The cheapest way to go is a ph test kit for aqauriums cost is approx 7 dollars and goes from 7.2 to 6.Mine anyhow.ph down for fish 4 $ ph up the same.This is the cheapest way to go if ya ask me .Good luck.Jungle.

You can find meters for around $30.00. They work, but for how long is the real question. What you want out of a meter.

1: waterproof
2: warranty
3: replaceable probe
4: pH range 1-14 +/- .1
5: ppm range 1-1999

Starting cost @around $70.00 for individual meters $180.00 for combo meters. Go with Blue Lab, Milwaukae, oakton, nutradip, or hanna.

A good cheap meter is an oxymoron.

You should get a good meter, no matter what it costs. Hydro goes sooooo much better if you know accurately and repeatably the Ph and EC of nutrient solution.

$50/meter is what I paid and it's worth every penny.

Oakton makes a good double junction meter. that is the most important thing with hydroponics. A DJ meter handles the environment the best and last the longest. artisan also has a good meter and it can be used continuously if you want it to

I tend to be biased toward Oakton. Very reliable. No problems so far.