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.

Very nice kit! Out of the box the PC60 feels and looks much sturdier than other testers that I've had. The instruction manual and reference card are well written. The best part is the calibration kit. I've always disliked the calibration process and here they make it easy with ready made reusable buffer solutions and calibration bottles. Also, I like the idea of being able to just replace the measurement tip in the future instead of the whole device.

The Apera Instruments PC60 is a great 5 in 1 pocket tester. The meter is easy to use. It gives quick, accurate, and reliable readings. The ability to replace the probe will be perfect for extending the life of the meter. This also gives you the possibility to test the pH of other media other than liquid (with purchase of other style replace probes). You also can have peace of mind knowing that the meter is IP67 waterproof (it will sink if dropped in water). A few notes for use. If you are testing liquid that is being aerated make sure you are testing a sample without bubbles moving around the probe, otherwise you may get erratic readings. Conductivity switches units from µs to ms above 1999 µs. TDS switches units from ppm to ppt above 999 ppm.

Unboxing and calibration was simple and straightforward. First test was accurate after calibration has nice backlight feature. Only four stars because I have only had it for a couple days I will change in the future depending on reliability. Seems to be well made and sturdy. Readings on screen are clear. A plus so far

Works great, as advertised. Easy to use. Great kit. Hope to have much success with it.

Great! Easy use. Keeps its calibration longer than expected. Also very easy to calibrate. Dont second guess the purchase. Pricey yes! But you're definitely getting what you paid for. 1 con...it takes a little while to stable and measure proper reading. Not to much of a pain

Ne ho provati tanti, ma questo è l'unico strumento che restituisce valori precisi e soprattutto ripetitivi, cosa che non è assolutamente scontata. Apera pc60 è davvero un ottimo strumento, fornito con tutti i liquidi neccessari per la sua taratura e mantenimento dell'elettrodo quando non si usa. Lo strumento permette la taratura su 3 punti, ph 4, ph 7 e ph 10, questo assicura una precisione assoluta. Misura tutto e lo fa bene! È caro senza nessun dubbio, ma il prodotto è davvero ottimo. Consiglio l'acquisto

Great tester right out of the box. Take care of it and should last years.

We’ve being using the PC60 for a month to monitor our hydroponic herb garden and are very pleased with it as it allows us to keep the water at the ideal PH and nutrient level and are getting amazing results. It took a while to calibrate but the videos on YouTube from Apera and others were clear to follow and once setup it’s easy to use and from testing in a number of solutions appears to be consistently accurate. I’ve dropped it into the water reservoir a number of times so glad it’s waterproof, the storage case is solid and keeps the tester and calibration solutions securely together.

Buen producto y muy buena precisión. Lo recomiendo.

J'utilise cette appareil pour l'eau de mon aquarium. L'appareil est arrivé propre, sonde bien hydraté, pas de fuite de produit dans la valise. Valise de bonne qualité. L'appareil paraît de très bonne qualité. Je l'ai utilisé pour l'eau de mon aquarium et les résultats sont précis et tout à fait cohérent par rapport à mes résultats habituellement mesuré avec des tests en gouttelettes JBL. Ce serait vraiment un plus d'avoir une notice en français quand le produit est destiné à la livraison en France. Ou bien une vidéo en français accessible sur internet.