Start with reliable measurements
Use clean, calibrated meters and sample well-mixed solution. Rinse probes as recommended by the manufacturer and never assume an old reading is still accurate.
- Calibrate regularly
- Measure after the reservoir mixes
- Write readings down
- Compare readings at the same time each day
Read the plant and reservoir together
A falling water level with changing EC can help explain whether plants are taking up proportionally more water or nutrients. Temperature, plant size and weather can all change demand.
Avoid constant correction
Make measured adjustments and give the reservoir time to circulate. Repeated rapid corrections can create more instability than the original reading.