutrients monitoring in water. Other features include auto off function, no buttons or switches; The kit includes AA batteries and Truncheon case.
EC/PPM meter
The meter I personally use is the BlueLabs Truncheon Pole, but this meter is pricy so if you are not ready to invest in this meter here is a low-cost alternative that does the basics very well. I have conducted thorough accuracy checks and comparisons with other meters, and this meter has consistently delivered reliable performance throughout testing.
Measuring Nutrients
10ml Oral Syringes
In my opinion, using small oral syringes is the ultimate method for measuring and mixing nutrients. I find it incredibly effective to assign one syringe to each nutrient product and securely attach them to the bottles using Velcro. These syringes provide accurate measurements in milliliters and teaspoons, allowing for precise dosing, even when dealing with small quantities. Each set includes 10 syringes, making it a valuable investment for any grower involved in nutrient mixing. I highly recommend these syringes as a must-have tool for any grower.
Light Meters
Light meters are utilized to assess the light distribution within the grow space and determine the optimal height for suspending your light above the canopy. While not essential, they provide valuable insights for growers aiming to fine-tune their setups. By measuring the light intensity, you can precisely gauge and adjust the lighting conditions in your grow space, leading to more precise and optimized growth. While many growers can achieve satisfactory results by following general guidelines, using a light meter allows for a more meticulous approach to measuring and managing light.
Lux Meter
If you are utilizing HID lights or LEDs that emit a “near neutral,” “warm,” or “cool” balanced spectrum, LUX meters can provide reasonably reliable measurements. The Dr. Meter Lux meter, featured in the provided image and link, offers excellent value and performance for this purpose. It allows you to assess the light intensity in your grow space and ensure optimal lighting conditions for your plants.
PAR Meter
PAR, which stands for Photosynthetically Active Radiation, represents the energy that plants can effectively utilize for photosynthesis. This measurement is crucial when assessing light for plant growth. While LUX meters can be used to measure general light levels, PAR meters are specifically designed to quantify the intensity of light within the photosynthetically active range. They are particularly useful for evaluating monochromatic or “blurple” LED lights. However, it’s important to note that PAR meters are generally more expensive compared to LUX meters.
Scale
A scale is not a must have item but in order to measure your progress you are going to want to know how much you harvested!
Etekcity Compact Scale
You’ll require a reliable method to precisely measure and divide my harvest. There’s a wide range of options, from expensive ones that cost hundreds of dollars to inexpensive kitchen scales. I aimed for something in between! This one can hold up to 200g, measures accurately to the tenth of a gram, and is user-friendly. I’m quite fond of it and would definitely recommend it!
Set-up Your Grow
Growing Cannabis
- Cannabis Seeds
- Fertilizers & Supplements
- Propagation Supplies
- Plant Training & Care
- Harvest & Processing
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About Our Product Recommendations
Here at 420 Grow Help, our primary goal is to assist growers in achieving the utmost success with their cannabis crops by providing accurate scientific information and sharing proven cultivation techniques. The products we recommend are the very ones we have personally chosen to purchase and use ourselves. We maintain a strict policy of not accepting sponsorships or advertising, and we only endorse products that meet our own high standards. For detailed product recommendations, please refer to our Product and Equipment Guide.
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Disclaimer:
The information presented on 420GrowHelp.com should not be regarded as financial, legal, or medical advice. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with and abide by the local laws and regulations pertaining to the cultivation, possession, and use of cannabis. Decisions regarding cannabis cultivation should be made in consultation with a lawyer or qualified legal advisor, while decisions regarding cannabis use should be made in consultation with a doctor or medical professional.
