APERA INSTRUMENTS AI316 Premium Series PC60 5-in-1 Waterproof pH/EC (Conductivity) /TDS (ppm) /Salinity (ppt) /Temp. Multi-Parameter Pocket Tester Kit

I’ve been using the Apera PC60 for a few weeks now, and it has significantly improved my ability to manage my indoor hydroponic garden. I’m growing vegetables for my guinea pigs, and providing fresh, high-quality greens is a vital part of their diet.I chose this model because I wanted a reliable tester that could measure both EC and pH. While combining both functions into one device does create a single point of failure, I trusted Apera’s reputation for quality and accuracy. I previously used inexpensive $10–20 testers for pH and TDS, but they were inaccurate and lacked calibration support. I also prefer working with the raw EC values rather than calculated TDS, so the PC60’s direct EC readings were a big plus.Since switching to the PC60, I’ve been able to dial in both my nutrient concentration and pH with confidence. My plants are clearly doing great, and I’m optimistic about achieving higher yields. A few tips and lessons I’ve learned that might help others:• Calibration for RO Water Users: If you’re using reverse osmosis (RO) water, be sure to purchase 84 μS calibration fluid. The included 1,413 μS and 12,880 μS (12.88 mS) solutions don’t cover the low EC range of RO water. Without 84 μS fluid, my tester initially showed about 600 μS for pure RO water. After a proper three-point calibration, it correctly read near 0 μS.• pH Agitation Tip: When measuring pH, gently agitate the water by moving the tester in small circles. This helps the reading stabilize much faster—around 15 seconds compared to several minutes if left still.• Beakers Make Life Easier: Having a few small beakers makes sampling and rinsing more efficient, especially when pulling water from a larger reservoir.• Track Your Calibrations: I keep a notecard in the carrying case to record the date of my last calibration and how many times I’ve used each solution. Most calibration fluids can be reused up to five times before they should be discarded.• Proper Storage Tip: Unlike some pH meters, the PC60 probe shouldn’t be stored in 3M KCl unless it’s being stored for a long period or has dried out. For regular use, just add a few drops of clean water (distilled or tap) to the cap to keep the probe hydrated. Avoid soaking it in KCl long-term, as it may shorten the lifespan of the sensor. All in all, the Apera PC60 is a fantastic investment if you’re serious about hydroponics. It’s accurate, convenient, and far more reliable than cheaper alternatives. Highly recommended.

Was on the fence with this once because it’s a bit pricey, but I’m glad I pulled the trigger on it.Functionality, features, ease of use, and overall quality is outstanding!!Instructions were clear and easy to follow, easy to calibrate and set up for use, and the backlit screen makes it easy to read.Will need to use longer term to determine durability, but EVERY aspect of this device feels high quality and well-made.The case is nice and holds all the calibration components and gear, it has a nice pocket in the case the holds the certification and manuals… the manual itself is printed on good quality paper, is easy to understand and even comes with a laminated quick guide for basic use and calibration!!This thing wasn’t cheap but feels like great quality through and through; very happy with my purchase!

I'm giving this 5 stars even though I had to return and replace the first one I bought. It worked great for about a week and a half. Then the blue backlight no longer worked and despite calibrating it multiple times, the PH of the water kept getting different readings that were too far apart (using the same glass of water and rinsing the probe in distilled water + drying it before testing again). I contacted Apera, outside of Amazon, to see if I should return it or if I was doing something wrong and they emailed me back the next day. Their suggestion was to return it because it was defective. That was great customer service. I requested a replacement through Amazon and they said it would take 4 days to get the new one. It got here 2 days later. We were very impressed and surprised. So far the new one is doing everything it is supposed to. It is easy to read, easy to adjust and the backlight is a nice added touch.Backlight: Blue is when you are measuring your water. Just so you can read it in the dark if you have to. You can go into setup to adjust if you want the backlight always on, always off or on for 1 minute when you press the power button. Green backlight is when you are calibrating the probe itself and will not come on any other time.The kit came with 4 and 7 calibration solution along with 2 other conductivity calibration solutions, a probe cap that can be used to store the probe in the storage solution (also included in the kit, but it's really tiny and goes fast), plus a lanyard. Be sure NOT to get the 2 black probes wet with the storage solution. Only the clear ball should be in the storage solution. We don't really use the lanyard...it just seems to get in the way for us. In the kit comes the instruction/owner's manual along with a laminated card that is a step by step guide to calibrating the probe. It's large and perfect when you are working around liquid.The Apera website has videos for you to watch if the instructions seem a bit confusing. If you are doing any type of hydroponic gardening, this is a great investment to have. It provides PH, Conductivity, TDS (ppm reading) and Salinity measurements.UPDATE: I accidentally ruined the probe by allowing the 3M KCI soaking dilution to touch the 2 black bars. BE SURE TO NEVER LET THE BLACK PROBES TOUCH THE KCI SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN ISE AND SOAKING. ONLY THE CLEAR GLOBE SHOULD BE IN THE SOLUTION. It took a while for it to fail, but it was not the fault of the product. I ordered a replacement probe from Amazon and it’s working like new. I put a piece of painters tape on the probe cap so I know how high the KCI solution can be withoufht touching the black bars. Easy to change out as well.

First Impressions...Calibration was super simple.Accuracy seems to be spot on (my RODI water measured 7.02).Being multipurpose allows me to use this with both my Aquariums and Hydroponic Systems.Great custom carrying case.I do wish the documentation was a bit more clear around re-use & replacement of calibration and storage solutions.

Very happy with the product. No more drops and comparing colors that dont clearly match any if the standards. A reliable, repeatable measurement device that is easy to use and maintain.

This is the first pH meter I have used since taking chemistry in college. The functions seemed intimidating to figure out at first, but with the tutorial video and instructions calibration and use is no problem.