Apera InstrumentsValue Series EC20 Conductivity (EC) Pocket Tester Kit, ±1% F.S Accuracy in 0 to 20 mS/cm, BPB Sensor

I recently planted seedlings as a hobbyist hydroponics enthusiast with a single Tower Garden Flex. I quickly realized the importance of monitoring both pH and EC levels for optimal plant growth. While the Tower Garden pH testing kit provided basic information about acidity and alkalinity (essential for nutrient absorption within the target range of 5.5–6.5), I was missing critical insights into the concentration of dissolved nutrients in my solution.To address this, I purchased the Apera EC20, an accurate yet affordable conductivity meter that measures EC (electrical conductivity) in mS/cm. EC is vital for understanding how much "food" is available to your plants, ensuring they receive the right balance of nutrients like nitrogen, potassium, and calcium.Today, I used both pH and EC measurements to fine-tune my nutrient solution, giving me confidence that my investment in the Tower Garden will yield healthy plants and great results. For anyone serious about hydroponics, I highly recommend the Apera EC20 for its reliability, accuracy, and ease of use. It’s an indispensable tool for maximizing plant health and growth.

Came in a awesome hard case. Seems quality. The addition of the calibration liquid is a plus. I am used to using a cheap one. So this is an upgrade for sure. Takes maybe 20 seconds to get a steady reading. Super easy to read thr numbers. I would definitely recommend.

Have been using this for over 2 years and it is rugged and great. Recommend you buy the Apera calibration liquids to keep the unit within it's 1% accuracy. It is stable between calibrations, but depending on what you are measuring, you may need to use the calibration liquids to check and reset the unit to stay withing the tolerances more often than my 3 month recal checks. There is a plastic sheet in the case that tells you how to calibrate and use the unit. I always use distilled water to rinse the sensor end off after use.

I got a lemon and returned it, it wouldnt settle to calibrate. but the kit is 100% on the money i would recomend

Apera is the best, I have been using their pH meters for years and like all their pH meters the EC20 is well built, easy to calibrate and most importantly, it is super fast and accurate. Between 0-200 µS displays a decimal for even more accuracy. I know some reviewers don’t like that it only measures in microsiemens (μS) but converting to millisiemens is easy when you know 1 millisiemens (mS) ‎ = 1000 microsiemens (μS). The price is great, it costs just a little more than the cheap knock-off meters and its worth spending a little more to get a real professional EC meter with features you won’t get from the cheap meters. Features like automatic temperature compensation, platinum black probes that give you faster, accurate and consistent readings plus the ability to calibrate the meter gives you peace of mind knowing your meter is always accurate. The EC meter comes with a handy protective case and 2 bottles of calibration solution. Apera makes great products and the EC20 is a winner with a very fair price, I highly recommend.

Apera got this one right. Although it is considered a budget meter it's well made. And easy to use. I spent about a hour learning the science behind EC Tds and ppm. Hopefully taking my growing to the next level!

Bought a pH and E.C matching meters. The pH works flawlessly; However, I could not calibrate the E.C meter to save my life. It was off in the lower calibration point, and way way off in the high calibration point. Shipping was fast, return smooth, I guess I got the black sheep of the lot.

I've been using this in my hydroponic system for a while now, and I feel that I've gotten to know the product well.Pros:* accurate (when calibrated)* waterproof, no need to worry about dropping it* really nice build quality, feels nice and sturdy compared to my old cheap $10 TDS pen* comes with calibration solution in nice bottles* has a really nice case, though I use mine almost daily so I don't use the case* it came calibrated well from the factory.Cons:* Seems to lose calibration quickly, starts drifting. Not sure if this is user error or not, but I have to calibrate relatively frequently, as well as soaking the probe in 12.88 calibration solution, otherwise it drifts. The smiley icon will pop up indicating that the reading is ready, yet the reading will continue to climb for 5-10+ minutes after that point, which is not how it's supposed to work.* a backlight or something would have been nice, it can be hard to read the screen when in my solution* setting the unit from auto -> us/cm causes the probe to no longer work at all, I had to factory reset it.* non replaceable probe, so if yours wears out the whole unit is toast.Overall this has made a good companion to my Apera PH20 and I see no real reason to upgrade, other than maybe the backlight issue.