pH & TDS Meters / DIY Hydroponics 

If you would like to try and use them to adjust your pH and nutrient levels, here are some on Amazon for less than $20: amzn.to/2nmWTr6 Then check out CB's Greenhouse and Garden to see how to use them the right way.

Fantastic! Thanks for proving through showing instead of just telling! Too many RU-vid content creators out there just telling people a hypothetical growing concept, while not truly demonstrating that it even works the way they say it does. These downspouts are practically no work at all: No pH testing, adjusting, or buffering; No TDS/EC testing; No air pumps; No water pumps; No monitoring/adjusting water levels; No changing out nutrient solutions mid-grow; No need to add nutrients after initial fill; No fiddling with drip irrigation, hoses, or timers; No weeding; No digging; No mulching; etc. The most complicated issue I'm finding with these downspouts is what to do with all the plants once they're ready to harvest. You can only give your neighbors so much lettuce before it starts getting weird... Thankfully, we found a soup kitchen in the city that is happy to take everything we can spare. Keep on teaching and uploading!

thanks for this. i see tooo many people obsessed with ph and ppm and it is mostly useless. Better to enjoy growing.

Man, I just started getting to hydroponics within the last couple months. I sure was relieved when I started watching your videos and you mentioned not testing your levels after I started some of my own stuff! Thx for the info and ideas!

I bought those meters when I first started but you’re absolutely right....too time consuming to continue to use. Bottom line, if you’re plants are thriving and you’re eating your veggies no matter the path to get there. Plus no batteries needed for those of us who wants to be off grid. I’d be totally impress if you can do off grid aquaponics. 😃

You are first 🥇 gardener who I support u ..It's so complicated to check PH and to change it every single day ...

Good morning Mike! I love how you break it down so simply! People can learn a lot from your vids,,,keep it simple guys is the key! All the best from Australia Marty

Good on you! When my grandma was teaching me to Garden 30 + years ago no electronics were involved I don't think PH meters TDS meters were invented yet. Probably but we knew nothing about them and grew perfectly good food!

I think what I appreciate the most about this video is the integrity of the system that he has developed for himself and others. The only time I use meters is when something is going wrong with my plants. However, it is easy to figure out what is wrong and what you can do to correct it without measuring any levels within your system. For instance, nutrient burn is very easy to identify and I don't need meters to tell me that. So I love this method he has going on here. It's really helpful because I think this industry has been avoided by so many for so long because of all the complicated aspects. This is the perfect way to start, and in fact I believe everybody should start In this exact same manner. You learn a whole lot more about your plants and nutrients without needing a chart or a table to tell you what to do.

Thank you for this! Color me relieved that I don't need to deal with more equipment and all the testing. I plan to set up MULTIPLE containers, and the idea of having to constantly test and adjust pH is daunting. I don't even do that with my aquariums!

Glad it works for you, my pH is 10+ and is way too high to grow a number of items without correcting pH, But I know it's not typical.

Gracias from Puebla México. I like cheap and easy too.

I have learned so much by watching your channel! You have inspired me to try growing micro greens, some good results some not so, but, that is what learning and growing (pun intended) is all about.

And proof is in your videos my friend. Kratky is the most simple and easy way to grow! Many don't understand it is a set it and forget it! Good lord it would take you hours to check all those! Very well said buddy! Keep on keeping on brother! Thanks for the shout! Hope you folks have an awesome weekend!

I get why you cant do it. Good on you. Im impressed. Im lucky i tested my stuff from the git go and found out my well water was terrible. Super high EC from mostly lime. Had to get a reverse osmosis system to have the proper water to start with. Love your simplicity and testing like the poodle noodles.

I agree with him 100%

To maximize your hydroponic growth you need to start with reverse osmosis water thats less than 20 ppm, ideally less than 10 ppm. Then you set your nutrient concentration level and pH. However, you can grow hydroponically without doing those things. I don’t know how much growth rate would be lost. The same goes for using deep water culture without adding air to the nutrient. When you add air to the nutrient, the growth rate is noticeably improved. Deep water culture is a lot of work to optimize your nutrient. I grow with deep water culture. I used reverse osmosis clean water, and I’ve measured the nutrient concentration and pH on new batches of nutrient. So, I know how much pH up to add for each 5 gallon batch. I use the 3 part Masterblend, Calcium Nitrate, and Epsome salt nutrient components measured with a gram scale for consistent nutrient concentration. However, over many weeks or months, the pH and nutrient concentration levels change, and I don’t bother to try to adjust the pH or nutrient levels. After several months, I replace the nutrient with fresh nutrient which has close to the correct pH and nutrient level. I think if you want to try to maintain you pH and nutrient levels, you need to have a larger reservoir tank. Then buy pH and TDS meters that are connected to a controller and systolic pumps. That would lock the pH and nutrient levels in the reservoir tank. Then you’d need to use NFT, or fill and drain. Deep water culture isn’t practical to automate the pH and nutrient levels, unless the nutrient tank is your grow area, like in a large greenhouse operation. There’s a lot of other things that could be optimized, like the type and quantity of light, humidity and temperature, and the CO2 level. But it’s amazing what kind of results you can obtain without optimizing anything!

Hi Mike. There are a few growers I watch or follow as time permits. There also seems to be a general theme that is attractive in common. Simplicity. For example that well know VanDuzee Box speaks volumes of Simplicity and Good Eating. Thank you again, have a great evening. -Bob...

Nice. You can do it with just looking at the plant leaves as an indicator.

I also follow Matt Garver and he never tests EC or pH. Just sets and forgets it. I love your approach.

I agree, I have used a ph meter or strips and have grown without. I haven't really noticed any difference.

Mike I just started catching up on your channel after recently getting into hydroponics, . Just my two pennoths worth , KISS , keep it simple stupid . Wish I had been following 100 videos ago videos coming please . Your approach is absolutely spot on . That said one of my first purchases was a PH meter . I suppose I’ll get round to calibrating it one day . I’m assuming you live in an area where your water is perfect for hydroponics. Love your channel Mike , already subscribed. Keep the good work spreading . Much respect from uk 🇬🇧

I love this. I started growing my own foods, and never thought of checking ph. I just use worms in dirt, or fish water, and they grow perfect. Folks will tell you buy anything to make money. I just follow GOD steps.

You really don’t need those. I have them, use to use them, now I just mix the nutes, fill the barrels and let it go. I have a small greenhouse live in central Fl and it grows so much I usually keep the neighbors supplied too!! Have been watching your videos, and going to try your downspout mini krakty method. I have a larger box utilizing that but it’s really heavy to try to clean and also I’d like to plant at different times instead of all at once.. thanks so much for sharing your ideas with us!!!! Walt

So grateful for the advice.. I’m not going to buy meters as after watching your video at my level I think they would be a waste of time and money. Thanks Mike good video..🤗

Hydroponics without the bullshit, best wishes Mike

Straight up my brother. Thats some real talk right there bro. All these wannabes scientist farmers from the U.S trying so hard to be so smart and makes it difficult for all of us foreigners lol. Watching so many Indians and Phillipino hydroponic gardeners. They are pretty straightforward. Plant + water mixed with seeweed = a big fat produce. My humble advice for anyone trying to do this. Do not let ph, ec, tds or whatever the heck they called it etc stop you. Whatever works, stay that way and keep on repeating the same process. Happy gardening from New Zealand 👍🇳🇿

Man ur great I have learned soo much keeping going and growing man thanks

welp, I use water from a well and check it from time to time with those ph papers to make sure it's reasonable range, 3 years in everything grows fine so far

Go Mike !! Some people are just stuck in the old ways.

We use an auto dripper and auto dispenser in a Tote barrel. no need to check each feed, just the main source.

A container (downspout) some nutrients and a pool noodle ...... and a 2 inch hole saw and drill to use it with. And at least 9 tree frogs to help fight bugs. Lol Caterpillars have been decimating my kratky broccoli and kale. :(

Thank you for this video . Now I want to try hydroponics. I think if its for business like selling those greens i think doing a test is a must. But if its just for your own food and no need hahaha

Thank you for preventing me from making a big mistake! Anyone want to buy a meter kit? Lol

From my understanding most ppl only check ph and water nutrients when they do a water change. They do it in a 5g bottle and fix ph then use that bottle to replace water once every 2 weeks. The ph lvl is for maximum nutrient absorption level. Im new to hydroponics and i am really overwhelmed with all these information. I just bought a ph and ec metter but im a bit scared to use it. Thanks for the video. I hope i can be as good as you and keep my plants alive. Wish me luck. Lol

The reality is that most food crops just aren't THAT fussy about ppm and ph. If you mix your initial solution right they'll do just fine most of the time. That said there are some crops that do fare much better with a more delicate approach

My only issue when starting out was my ph was super low, now I add ph up and test and have great success. So if your having trouble definitely check ph. But don’t be afraid to just try first!

you're a gem!

Good video thanks.

Can you please give advice about what is the best way for a young girl that lives in North Africa in extreme heat can get started in this?

..... u have to check the water in arizona .... you get 7.6 - 8.0 + PH and nothing under 500 ppm from city water without some kind of filter system

Thanks !

Homes should be build primarily around an indoor garden. This is where's going.

Im thinking only use it when i mix nutrient solution and after that only when diagnosing any growth issues definitley agree with keeping it simple

Way to go Mike, stick to your guns... that's one of the reasons I havnt done this before. I thought I had to become a scientist in order to have hydroponic garden.

Rite on Mike ! No ph meter here.🇺🇸👍🇺🇸👍🇺🇸💪

My tap water ranges between 7.8 snd 8.4 depending on whateva the WaterCorp feel like stuffing down my supply pipes on the day. You just can’t grow much in that kinda water.... it’s basically liquid limestone coming outta my taps.

Woah looks like we got a badass over here...

Cheap and easy?! I like it

Hi do u use cover when it rains? Wont the rain water go inside the pool noodle? Thanks

Hi Mike I think some people are to by the book but sometimes the book needs to be improved after all your mix of nutrient was much BETTER than the bought one, keep up the great work. PS in one of Paul from back to Eden videos he has a high acid & a low acid plant growing side by side so maybe some people need to get rid of that book.

Great video !!

OK, I get it BUT, my tomato leaves are limp and after 6 months only a few small tomatoes. It's gotta be something.

Thank you for the video, but how can I know when the ph and ec is high or low? Thank you

CF/EC Truncheon Meter YM-2005A - YM Instrument Co,.Ltd.

would be nice to know at least what ph you have in your tap

What is your water, well water or city chlorinated water?

Lots of good comments here :-) You don't really need a meter, most of your crops are "quick turn" and those that aren't will till you if they need more nutrients by the way they look.

lol! "I'm lazy" That's really honest!

Good video

Unfortunately, I need to use one. My well water is about 8.5 and things don't grow well.

: / I agree, you'd never finish checking all your containers, your plants look so healthy. Umm, you're growing frogs..so many of them.,jk, thank you for all you share with us.I do love those shelves.Peace/Love to you 2

Hey friend, what is the name of that white thing your using to grow that stuff behind you? I'd like to get some

Please let me know best ph,temperature and humidity for the lattuce in hydroponic ?

Is your nutrients ph balanced becouse a lot of nutes are and will make ya water ph perfect as tap water is alkaline it will drop it to 6.0 6.4

Yea you can do it but what about the quality of food??

You just use the meter to test the water in the jug your going to use to water the plants with. You don't have to check each bed. You control the pH in that respect. If your plant needs + or - pH then add more or less pH. Then water the plants that require that pH level with that water. Easy as easy gets.

Good job Mike, To hell with all those damn meters, besides, if ya bought them all. you'd spend a fortune on meters, P.H. up-n-down and all the other crap that ya will be told "You NEED". You ONLY NEED water, a container & Master Blend . . . oh ya, you also need some seeds! God bless and keep on growin'

Do you have a video on strawberries

Which nutrients to use and in which quantities?

How di you check the PPM and PH of the water?

we don't have money to pay you plz tell the manual trick to chk HP and TDS

If I sent you a pH meter would you be tempted to use it?

Hahah u get the point sir🤣🤣🤣👍👍👍

Are you using rain water or tap water? I dont want to be a slave to my garden either. Imma work smart not hard type of person......

Maybe you should try a meter.. you seem to have a lot of free time on your hands.

I thought dude was going to explain the process...

I really appreciate this! I’m testing lavender seeds in soil vs a zip locked paper towel (towel is winning, btw). My runoff for soil seeds is testing at a PPM of 16-20 using only distilled water. They have fungus gnats, so now I care. First thing I did was test my tap and that just blinked a red 50. It’s startling when ya expect a PH number, like 5.02-7.4 or whatever and get 50. You ain’t missing much of nothing on the dark side. Now my gal grows MJ full force in the pine tree state. I shocked her with an NPK of 19-19-19 for roses. That’s startling for someone in full canna veg, feeding more like 6-2-6. Keep that in your hat for when a stoner gets clouty. We’re all plant parents, but our “children” ain’t the same. Lol

This guy look like he grew some dank bud in the 90s lol 😂

So what you're saying is that you're a hack... We know what is possible, we understand why we do what we do. If you don't understand it, you can't do it.

You said the same thing over and over for 5 minutes and learned nothing.

Lol. Kinda like saying...I don’t read, forget books, who cares... A strange video at best. Like why not learn PH, it’s really not that difficult.

Thats great that you dont have a meter, but if you want to know the science and grow the best possible products you use a tds and p.h. meter. Its not as complicated as you make it sound. If the p.h. is out, you plants are not ABLE to intake nutrients. You can grow sure. But never at full potential But honest, you sound like a musician who brags about not knowing theory. Its a bad look.