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Bluelab / Hydroponics

Bluelab pH Pen, PENPH

The original Bluelab pH Pen offers a straightforward way to carry out solution pH checks near a reservoir. Its backlit display and calibration reminder can be useful when the grow station is dim or the person measuring is not the person who last calibrated the pen. Those features are the main reasons to compare it with another basic pH pen; its stated 0.1 pH resolution is not a higher decimal precision than the Apera PH20. Bluelab's original PENPH also needs to be distinguished from the pH PenPlus when shopping, because this model has a fixed probe. Think through where the pen will sit between uses and how the storage cap will be maintained before deciding whether its convenient handheld format is the right fit. It is especially sensible for a grower who wants an explicit reminder and can keep the required care liquids beside the reservoir. It remains a spot-check instrument: one measurement describes the sample and moment tested, and its pH display does not replace conductivity monitoring or a crop-specific feeding plan.

Research-based guidance, not hands-on testing. Our method.

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Specifications that matter

View cited product source ↗
Model
PENPH, original Bluelab pH Pen
pH range
0.0–14.0
pH resolution
0.1 pH
pH accuracy
±0.1 pH at 25°C
Temperature
0–50°C / 32–122°F; 1° resolution; ±1°C / ±2°F accuracy
Calibration
Current product page: 2-point with 30-day reminder; manual permits optional third point
Operating solution
0.2 EC and above, per manufacturer
Probe
Double-junction, nonreplaceable
Power
1 AAA alkaline battery
Storage
KCl storage solution in cap; manufacturer manual specifies 24-hour hydration before first use and after cleaning
Display
Backlit; hold function

Additional sources: Bluelab original pH Pen manual

Source record researched 2026-09-14. Specifications can change; confirm the exact variant before buying.

Tradeoffs & verification notes

Original PENPH has a nonreplaceable probe; do not confuse it with pH PenPlus.

Measures pH and temperature, not EC or nutrient balance.

Manufacturer specifies solutions of 0.2 EC and above; pure-water pH testing is outside that stated environment.

Probe must stay hydrated with Bluelab KCl storage solution and needs continuing cleaning and calibration.

Our research standard

This profile summarizes published product information. It is not a hands-on review, an independent durability test, or a guarantee of performance. We prefer an explicit limitation to an unsupported score.

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