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The Bluelab Conductivity Pen is a waterproof digital EC/PPM meter for hydroponics. It provides accurate nutrient strength and temperature readings with ATC, ensuring optimal nutrient solution health in your grow room.
The Bluelab Conductivity Pen is the indispensable tool for monitoring and mastering your nutrient solution strength in hydroponic systems. Accurately tracking your EC, PPM, or TDS levels is vital to prevent nutrient deficiencies or damaging "burn," ensuring your plants receive the exact amount of food they need for robust growth and high yields. This waterproof, dual-function pen provides fast, reliable readings of both conductivity and temperature, making it essential for daily management of any grow room or reservoir. Pair with the Bluelab pH Pen for a complete measurement system.
Key Benefits of the Bluelab Conductivity Pen
- Dual Parameter Measurement: Measures both Nutrient Strength (in EC, CF, PPM 500/TDS, or PPM 700) and Temperature (°C or °F), giving you a complete picture of your solution health.
- Automatic Accuracy: Features Automatic Temperature Compensation (ATC) to ensure precise and reliable readings, irrespective of the solution temperature.
- Ultimate Durability: Fully waterproof and designed to float, protecting your investment from drops and accidental immersion in the reservoir.
- Instant Use: Comes factory calibrated and ready to use out of the box. Calibration is optional and only required for maintenance checks after cleaning.
- Easy Maintenance: The flat electrode design simplifies cleaning, and the pen includes a hold function and a bright, easy-to-read backlit display.
How to Use the Bluelab Conductivity Pen
Achieving precise readings with your Bluelab Conductivity Pen is simple. Proper maintenance is key to prolonging the life of your device:
- Preparation: Press the Power button to turn the unit on. Select your preferred measurement unit (EC, PPM 500, or PPM 700) by pressing and holding the 'units' button until the display flashes.
- Measurement: Place the probe tip into the nutrient solution or sample, ensuring the electrode is fully submerged. Gently stir and wait a few seconds for the reading to stabilise on the backlit LCD.
- Recording: Use the 'Hold' function (short press the power button) to freeze the reading if you need to remove the pen from the solution for better viewing.
- Cleaning & Storage: Always rinse the probe thoroughly under clean, running water immediately after each use to prevent nutrient salts from crystallising and building up on the electrode. Clean the probe monthly with a specialised care kit.
Grow Room Setup: For practical advice on setting up and maintaining your environment, explore 5 Essential Tips for Setting Up a Hydroponics Grow Room.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between EC, PPM, and TDS?
EC (Electrical Conductivity) is the base measurement of ion concentration (dissolved salts/nutrients) in the solution. PPM (Parts Per Million) and TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) are converted estimations of that EC reading, which can use different conversion scales (e.g., 500 or 700). EC is the most consistent measurement, but the Bluelab Pen allows you to choose the scale that matches your nutrient line.Does the Bluelab Conductivity Pen need to be calibrated?
The Bluelab Conductivity Pen is factory calibrated and generally ready for use. Calibration is usually only required if, after cleaning, the meter reads outside of tolerance when tested with a known standard EC solution (like 2.77 EC). Regular cleaning is more important than frequent calibration for this device. EC solutions can be found in the pH Management section.Why is my conductivity pen reading lower than I expect?
The most common cause of a low reading is a dirty probe head. Fertilisers, salts, and organic compounds can build up on the electrodes, blocking the ability to accurately measure conductivity. If the readings are inaccurate, the first step is always to thoroughly clean the probe following the Bluelab cleaning instructions and re-test with a verification solution.Why is temperature measurement important for conductivity?
Temperature significantly impacts how electricity moves through water. The warmer the solution, the higher the electrical conductivity appears, even if the nutrient strength hasn't changed. The Bluelab Pen's Automatic Temperature Compensation (ATC) ensures that the final EC/PPM reading is corrected to a standard temperature, providing a true and reliable measurement for nutrient management.SKU: 1095- Measures conductivity and temperature
- Backlit LCD display
- Calibration optional
- Successful calibration indicator
- Hold function
- Low battery warning
- Fully waterproof
- Auto off function
- Automatic temperature compensation
- 1 year warranty
Free delivery on orders over £60*
- UK Mainland onlyStandard Delivery £4.95
- Heavy / Large item surcharge £2 per item
- 1-3 Days**
- UK Mainland onlyExpress Delivery £8.95*
- Next Working Day**
- UK Mainland onlyScottish Highlands £15.95*
- 2-5 Days***Can not be used with Heavy / Large items
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