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

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.

I own 3 of these meters. One from 2019 and 2 from 2024-2025. Oldest meter is the only one that will hold an accurate Calibration. Other two will read accurate for maybe 1 week then there TDS is roughly 200-300 ppms off. I took them apart and cleaned just in case a film developed. Didn't solve issue so on two separate occasions I reached out to Apera product support/warranty. One representative blamed putting a few dropped of Aperas storage solution in cap was to blame and I needed to purchase a new replacement probe. Out of frustration I contacted support again 48 hours later since instructions tell you to clean probe then place a few drops of storage solution in cap. After some email correspondence with another representative. She instructed me that a probes only last roughly 3-6 months anyhow so I should just buy a few replacement probes and start replacing them after 90 days. My 6 year old meter has had probe replaced 1 time and works great. I was brushed off and tried to upsell some bs. I will never buy another Apera product again, they seemed to downgrade help and quality but increased the price. It's too bad, used to make a dang good product that they stood behind....covid must've snatched all of those people