Best ph test strips according to redditors
We found 280 Reddit comments discussing the best ph test strips. We ranked the 58 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
We found 280 Reddit comments discussing the best ph test strips. We ranked the 58 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
![pH Test Paper for Kombucha Brewing, 0.5 to 5.5 pH [16 Foot Roll with Dispenser]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51JO2foVQRL.jpg)
I LOVE the L-Ascorbic acid powder. Once you learn how to use it, it's a versatile, stable product that will last a long time. I'm currently mixing it with Hada Labo Premium. Here is how I measure for precision:
The scoop it comes with is far too large, so I bought these tiny measuring spoons: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009X1P9S/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
The smallest spoon is called "Drop" and it is equivalent to 1/64th of a teaspoon. I measure one level spoon of this and tap it into the palm of my hand. Next, I mix 4 drops of Hada Labo into the palm of my hand (**handy trick--one drop carefully dispersed from the bottle is equivalent to the "drop" measuring spoon). Use the spoon to mix it all up. The powder dissolves completely so there is no grittiness, leaving a perfect 20% strength, 3.0 PH Vitamin C serum in your hand. I test with these strips: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DTH14XZ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
This works out to be enough for my face, neck, décolletage, and the backs of my hands. Voila!
It's not fungus gnats.
You have multiple deficiencies going on at once which means the first thing you need to do is check your pH run off, not the pH of the water/fertilizer solution added to the soil. Make sure it is around a pH of 6.5 or so. Some fertilizers can acidify the soil forcing the pH down. You also have some slight tip burn which means adding more fertilizers would likely be detrimental.
5.5-8.0 pH strips are an easy way to read pH run off as they require no calibration, no special storage techniques, only need a drop of solution to work with and are accurate enough.
https://www.amazon.com/Micro-Essential-pHydrion-dispenser-5-5-8-0/dp/B0001SR4NM
You must have the pH in the proper range to really do a proper deficiency evaluation.
But it looks like a nitrogen deficiency (lower yellowing leaves) and a potassium deficiency (spotted necrosis caused by proteins unable to form/repair themselves). Proteins degradation is just a part of plant life and allows plants to re-utilize amino acids but potassium is vital to protein synthesis. edit- this is caused by "nutrient lockout" from an improper pH
Calcium deficiencies tend to have leaf edge burn due to an osmosis imbalance that destroys cell walls. In this case the higher salt concentration in the center of the leaf is pulling nutes from the leaf edge destroying cell walls. This is why some crops like lettuce are often calcium boosted to protect cell walls since leaf edge burn in a leafy crop like lettuce greatly devalues the price of lettuce. In lettuce and other leafy crops this can be caused by to much light in a day. You don't appear to have this issue.
There are nute deficiency charts out there which are giving suspect information which is why you may have come to the calcium conclusion.
So get the pH in control before adding more fertilizers or you can make the problem worse by further driving down the pH.
Potassium hydroxide ("pH up") is a fast way to raise the soil's pH (don't use sodium hydroxide!) and most any of the (bi)carbonates can act as a pH soil buffer since the carbonates will stay in the soil longer (don't use sodium bicarbonate or baking soda). Sodium can interfere with potassium uptake.
7.4
Might want to consider one of these if you are color blind. pH Meter
PTC taste test strips. One like this: http://www.amazon.com/PTC-TASTE-PAPER-VIAL-STRIPS/dp/B001D7FF5E
Mine was under 5 and over 4 and it's a brand new bottle. This happened to me before, where new products, but old bottles of products were not testing right. I had bought new test strips. So I got a different brand of test strips and re-tested everything a week later and the results came out right. .My experience is that not all test strips are equal.
Husband is a chemE. said test strips are not definative because of light and heat and external influences. Never mind manufacturers. He recommends the brand PH Hydrion. Of course, he hasn't worked in a lab in decades. But he remembered everyone using them in the lab. He also said he never used test strips, he used PH meters.
It's not a genome test, it's a PTC test. A quick google search gave me this Though that's a way larger quantity than you'd want. You might be able to get one from free from any highschool biology department I think they're pretty popular in labs.
The substance used for these test strips is indeed Phenylthiocarbamide (PTC), which is the substance mentioned in the article as being similar to the bitter compound in Brussels sprouts.
Bitter Test Strips:
http://www.amazon.com/PTC-TASTE-PAPER-VIAL-STRIPS/dp/B001D7FF5E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1341172595&sr=8-1&keywords=bitter+test+strips
https://www.amazon.com/Nasco-PTC-Paper-Strips-Vial/dp/B001D7FF5E
Buy this. If you put it in your mouth and it tastes bitter straight away your a "super taster"
So, for funsies I tested the Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid with these paper pH strips and got a pH of ~5. Paula's website lists a pH of 3.5-3.9. The strips were effective at testing my other products, so why is the pH of the BHA Liquid so far off? Is there something about the product that makes pH testing more complicated, or does this product not work with paper strips? Or did I get a bad batch?
E: Here are some pictures I took of the test strip.
Emailing or calling the company is an easy option, but it's pretty random chance you'll get the answer. Some companies like Garnier and Philosophy consider it proprietary information, and act shocked you asked. Other companies like Neutrogena and Stridex are thrilled to share, and others like Simple Skincare will give you a silly vague answer along the lines of "All products have a pH of 5-7.5"
You can buy pH test strips, or litmus paper, online. They are a couple dollars, and you get more than you'd probably ever use. The ones with multiple squares are more accurate but more expensive. 5.5 is a good number to aim for, though it doesn't have to be exact. You mostly want to avoid the crazy 8's and 9's that companies make to give that "squeaky clean" feeling. Keep in mind that any oil cleansing mix you might have will turn your paper a color if tested, but it is meaningless. Oil does not have a pH as it does not have hydrogen ions.
Of course, if you're using a popular or widely available cleanser most likely someone has found the pH already. You can usually find someone's test results in the search bar!
I bought these. It's like a pH strip tape dispenser. I heard you shouldn't apply the strips directly to your vaginal wall or cervix- that may be harmful. So, I just swabbed my cervix and wiped on the strip. Since I already check my CM this way anyway, I figured I may as well use the sample. ¯_(ツ)_/¯
I've been using these ones from amazon, which have worked fairly well. I just got a pretty decent digital pH meter, though, as I've been wanting to get one for my beermaking, so we'll see if the convenience of the strips outweighs the accuracy of the digital meter once I get it.
FWIW, those strips are terrible for measuring exact pH levels. I wrote a whole post on why I won't use these strips to test cleanser pHs in a narrow range. Using the large range pH strips is like using a sledgehammer to make a small hole in your wall. Sure, it makes a hole in the general area you want, but it sure as hell isn't going to be exact. The post goes into some detail about how pH indicator dyes work. I actually recommend these strips instead, if you are interested in the pH of things between 3-5.5 pH. I've used those strips to test out the pH of Innisfree's Bija Anti-Trouble Cleanser, CosRX's Good Morning Gel Cleanser, and CosRX's BHA blackhead toner, and the results were much more accurate and easy to read than the 0-14 pH strip range.
TL;DR - the accuracy of your pH strips is the more likely culprit. Use pH strips with the appropriate range for the items you are measuring. Big range pH strips are good for telling you if you have an acid or base, not good at fine-tuned pH level indicators in the 0.5 pH range.
You're probably opening a can of worms with that question. I can tell you that in beer-making using bought spring water VS the well water where I lived made a significant improvement.
BUT!!!.... we're not making beer, we're going to distill it anyway, right? So, if you have no reason to think there's something in you tap water that is undesirable it may be okay to use it.
HOWEVER!!... What is critical is the pH of the water. You can buy some cheap pH test strips if you want. My water was way high, close to 9. Your yeast likes it around 5.2. I use this 5.2 pH stabilizer stuff, it seems to work and will last you a long, long time. You'll probably get more alchohol because the ideal pH lets it ferment more completely and quickly.
That said, you can probably skip all that and use your tap water and it will still turn out fine, you can probably buy spring water or distilled water and it will turn out fine. But keep in mind those store bought waters do nothing to maintain a consistent pH, and that's what your yeast really cares about.
All in all, buying water is probably cheap insurance, but since I've been using my tap water and getting good results I would only do it as an experiment. Maybe you would do the opposite, use bought water for awhile and then try the tap one time and see what difference you notice.
I finally found and purchased these that have a 0-14 pH testing range, on Amazon. I think for increments smaller than 1 your best bet is to get a digital pH meter (something like this), but those can be pricey.
I don't have that cleanser or I would test it for you. Just a HU, I bought these testing strips from Amazon, and now I test all the things!
I can't get an exact 3.6 for example, but for our purposes, it works.
Buy one of these
Bluelab if you have the money for sure, but for a cheaper option I'd definitely recommend a Jellas Ph pen. I used it for ages before I upgraded. Just remember to calibrate once a week or so.
https://www.amazon.com/Jellas-Household-Hydroponics-Measurement-Resolution/dp/B00YBUH4RC
http://www.amazon.com/PTC-TASTE-PAPER-VIAL-STRIPS/dp/B001D7FF5E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1301242237&sr=8-1
The reaction that is happening is
Zn + 2 HNO3 -> Zn(NO3)2 + H2
Zinc + nitric acid produces zinc nitrate and hydrogen gas
So as your bath is being exhausted, the HNO3 is being used up. Eventually it'll stop because the HNO3 is all gone. What you could get is some pH paper. That will tell you how acidic the solution is. A fresh batch should have a pH around 0-1. As it reacts it'll get closer to a pH of 7. For your bath, it'll never get above 7 since that is a basic solution.
The reaction might start slowing down once it's above a pH of 5-6, but you'll have to do a little monitoring to see what's best.
They've been stored right. These are the ones I use: https://www.amazon.com/Hydrion-paper-Dispenser-Color-Chart/dp/B005FYGXUC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1486171334&sr=8-1&keywords=ph+hydrion
Here's the thing though, I hope I'm wrong. I just noticed that the COSRX BHA wasn't doing anything for me, so purchased another bottle thinking I got unlucky. Used that for a couple weeks, nothing. Decided to test the pH of both and BOOM. Around 6. Then I came here in a panick haha.
If anybody has other BHA recommendations with a minimal ingredient list, preferably one that uses betaine salicylate. PLEASE indulge me.
As others have said, starbucks coffee usually gives away old stuff for free (bring a rubermaid tote or your car will likely get some unwanted coffee juice leaked through). The vinegar thing depends on the water you use. If your water comes from an aquifer, its going to have some (maybe lots) of calcium in it that causes it to be basic. You want it to be acidic, hence the vinegar. The problem is that vinegar (acetic acid) is a weak acid and not very concentrated. If you don't use enough acid to neutralize the base in the water, you're still going to be screwed. The easy thing to do is to buy some litmus paper on amazon (try here). My water is so hard I had to get concentrated hydrochloric acid (roughly 12 M, and they sell it at lowes surprisingly!) It would take about 8 mL of conc HCl to 4 gallons of hard water in order to drive down the pH.
Don't use softened water (too much salt!). What I ended up doing is collecting rain water in a rain barrel. Water your plants daily (they like well drained moist soil).
A big thing to keep an eye out for... Look at the color of your leaves. If you're doing the pH thing right, your leaves will be a nice green color but if the soil/water is too basic (too high on the pH scale), they'll start to turn red. When this starts to happen you need to correct your problem quickly or you're screwed for the season. Once the leaves turn red, they don't normally turn back, however, new growth will grow green. If the plants aren't happy, they won't make fruit.
If you have other questions, hit me up. I'm doing this for my fourth year and I'm finally getting most of the kinks worked out of my system. Lots of failures but I'm expecting much better results this year! Best of luck!!
I bought the two below (the first results for pH meter and PPM meter respectively). They are well reviewed and have worked great for me.
https://smile.amazon.com/Jellas-Household-Hydroponics-Aquariums-Resolution/dp/B00YBUH4RC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1491933088&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=ph+meter&psc=1
https://smile.amazon.com/HM-Digital-Measurement-Resolution-Accuracy/dp/B0002T6L5M/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1491933118&sr=8-3&keywords=ppm+meter
If you need EC instead of PPM I can't help you, but you can convert between the two I believe.
Id definitely get a PH pen, those drops are not accurate enough for growing marijuana IMO.
I use this, haven't had any problems with it
https://www.amazon.com/Jellas-Household-Hydroponics-Aquariums-Resolution/dp/B00YBUH4RC/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1496106446&sr=8-3&keywords=PH+pen
A sunken pellicle may just mean it was agitated at some point and didn’t float again right away. Have you tested your brew’s ph? It should be at or below 4.5. And have you tasted it to see if it has gained any tartness?
I’ve used these test strips and been happy with them.
Kombucha Instant Read pH Strips Dispenser - pH Range 0-6 - 15ft Roll | 180 1" Inch Strips https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07G2N6BNW/
Also, is it at 75 degrees Fahrenheit or higher? Low temperatures can cause your brew to grow slowly or grow mold. The top of the fridge is a good spot to store your brew because of the heat coming off the back.
Best of luck to you!
Different people's taste buds sense bitterness differently. People who like IPAs are much less sensitive to bitterness and therefore it doesn't overwhelm the other flavors that come from the hops. You can even get these to test your bitter sensitivity: http://www.amazon.com/PTC-TASTE-PAPER-VIAL-STRIPS/dp/B001D7FF5E. Kind of a fun party trick.
Just order some test strips from Amazon. If it tastes really bitter, you're probably a supertaster.
I suffered yeast recurrent yeast infections for 2.5 years! This all started from taking antibiotics. I tried boric acid, 90 billion culture probiotics, maintenance fluconazole (1 time every week), several vaginal creams-you name it. I tested for HIV and diabetes-negative. The recurrent bv/yeast specialist at my obgyn office was baffled at my issues!
I am not sure what ended up working for me. I have been clear for a little less than a year now. I have a few theories: 1.) I stopped using the pill and went on an IUD 1.5 years ago. I believe this helped somewhat (lower hormone dose). 2.) I don't wear underwear at night, and sleep without shorts/pants. 3.) I just rinse with water in the shower and use only coconut oil to shave. 4.) I use an AWESOME organic water-based lube that is pH balanced (the company UK based by the name of YES). 5.) Before bed I rinse my vulva/vag off with warm water using a "perrineal bottle", which is basically a squirt bottle. 6.) When I get a uti, I buy d-mannose, and add it to my water. I have cured several utis using this. D-mannose is a special sugar that clings to e-coli in the urinary tract/bladder and flushes it out when you pee. I swear it works just as well as antibiotics. You have to make sure you take the right dosage. Some supplements just provide a dose enough to prevent but not cure utis. I was skeptical at first, but it is something I wish I knew about earlier. Check it out on amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00SK66UJG/ref=mp_s_a_1_10?qid=1448632306&sr=8-10&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70&keywords=d+mannose+uti
7.) I stopped taking maintenance doses of fluconazole and only used it when I had an active infection. Over the course of 2.5 years, I probably got more than 30-40 infections.
Edit: I also use this to test if I have bv or yeast: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B005FYGXUC/ref=sxts1?ie=UTF8&qid=1484881069&sr=1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65
Normal vaginal ph is between 3.8-4.5. BV will cause your pH to be off, but yeast will not.
I have yet to have issues with this one:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00YBUH4RC/
Works well, accurate (compared with other meters and stays right on)
These have been just fine for me, and it is more economical. I bought 2 of them, one as a back up. They both hold their calibration rather well, and I won't be quite as pissed if I break one as if I had spent $80 on it.
Even in this thread there seems to be some disagreement over it! From what I'm understanding in the other comments, carbonation itself causes a drop in ph, which will damage enamel (see: pH levels source and 'danger zone' links from the dentist student), so yes, carbonated water, on its own, will damage enamel through changing acidity of your mouth (another peer-reviewed source that I found through browsing, since I prefer to give academic sources where possible lol; on the other hand, some brands of seltzer water apparently actively try to balance the pH of their drinks to correct for the acidification produced by carbonation, so that they are no longer damaging. Ultimate recommendation is probably to pick up some litmus strips for cheap on Amazon, check the pH of your drink yourself, and if it's acidic, mitigate any enamel damage by drinking with a straw and rinsing your mouth after drinking the beverage.
Hap hap hello there! I am a bot and you linked to Amazon.
This comment contains 1 pricing graph(s)
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Product 1: pH Test Strips for Urine and Saliva with 4 testing panels for increased accuracy: pH Dip Sticks (100 Count, Full pH Range from 0 to 14) (B00M4X5J20)
Imgur pricing graph
||Amazon|3P New|Used|
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|Cur||$9.99|Not in Stock|
|Hi||$19.88|
|Lo||$2.26|
|Avg||$9.22|
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^^I'm ^^a ^^bot. ^^Please ^^PM ^^any ^^bugs
Get something like this, just a roll of ph paper. It only takes a tiny bit and it'll last forever. For these purposes, its as accurate as you need and you don't need to maintain it like a ph meter.
You say that it has an acidic taste, but is it really acidic? Time to bust out your old chemistry set! You can get a set of litmus strips on Amazon for only 4 bucks which will tell you if it is actually acidic, or if you are just tasting some weird flavor aspects (like too much citrus).
If it is truly acidic you have a few options. You can blend it with a more alkaline mead, or you can add some calcium carbonate mix it up until fully dissolved (I siphon around 1/2 gallon of mead from a 6.5 gallon carboy, mix 1 tablespoon into that, and re-add that to the rest, then stir) and let it settle for a day, and test the PH again, rinse and repeat until you're at where you want to be, if it's really acidic, you can do 2 tablespoons.
you need to get a ph meter: https://www.amazon.com/Jellas-Household-Hydroponics-Measurement-Resolution/dp/B00YBUH4RC/ref=lp_393271011_1_3?s=industrial&ie=UTF8&qid=1511300438&sr=1-3 will suffice.
I would recommend a water/nutrient pH of 6.4 for promix as it is a peat based media that is acidic. Meaning your pH should be about 6.2, but if you add 6.2 and hits the acidic peat, it will not be that anymore. Some people argue lower pH for soiless, but let me assure you that at 6.4 in results in a 5.6ish out. I personally think you are safe with a pH 5.4-6.2 out. What I mean by out is run-off, you need to feed enough liquid so that ~20% just drains through. Placing the pot in a pail during feeding/watering helps. This will drain extra salts.
Also, you should add perlite (1/3 volume) with promix as it can cause drainage problems and water retention if you don't. Think about that before you transplant. You may need to also add dolomite lime in the future. Read up on that please, just thinking ahead for you, and letting you avoid mistakes I had made. It doesn't take a lot, but helps to stabilize your pH and provides cal/mag.
>Not sure what EC means
It means Electroconductivity and refers to the salinity of your water.
Do you know how hard your water is? If its too hard, you need to dilute it with RO water. Some people just use RO water only, but supplement it with CalMag solution. If you don't know what's in your tap water, call the water department and ask them. They most probably posted your water analysis online.
Yur just lucky I'm feeling nice ;)
EDIT: And ffs quit giving them miracle grow!
I ordered it yesterday, but I won't have a way to test the pH...
Actually, I'll buy some strips to test this product is someone can point me in the direction of some that don't suck. I can't seem to find the ones that OP used though. Would these work?
You can use PTC test strips to see if you're a supertaster.
This.
How is the op's product different than any other ph test strip?
SEOH 0-14 pH indicator strips 100/box https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001T77WW2/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_Wp6gub0XS0DRT
pH Test Strips - Universal pH Testing Strips - Range 0-14 - pH Test Spa, Soil, Urine, Saliva - These are Great pH Dips - Healthy Balanced Life Chemistry Works Urine Luck The Saliva Pool Simply Testing Acidic Basic Neutral - Works for Best Quick Solution Indicator - Sample Well Water Swimming Aquarium Home Litmus - Alkaline or Acidic - - Free Guarantee Buy Now https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GK5WDJU/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_nq6gub1HTM1JC
Etc. They look basically the same, just some different label. That isn't exactly creating anything at all.
I use Hydrion test strips (the 5.5 to 8.0 range) and have for a long time now with great success.
Here's the ones I use, they work really well:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07F7MGFVW/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_i_FfLHDbDCXY52A
pH Test Strips for Kombucha
I just switched from a fancy sensor to using strips and they worked fine for my last batch of fermented reapers. It worked great. I used these strips.
Tap water or distilled. It will depend on where you start with the water among other things.
To be sure this.
Read through the article, you will get a lot of information. Feel free to google words you don't know. In short, in milk, the main spoilage is driven by gram-negative bacteria. They are able to grow a little better than other bacteria in cold temperatures and over time their concentration is high enough where they start changing the chemical make-up of the milk. Mainly, it seems that they release enzymes that break up the fats in milk (not entirely sure about non-fat milk) to other fats whose taste we don't like.
Measuring different kinds of fats, or bacterial concentrations is possible, but to do so cheaply with a simple readout on a carton or bottle is very hard. You will have to go for something that can have an easy read-out but is still indicative of the bacterial concentration. As you guessed, a good metric may be pH. It turns out, many bacteria like to make lactic acid as they grow, especially without too much oxygen, which lowers the pH of the milk.
Again, there are studies already available on the change of pH of spoiling milk, but this is where the fun part comes in. You can do these test yourself very easily. All you have to do is get a couple of cartons of milk (preferably different makes, and different fat% milk). Then measure their pH over time. Probably once per day for the 2 or so weeks it takes the milk to spoil. Each time you measure the pH, write it down and then taste the milk to see if it has spoiled. Try to find a pH value below which you would say the milk is spoiled.
Don't worry, having a little spoiled milk will not hurt you. Especially if you spit it out. Then make sure to take a couple more readings a few days after you know the milk is spoiled (don't taste that stuff) and make sure that the trend of lowering pH is still there.
As for how to measure pH. You can use pH strips. It's important to find ones that have a good change in color in the range you need (6.4-6.8 for fresh milk and lower for spoiled). This might be a good option.
Ideally, then you would need to find a dispenser design that would allow for a pH strip to be subjected to the milk without leaking the dye back into the container. Have fun coming up with some ideas!
Good luck and make sure you talk to your science teacher or any scientists in your community to help you plan experiments. This will help you learn how good experiments are done and in turn make your project all that much better.
First part serious. Second part funny.
If the pH of the shampoo isn't advertised, you could simply test it yourself. Supposedly pH balanced shampoo (different from pH neutral) is supposed to be like 4.5? So you'd need a test kit that would be able to distinguish 3.5 from 4.0 from 4.5 etc.
Edit: If it was me and I wanted to find out the exact pH of my shampoo, this is what I'd buy.
https://www.amazon.com/Micro-Essential-Lab-3110M18EA-Dispenser/dp/B00LY1KIWY/
Any food grade alkali is fair game to substitute for any other if you can get the needed pH. Usually the recommended choice in a recipe is determined by either locally accessible ingredients or ease of measurement at the scale needed (I am talking through my hat there, but have reasons to believe I am correct, which I will explain).
As an additional hobby, I do a lot of tie dyeing. The reactive dyes are the most color fast for natural fibers , but require a specific pH (11) in which to work. For just over $5 you get 100 pH test strips. For a Catholic homeschool meeting 20-ish years ago, I wanted to make pretzels with the kids as a demonstration of a traditional Lenten food. I was a bit scared about kids and lye, so I started looking at the pH needed to get pretzel browning, because I wanted them to participate at every step of the making. I checked the ph of baking soda solutions and lye solutions with my hand dandy on hand litmus test strips and was not liking it, so researched and stumbled across a way of reducing baking soda by baking that gets you a lot closer to the ideal pH of 13 that lye yields.
An insight was born. I do not use my pH strips as often as my thermapen, but because I have them, I have learned to measure pH for good results whenever browning is an issue. There are a lot more factors that influence the result, but the pH value is the most important in making substitutions. The solution temperature and length of the dunk are the next most important - and there are lots of papers out there explaining the science, but I am still at a level that process feel and product happiness determine temp and time.
I got some pH test strips from Amazon here they are, I tested some things last night and here are my results:
Tap water - 7-8 pH
GoW 5% mandelic acid serum - 3 pH
Stridex Red Box - 5 pH
I also tried to pH test my CeraVe cleanser, but I don't know how that works since it's a gel.
After doing a search on here, it looks like my pH readings are way off. Any ideas?
What is the difference between these two products, and will they give the same results?
https://www.amazon.com/UASure-Uric-Acid-Meter-Monitor/dp/B00B1UXV4K/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=uric+acid+test&qid=1558395677&s=gateway&sr=8-3
https://www.amazon.com/Strips-Saliva-Accurate-Alkaline-Levels/dp/B07BMWL4ST/ref=sr_1_9?keywords=uric+acid+test&qid=1558395677&s=gateway&sr=8-9
One is a uric acid blood tester, and the other is a urine/saliva test strip.
Is one method more reliable than the other?
I'd go to an aquarium store, but I bet amazon has what you need. From a quick search:
https://www.amazon.com/Micro-Essential-pHydrion-dispenser-5-5-8-0/dp/B0001SR4NM/ref=sr_1_17?s=industrial&ie=UTF8&qid=1549996021&sr=1-17&keywords=pH+strips
https://www.amazon.com/CellarScience-AD640LB-Potassium-Carbonate-lb/dp/B074D9BXRT/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1549996084&sr=8-3&keywords=potassium+carbonate
The ph of tap water depends on where you live.. but I know my whole state more or less has safe water in the taps. You can a get pack of like 100 test strips from amazon for like $5. Just make sure the PH is 7 or above.
I got one from Jellas and I'm very happy with it, which I'll link at the end of this reply. It's been quite accurate for my purposes. I occasionally put it in distilled water to make sure it's not falling out of calibration and so far it hasn't drifted, but if it does it has a screw to adjust it back. The batteries are easy to replace, and it's easy to slide it in past the pellicle and get a quick measurement. I'm actually on my second unit because I accidentally broke the bulb on the first one while drying it. Definitely let it air dry. I always rinse it right before and right after using it. It's a great way to make sure you're brewing a consistent product, since you will know exactly when your first and second fermentations are finished. Remember that pH is logarithmic so the rate of change will not be linear, and the difference in acidity between 4.0 and 3.0 is not 25%, it's 1,000%. I start the second fermentation at 3.4-3.6 and finish around 3.1-3.2.
Jellas Pocket Size PH Meter / PH Tester / Mini Water Quality Tester for Household Drinking Water, Hydroponics, Aquariums, Swimming Pools, PH 0-14.0 Me https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00YBUH4RC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_hkOrr63kSbWzQ
Well pH is measuring acidity/basicity from 1-14 so I try to adjust it to 5.5 - 6.5 using this.
Rip a tiny piece of the pH paper and just barely dip a clean glass rod in the solution you're testing, then touch the glass rod to the paper then determine if you need to add a tiny amount of vinegar or baking soda
Sorry for the slow response.
That is good your budget is flexible and you want to do it right from the start.
I think the tent is a good choice, and you have lots of vertical height which is great. Are you in a grow friendly state? The reason I ask is they might have some sales at local hydroponic and gardening stores that you might consider. Your plant will have at least a foot above it for clearance from the light and a foot below where you've got your pot. So your actual plant will probably just be around 4 feet tall.
I know a lot of people in america use fox farms soil and the fox farms nutrient line up. Seems to be successful. I am going a slightly more organic method using General Organics nutrients and pro mix with some compost as my soil. The fox farms soil has starting food in it while the pro mix is inert, which means full control of the food for the grower but less of a safety net for the plant if you mess it up.
There is a lot of options when it comes to food, each company has a ton of products. To get you going though I would just use the vegatative food and the flowering food. And some calmag. Everything else is just optional and you can always use next time.
Once you've got your medium and food sorted, you'll want to be able to check your ph levels.
Also grab some of the bottles of ph up and down so you can adjust it accordingly before you feed your ladies.
You'll need a tent to fit your space, I would browse amazon for deals and base your decision on their reviews!
As for what pots to use, I started using fabric pots and they are great. They allow for less over watering because the medium can breathe more easily. You'll want to start in 4 inch pots, then maybe to a gallon, then 3 gallons, perhaps all the way to 5 if you want. Kinda depends on how many plants you decide to keep? I grow small numbers and big plants.
After that you've just got to decide on lighting and ventilation. I don't know a lot about LEDs except that it cuts down on electricity and heat. Some people invest in american companies but they can be quite expensive. A popular method is just ordering cheap LED fixtures from china and not worrying too much if they break because they are so cheap.
/u/Legal_In_OR might stop by here to give some LED advice. He uses top of the line LEDS but I am wondering if he has insight on some of the cheaper options to get you going.
We also have lots of useful information on our website. http://www.herbgrow.co/
Feel free to ask more questions.
http://www.amazon.com/Dispenser-Hydrion-Papers-Strips-Testing/dp/B002ZYVU4O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1426730546&sr=8-1&keywords=Hydrion
good?
Here is 200 for $9.
Might be bacterial vaginosis, it can be subtle for some women. This might help you narrow it down in the meantime.
ph meter from amazon
I have this one and it works well! 16 bucks too so I recommend this if you are looking to purchase one!
Any vegetables and fruits.
If you are beginner I would suggest to buy ph test strips similar to those: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00X9D4JS4/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Just safety first.
from following webpage:
"Fermented food needs to reach a pH level of 4.6 or lower (which indicates it is acidic enough to be safe). Fermentation, if done properly, will bring food to the “safe” acid level."
http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2014/03/fermenting-veggies-at-home-follow-food-safety-abcs/#.WnMc5ainFhE
I bought mine off Amazon!
Raves:
Andalou Naturals Acai + White Tea Oil Free Moisturizer: It's lightweight, non-greasy, doesn't contain fatty alcohols (pore-clogging for some) and has great ingredients (antioxidants, anti-irritants & skin-repairing agents). I really like it.
New Purchases:
Devita Natural Skin Care Acne Solution Pads: I found these on iHerb. I was excited about the ingredients. Unfortunately, the pH is 5 according to my pH strips so it's NOT an effective BHA. I'll use these on my body and I will not repurchase.
GoW Salicylic Acid 2% Pads: I use these nightly to exfoliate. These are gentle (slight, transient tingle) and super moisturizing. The pH is 4 according to my pH strips so it's an effective BHA. I like them so far.
GoW Majik Anti-Popup Blemish Gel: I bought this because I'm curious about Azeloyl Glycine (a derivative of Azelaic Acid) and Niacinamide. I'm not sure about the coconut cream for my oily, acne-prone skin. I'll use it as a nightly spot treatment to deter blemishes.
GoW Enriched Oat Facial Serum: I bought this because my skin responds well to DIY oat flour masks when irritated. I'll use this to an an anti-inflammatory serum after MUAC chemical peels.
MUAC 25% Mandelic Acid Peel: I can't wait to try this to fade PIH from acne. It should be gentle and effective on my deep brown skin (Fitzpatrick V). I think it'll help acne as well. I'll use it weekly for the first two peels then use it every four days.
JJ Labs Skin Solutions Vitamin C Serum 25% with Hyaluronic Acid: I bought this from Etsy after seeing it on an Into the Gloss 'Top Shelf' post. It has a light gel-like texture, is non-greasy and moisturizing. The pH is 3 according to my pH strips so it's an effective vitamin C product. I'll use this this nightly.
I had the single paper strips which are very basic and not good if you want more precision. I moved on to these 4-variations which have provided me with much more accuracy.
I will make up a batch of StarSan and keep it for several weeks. I bought some inexpensive pH test strips from Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008IBOG7G/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00). I dip one into the solution, and as long as the pH is 3 or lower I'm good to go. Haven't had a problem with sanitation.
Cheap ph meter:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00YBUH4RC/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1501379477&sr=8-1-spons&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=ph+meter&psc=1
If you live in a legal state, just buy a used digital Mh/hps system preferably 1000w.
Use advanced nutrients
http://www.advancednutrients.com/nutrient-calculator/
I like how you asked for cheaper than $30 and people respond with $200 probes lmao.
I got these two off Amazon cheap, like $15 each.
I've tested them in r/o water and they seem to be accurate, the tds measures up with my water report from the city on my tap water and reads r/o at 0.
I haven't had any issues with my plants as far as ph or PPM.
Here are the ones I got.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00YBUH4RC/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1483110799&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=ph+meter+for+water&dpPl=1&dpID=41w2JXOokIL&ref=plSrch
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01EWZBB3S/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1483110821&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=tds+water+testing+meter&dpPl=1&dpID=51JKkIc76NL&ref=plSrch
Also: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001D7FF5E
You're welcome! If you need a recommendation, these are the kind I have.
alot of cleansers are often pH 9-10! So 6 isnt that bad - if you want, you can purchase those 4-mark pH testing strips on amazon, they're pretty cheap! I bought this pack of 100 for like $10. That would last awhile and then you can always be sure to get the approximate pH with all your future cleansers :)
On the topic of pH, I've had a few burning questions for a while. Wasn't sure to make a new post on this or stick it here.
Don't bother with strips. They usually don't have the range/precision you need. You can buy a digital meter for really cheap on Amazon if you really want one.
> https://www.amazon.com/Micro-Essential-Laboratories-Testing-Range-Environment/dp/B002ZYVU4O
Do you think something this accurate for use on a plant that is not having issues? I have the same brand of strips that covers the entire spectrum, so obviously less accurate. I usually get the PH around 6, airing on the side of 6.5 if possible. Should I be going for something more accurate?
Regarding pH testing...
I'd like to test a bunch of my stuff, but the Cleanser pH guide recommends a multicolored pH tester. The single color testers are much cheaper such as here.
Is it bad if I choose this one? If I choose it, should I not share my results on the list?
I don't grow outside but I don't think you need to add more nutes to your soil. Not if you are using a quality soil like Ocean Forest.
Honestly, it looks like splash burn to me.
http://www.thctalk.com/cannabis-forum/showthread.php?105935-Nute-burn
But I would check your run off water pH. With soil, you could probably get away with those little paper tester strips they use for pools. Super cheap and available at any pool supply or hardware shop.
https://www.amazon.com/Packs-Paper-Litmus-Strips-Tester/dp/B008IBOG7G
I bought these and happy with the results
http://www.amazon.com/Sticks-Strips-Count-Improved-Testing/dp/B00M4X5J20/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1408242184&sr=8-1&keywords=ph+dip+sticks
If your soil is peat or wood based and you have no liming in there then pH or Ca/Mg deficiency may be an issue. I use these pH test strips to get an idea of my soil pH.
Conversely to this, I use these ph strips I've never done honey, but in all my vegetable ferments i've always gotten readings at 4 or less. So even in a .5 margin of error you're still under the 4.6 pH for botulism safety.
Definitely. It’s the most accurate one can get.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DTH14XZ
Easiest way is just to get some pH paper, just dip it in and match color on the package.
https://smile.amazon.com/Hydrion-paper-93-Dispenser-Color/dp/B005FYGXUC/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=pH+paper&qid=1568937558&sr=8-3
People talk down about these all the time but mine has stayed calibrated and functional since christmas. The secret apparently is storing it how you use it vertically
Jellas Pocket Size PH Meter / PH Tester / Mini Water Quality Tester for Household Drinking Water, Hydroponics, Aquariums, Swimming Pools, PH 0-14.0 Measuring Range, 0.1PH Resolution (Yellow) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00YBUH4RC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_6B6.ybMED6HWD
You could always get this as well
General Hydroponics GH1514 General Hydroponics Ph Control Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000BNKWZY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_tD6.yb5VT9XYB
No problem.
You might look into getting a book of universal indicator strips like these to test products. You dip the paper into the product and compare the color to the color-pH legend. This gives you a ballpark pH that is good enough for this application. For ex it wont give you a pH of 5.5 but you will be able to tell it's between 5 and 6.
When you mix something with water, it can change the pH by a lot so I test the cleanser while it's on my face and lathered with water rather than straight out of the container. Tap water pH also varies a lot, which in turn affects the pH of your product if it gets mixed with tap water.
I honestly don’t think they check the pH standard. They do sell over the counter pH test kits in the pharmacy (or you can order pH test strips by the roll on amazon for wayyyy cheaper you’ll want this one Micro Essential Lab 3110M18EA 325 Hydrion Short Range pH Test Paper Dispenser, 3.0-5.5 pH https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LY1KIWY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_vx47BbNRK6A0F). Normal vaginal pH is around 3.8-4.5 so if you’re outside that range (usually higher than 4.5) it’s pretty indicative that you have BV.
I used this one last season. No problems with it. Cheap. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00YBUH4RC/ref=biss_dp_t_asn
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Not sure you can calibrate w/o the solutions.
I've heard that certain types of water don't quench thirst like other water. I can't remember what the deal was, it's been a few years, but it had something to do with the type of water you're drinking. Some water doesn't really satiate the thirst and stick around and go where the hydration needs to be in the body like other water. I can't remember the name, but there was some device that does something to the water to make it better for you and more hydrating.
Found this news story from ABC at the link below, and it has to do with the alkalinity of the water you are drinking. Distilled water, for instance, is very bad for you, because all the good stuff has been taken out of it. It can actually cause bone loss, which it did to me for many years before I got a clue that I shouldn't be drinking it. You can also get alkaline test strip paper and use your saliva to tell how alkaline your system/body is. Foods like sugar can cause your body to become more acidic and some fruits and things like pineapple can cause the body to become more alkaline. Having an acidic system can cause your body to be more likely to lean toward health issues, while having an alkaline body is better for your health.
There are at home machines that can make alkaline water for you, and there is also alkaline water you can buy. You can also add drops to your water to make it more alkaline. It's good to use the test strips to test the bottled water you are drinking, because there are many bottled waters on the market, even name brand bottled waters that are actually less alkaline than is recommended for human consumption. Possibly you are drinking one of these waters and it is leaving you dry.
https://abcnews.go.com/Health/alkaline-water-claims-offer-greater-hydration-health-benefits/story?id=33268980
Here is the test paper like I have at home. I've had it for a very long time and it still works fine. You can use it to test the saliva or urine that comes from your body to see where your system stands. Just tear off a small strip, test it, and compare it to the colors on the cartridge to see where your pH level is at, and respond accordingly with whatever changes are needed to make your body more alkaline and more healthy.
https://www.amazon.com/Micro-Essential-pHydrion-dispenser-5-5-8-0/dp/B0001SR4NM
And here is an article on the importance of having an alkaline system...
https://www.livestrong.com/article/444199-what-are-the-benefits-of-alkaline-in-the-body/
are these pens any good? which do you think is better/more accurrate?
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https://www.amazon.ca/Automatic-Calibration-Function-Accuracy-Hydroponics/dp/B078Y6CRWM/ref=sr_1_fkmrnull_2?keywords=ESYNIC+ph&qid=1557666941&s=gateway&sr=8-2-fkmrnull
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https://www.amazon.ca/Automatic-Calibration-7Pros-Accuracy-Alkalinity/dp/B01N9R2S35/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_1?keywords=ESYNIC+ph&qid=1557666941&s=gateway&sr=8-1-fkmr1
I was thinking something like this:
https://www.amazon.com/Drinking-Water-Test-Kit-Strips/dp/B07P5248JW/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?keywords=lead+test+kit&qid=1557643380&s=gateway&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1
I think all hair experimenters especially no pooers should own some pH test strips. Since we're not using a product that has been regulated and safety checked (even minimally) we should be able to check at least one factor (pH). pH test strips can be bought and many big box stores as they are necessary for pool maintenance. I bought mine on Amazon.
200 test strips, great ratings, under $6: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00S730YWG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_Sz1ZCb97EPPCK
People claim that the trace chlorine left in drinking water kills the yeast and bacteria in their starter. Test strips can tell you if there is any residual chlorine in your water.
These ones here test for chlorine and chloramine down to 0.5 ppm.
I use this. Mine came factory calibrated. Double-checked with their provided calibration solutions. Their customer support was very helpful since the calibration solutions do not come with instructions:
https://www.amazon.com/Jellas-Household-Hydroponics-Aquariums-Resolution/dp/B00YBUH4RC/
How much should I be spending on a PH pen are these cheap $20 Ones any good? [Like this] (https://www.amazon.com/Jellas-Household-Hydroponics-Aquariums-Resolution/dp/B00YBUH4RC/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1496521064&sr=8-3&keywords=ph+pen)
Also should the PH Be at 5.8 In the runoff, or what I feed the plant
OP, I wonder if you've ever been tested for being a supertaster. A small percentage of humans are born with denser quantities of tastebuds on their tongue, and as a result are a lot more sensitive to taste (especially bitter tastes) than the rest of us. You can test yourself by buying these strips. They only cost $6. And if you put them on your tongue and they immediately taste bitter and disgusting - congrats, you're a super taster!
Super tasters are more likely to be extremely picky eaters and seek out bland tasting foods. They usually are extremely anti-vegetables and anti-spicy foods. They also have aversions to things like red wine and scotch because they taste highly astringent to them. Versus me, who is actually a 'non-taster' (someone with very few taste buds that cannot taste the bitter chemical on those strips) who drinks my weight in scotch and seeks out the spiciest stuff imaginable just to get a taste of something. :)
Anyhow, onto Japanese food recommendations. I think the other posters have done a good job recommending tempura and teppenyaki.
I would also recommend shabu shabu to you. It's just nice beef cooked in a broth. Yakitori is another great thing to try: just meat on skewers. And Yakiniku is beef that you cook on your own barbecue. You can usually get wagyu and it's a fun thing to try.
One last one to consider that might be a stretch for you is okonomiyaki. It's essentially a Japanese pancake with an egg-base that may have some meat in it. You can probably request it without the sauce. The only trouble is that they often have cabbage in them, so you'd have to decide whether you were up to that or not. :)
Other than that, you'll have access everywhere to Starbucks, KFC, and convenience stores - so you're not going to starve. Go to some of the fancy department stores and wander their basements. Many of them have vast food markets in the basements with every type of food and confection imaginable. You can try lots of small things and just toss them if you don't like them. :)
It's possible to have a bleach smell and be within the safe range for drinking water. Our municipal water needs to have some residual chlorine in it from the water treatment plant so that we don't get sick from bacteria in the supply lines. And Charlotte water does seem to get a stronger chlorine smell in the summer. They probably boost the levels during warmer weather given the greater risk of bacteria growth. Some people are more sensitive to the smell than others, so you may smell it at levels when others would not notice or would notice and not be bothered by it. I'm that guy in our house - I smell it and don't drink unfiltered water (but I'm ok with tea made from unfiltered water).
If you want to be sure of the levels you could get some test strips. According to this page the acceptable level is 1-4 mg/l. Don't know how reliable that source is, but it seems credible on first glance. It does say that the smell is noticeable to people at 1mg/l (1ppm). That matches other sources online.
If you find levels >4mg/l, then it is something to bring up with Charlotte Water again, with your result. Either way you may want to get a charcoal filter for drinking/cooking water. That will remove most of the chlorine. Certainly enough that you won't smell it any more.
These PH Test strips would do the job just fine. Shave soap should have a PH between 7 and 10. Outside that range may sting you face.
These are the strips SAG recommended that I use.
I never did like the drops and the vial, but I LOVE the pH strips.
I bought a few gallons of purified water early on, but now I just fill them with just tap water or tap water with the FF Trio Nutrients .
I use the strips to test the water each time, and then use the pH Up or pH Down when needed.
I hope I'm not too late! I'm looking at getting a ph meter to add another element to my brewing.
Does anyone have [this meter] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00YBUH4RC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_bgV4ybF47N2CA)? I'm not really finding anything about the temps. it works at.
I use something similar to http://www.amazon.com/Dispenser-Hydrion-Papers-Strips-Testing/dp/B002ZYVU4O . I use ones on a little wider PH scale and they work great.
edit: the nice thing is you only need a tiny strip making the test strip roll last a LONG time.
I ordered and have been using this Jellas pocket sized pH meter.
By pH down solution, do you mean something like this.
Waaaaaait. So the plaster is shit-quality for install, and they're trying to blame the chem care?
If you just need to show that's it's stupid, rediculously high without needing to know what exactly it is (e.g. being able to say 'this shit is over 11!' Is just as effective as saying 'this shit is 11.3!') you can use litmus/pH paper. They go from 0-14 with pretty damn distinct color gradients between each level. This pack from amazon let's you kit out 4 trucks for $11.
Do you like the taste of:
...Because you might be a supertaster.
There are test strips (called PTC paper) that can be placed on your tongue to determine whether you're a supertaster. To some people, the strips have no taste no matter how long they leave them on their tongues. Those people have fewer taste buds and are not supertasters. To other people, the strips are bitter or extremely bitter and repulsive. Those people are near supertasters and supertasters.
It's also possible to determine if one is a supertaster by putting blue food-coloring on your tongue and looking closely to count the taste buds per a given area.
Here are some websites that explain (PDF) how to do that.
And here is a chart from a Wall Street Journal article called "People Who Taste Too Much" that shows how supertasters taste some foods differently than others. The full article is behind a paywall.
Certain ethnicities are more likely to be supertasters, such as Asian ones. Being a supertaster is genetic, so it's likely that one of your parents or grandparents is a supertaster if you are.
Of the foods I listed above, all would taste bitter to a supertaster, but a stout beer would taste better than an ale beer because ale beers are more bitter.
Being a supertaster is often confused with just being a picky eater (with no reason). Being a supertaster does not rule out a psychological component to food preference, it can show a very clear reason for many of your food choices.
Tomatoes should be ok for the water-bath, you can do a litmus test to make sure.
I've tried using cheap pH meters in the past (fish tanks) and they always fail, give me bad readings and cause a panic. If you don't want to invest in a good one, I would suggest strips. Something like http://www.amazon.com/Essential-pHydrion-Saliva-dispenser-5-5-8-0/dp/B0001SR4NM/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&qid=1451476877&sr=8-14&keywords=ph+strips
I'm working on my 4 x 4 build and the research I've done says 4 plants in 5 gallon smart pots is just right.
I keep some in a spray bottle and had mine last months. I check it with these. Never had a prob.
Litmus pH Test Strips, Universal Application (pH 1-14), 2 Packs of 100 Strips https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00S730YWG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_DPgAwb07HPNZW
It bares mention I always over mix as well. When kegging, I'll use about enough for 2.5 gal in 1.5. Better to be safe than frugal.
pH Test Strips for Kombucha Brewing 0-6 (0.5 Intervals) 100pc Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DTH14XZ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_zW9KDbJJSDGKR
pH testing isn't too expensive as far as brewing equipment goes.
Strips -get the ones for the pH range that you are interested in, in this case the acidic range. The pH strips that range from 1 to 14 are a lot harder to read accurately.
https://www.amazon.com/Micro-Essential-Lab-3110M18EA-Dispenser/dp/B00LY1KIWY/ref=sr_1_23?ie=UTF8&qid=1480250246&sr=8-23&keywords=ph+test+strips
Alternatively you could get a meter (my recommendation if you can pick one up for less than $20). While not lab grade, even the cheap ones are good enough for our purposes.
https://www.amazon.com/Rozway-Digital-Balance-Powder-Accuracy/dp/B01GN9E1QA/ref=sr_1_20?ie=UTF8&qid=1480250302&sr=8-20&keywords=ph+test+strips
I am not a specialist, since I just begin in the AB community, but dry people lack oil and its genetic, and dehydrated people lack water.
Be sure to drink enough water each day (8 glasses at least) but for your ph concern, you can maybe just check on google of people looked for the ph of their product. Or, if you wanted a product anyway, you can buy some strips especially for that on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Litmus-Strips-Universal-Application-Packs/dp/B00S730YWG/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1479873268&sr=8-3&keywords=ph+strips
I saw there's also a digital ph tester.
You can also reuse Star San. Get some litmus strips and test.
> It's an acidic cleaner. Once the pH rises above 3, it should be replaced. Color or cloudiness is not an appropriate indicator of potency. (per Five Star Chemicals - makers of StarSan)
Edit: cheap from Amazon here.
I found these on amazon. It's not the kit we used but the same strips.
This is the one I am using. Its worked perfectly right out of the box so no complaints here. I hadn't thought of that but I'm going to go do it right now, thanks for the suggestion!
Looks like pH issue. pH testing solutions aren't too accurate for the range we need. I recommend getting these which is what I use and they work very well. Meters are okay too, but they're delicate and a lot of people end up breaking them when they try to clean it. If you get a meter, I'd still get those strips as a back-up.
That said, 6 is right around the minimum. 6.2 - 6.5 is where I like to be.
These are the models I went with, they've been working flawlessly so far:
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00YBUH4RC
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B007VK4YY0
Definitely worth every penny, even if they do end up breaking sooner.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00YBUH4RC/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1481968489&sr=8-2&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=ph+meter&dpPl=1&dpID=41w2JXOokIL&ref=plSrch
So something like that would work to test dirty runoff as well? Thanks
Like you, I needed a pen but didn't want to pay a cnote for one. I'm already using drops because I feel it's more accurate, but wanted a pen to compare to.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00YBUH4RC/ref=pd_aw_lpo_469_lp_img_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=H7N0T6GZ8T1Q6HVCB7SJ
I went with Amazon because if it craps out or doesn't work properly, I have like 3 months to return it. I mean, theoretically you could do this with the bluelab one and return it before their window runs out, but that feels scummy. I figure if nothing else, I'm only out like 13 bucks.
Since we're sharing our pH meters, I use this when I need to check (which isn't all that often)
Meter I use: [here]https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01A0MHHBW/ref=mp_s_a_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1505272717&sr=8-8&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=ppm+meter&dpPl=1&dpID=31jdwwwK2WL&ref=plSrch
pH strips I use here