EC or electrical conductivity is the measure of the ability of a solution to conduct electricity. EC meters are used to measure the concentration of salts in water, which is an essential aspect of hydroponic and aquaponic systems. In this blog, we will explore EC and EC meters in detail.

What is EC?

EC stands for Electrical Conductivity. It is a measure of the ability of a solution to conduct electricity. The higher the concentration of salts in the solution, the higher its electrical conductivity. EC is commonly used to measure the concentration of nutrients in hydroponic and aquaponic systems.

In hydroponic and aquaponic systems, plants receive nutrients from the water they are grown in. These nutrients come in the form of salts, which dissolve in the water. The concentration of these salts in the water is measured using an EC meter.

EC meters work by passing an electrical current through a solution and measuring the resistance to the current. The higher the concentration of salts in the solution, the lower the resistance to the current. This measurement is then converted into an EC value, which is displayed on the meter.

Why is EC important in hydroponics and aquaponics?

In hydroponics and aquaponics, plants are grown in a soil-less medium, such as perlite, vermiculite, or coconut coir. The nutrients needed for plant growth are added to the water that is circulated through the growing medium. The concentration of nutrients in the water needs to be carefully monitored to ensure that the plants are receiving the right amount of nutrients.

If the concentration of nutrients in the water is too low, the plants will not grow properly and may even die. If the concentration of nutrients in the water is too high, it can lead to nutrient burn, which is when the plants are exposed to too much of a particular nutrient. This can also lead to poor growth and even death.

By measuring the EC of the water, growers can ensure that the concentration of nutrients is within the optimal range for plant growth. This helps to prevent nutrient deficiencies and nutrient burn, ensuring that the plants grow healthy and strong.

EC vs. TDS

TDS stands for Total Dissolved Solids. It is a measure of the total amount of salts and other dissolved solids in a solution. TDS is often used interchangeably with EC, but they are not the same thing.

EC measures the electrical conductivity of a solution, while TDS measures the total amount of dissolved solids in a solution. TDS is measured in parts per million (ppm), while EC is measured in Siemens per meter (S/m) or millisiemens per centimeter (mS/cm).

TDS meters are commonly used in hydroponic and aquaponic systems to measure the concentration of nutrients in the water. However, TDS meters are not as accurate as EC meters when it comes to measuring nutrient concentrations. This is because TDS meters assume that all of the dissolved solids in a solution are salts, which is not always the case.

For example, organic matter and other non-salt substances can also contribute to the TDS reading. This can lead to inaccurate readings and make it difficult to determine the exact concentration of nutrients in the water.

EC meters, on the other hand, measure the electrical conductivity of the solution directly, providing a more accurate measurement of the concentration of salts in the water.

Types of EC Meters

There are two main types of EC meters: handheld and continuous.

Handheld EC Meters

Handheld EC meters are portable devices that are used to measure the EC of a solution. They are easy to use and provide a quick and accurate reading of the EC value.

Handheld EC meters are battery-powered and come with a probe that is inserted into the solution to be tested. The probe

sends an electrical current through the solution and measures the resistance to the current. This measurement is then converted into an EC value and displayed on the meter.

Handheld EC meters are ideal for small-scale hydroponic and aquaponic systems, where only a few measurements need to be taken each day. They are also useful for testing water quality in other settings, such as aquariums and swimming pools.

Continuous EC Meters

Continuous EC meters are designed to provide a continuous measurement of the EC value in a hydroponic or aquaponic system. They are typically installed in-line with the water circulation system and provide a constant readout of the EC value.

Continuous EC meters are more expensive than handheld meters, but they are essential for large-scale hydroponic and aquaponic systems, where it is not practical to take regular measurements manually.