Bluelab Combo Meter with Leap pH Probe – Digital pH, EC and Temperature Meter for Soil and Hydroponics

The Bluelab Combo Meter with Leap pH Probe is a professional portable testing instrument designed to measure pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and temperature in horticultural growing environments. Combining the reliable Bluelab Combo Meter with a reinforced, spear-tip Leap pH Probe, this system allows growers to test pH directly in the root zone of compatible substrates and in liquid nutrient solutions.

Suitable for soil, coco coir, rockwool, potting mixes, hydroponic reservoirs, irrigation water, and runoff, the meter helps growers monitor nutrient availability, evaluate feeding concentrations, and make informed adjustments to their growing conditions.

Its backlit digital display, straightforward controls, and battery-powered design make the Combo Meter convenient for indoor cultivation, commercial greenhouses, nurseries, and professional horticulture.

Direct Root Zone pH Testing with the Bluelab Leap Probe

The defining feature of this model is the Bluelab Leap pH Probe, a specialized electrode designed for measuring pH directly in growing media.

Unlike the standard liquid pH probe, the Leap features a reinforced spear tip and double-junction electrode that can be inserted into suitably prepared substrates, reducing the need to extract samples for routine pH testing.

The probe can be used in compatible growing media, including:

• Soil and potting mixes
• Coco coir and coco-based blends
• Rockwool and other suitable horticultural substrates
• Nutrient solutions and irrigation water

Direct root zone pH readings help growers identify conditions that may affect nutrient availability before visible deficiencies or imbalances develop.

The Leap pH Probe connects to the meter through a standard BNC connector and can be replaced independently when necessary.

Important: Reliable substrate pH readings require appropriate moisture and good contact between the probe and the growing medium. Use the supplied dibber to prepare an insertion hole when needed, especially in dense or delicate substrates.

EC and Temperature Measurements for Nutrient Management

In addition to direct substrate pH testing, the Combo Meter includes a dedicated conductivity/temperature probe for analyzing nutrient solutions.

Electrical Conductivity (EC)

Conductivity measurements indicate the concentration of dissolved ions in water, helping growers monitor fertilizer strength and identify changes in feeding conditions.

The meter supports four measurement scales: EC, CF, ppm 500 (TDS), and ppm 700.

The conductivity probe is factory-calibrated and does not require routine calibration.

Temperature

The integrated temperature sensor measures solution temperature from 0 to 50°C (32 to 122°F), with readings available in Celsius or Fahrenheit.

Measurement distinction: The Leap probe measures pH directly in suitable substrates. The conductivity/temperature probe is intended for liquid measurements; direct EC readings from dry or solid growing media are not a function of this meter.

Key Features and Benefits

• Three-Parameter Measurement: Measures pH, electrical conductivity, and temperature.

• Reinforced Leap pH Probe: Supports direct pH measurements in the root zone of compatible growing media.

• Double-Junction Electrode: Designed for dependable pH testing in demanding horticultural environments.

• Replaceable pH Probe: Uses a standard BNC connection for convenient replacement.

• Backlit Digital Display: Makes readings easy to view in different lighting conditions.

• Two-Point pH Calibration: Supports calibration using pH 7.0 and pH 4.0 reference solutions.

• 30-Day Calibration Reminder: Helps maintain a consistent pH calibration schedule.

• Multiple Conductivity Scales: Displays EC, CF, ppm 500, and ppm 700.

• Automatic Temperature Compensation: Supports reliable measurements as solution temperature changes.

• Two-Metre Probe Cables: Provide flexibility when measuring hard-to-reach locations.

• Portable Battery Operation: Allows testing throughout growing facilities without an external power connection.

How to Use the Bluelab Combo Meter with Leap pH Probe

Step 1 – Prepare and Calibrate

Install the batteries and connect the Leap pH Probe using its BNC connector.

Before first use, condition the Leap probe according to Bluelab's instructions, then calibrate it with fresh pH 7.0 and pH 4.0 solutions.

Step 2 – Prepare the Growing Medium

Select a representative location in the root zone.

Ensure the substrate has sufficient moisture for accurate probe contact. When necessary, create an insertion hole using the supplied dibber to avoid damaging the electrode.

Step 3 – Measure Substrate pH

Insert the Leap probe into the prepared substrate, making sure the sensing tip contacts the growing medium.

Allow the reading to stabilize before recording the pH value.

Step 4 – Measure Nutrient Solution EC and Temperature

Place the conductivity/temperature probe into a sample of nutrient solution, irrigation water, or runoff.

Select the preferred conductivity scale and record the EC and temperature readings.

Step 5 – Clean and Store the Probes

Rinse the probes after testing to remove substrate particles and fertilizer residue.

Store the Leap pH Probe with its protective cap containing appropriate KCl storage solution to prevent the electrode from drying out.

Technical Specifications

Accuracy specifications are based on the manufacturer's stated conditions at 25°C (77°F). Measurements in growing media depend on appropriate moisture and probe contact.

What's Included?

The standard Bluelab Combo Meter with Leap pH Probe package includes:

• 1 × Bluelab Combo Meter with Conductivity/Temperature Probe
• 1 × Bluelab Leap pH Probe
• 1 × Dibber (Auger) for preparing probe insertion holes
• 1 × 18 mL Bluelab pH 7.0 Calibration Solution Sachet
• 1 × 18 mL Bluelab pH 4.0 Calibration Solution Sachet
• 1 × 18 mL Bluelab KCl Storage Solution Sachet

The instrument operates using two AAA alkaline batteries.

Calibration and Probe Maintenance

Maintaining the Leap pH Probe is important for dependable readings in both growing media and nutrient solutions.

Clean the electrode after testing, especially when working with soil, coco coir, or other substrates that may leave particles on the sensor.

Calibrate the pH probe regularly with fresh reference solutions and follow Bluelab's maintenance recommendations. The meter includes a calibration reminder to help users maintain an appropriate schedule.

Always keep the pH electrode hydrated with KCl storage solution when it is not in use. Avoid storing the probe in distilled, deionized, or reverse-osmosis water.

Clean the conductivity/temperature probe periodically to remove accumulated nutrient deposits. Routine EC calibration is not required.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Bluelab Combo Meter with Leap pH Probe

What is the difference between the Bluelab Combo Meter and the Combo Meter with Leap pH Probe?

The standard Combo Meter includes a pH probe primarily intended for liquid measurements. The Leap version includes a reinforced spear-tip pH probe suitable for direct testing in compatible growing media as well as nutrient solutions.

Can the Leap pH Probe measure pH directly in soil?

Yes. The reinforced probe can measure pH directly in suitably moist soil, coco coir, rockwool, and other compatible substrates.

Does the Combo Meter with Leap pH Probe measure EC directly in soil?

No. The Leap probe provides direct substrate pH measurements. The supplied conductivity/temperature probe measures EC and temperature in liquids, such as nutrient solutions, irrigation water, and runoff.

Can I replace the Leap pH Probe?

Yes. The probe connects through a standard BNC connector and can be replaced independently without purchasing a new Combo Meter.

Does the conductivity probe require calibration?

No routine EC calibration is required because the conductivity probe is factory-calibrated. Regular cleaning is still recommended.

Can the Bluelab Combo Meter with Leap pH Probe connect to Edenic?

No. This is a standalone portable meter without built-in Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity.