I've been hovering the web and I found a site with a lot of meters but I was kinda startled when looking at the prices. :s
If you want a digitale one it can cost 60 euros easily. When converting to dollars that is...about $86.
Did all of you pay that much? The only alternative is a analog meter that costs about 12$ but that will probably be a piece of junk when using in a controlled enviroment such as container citrus.

I was checking out this website from my northern neighbours(also known as the dutchmen :p):
http://www.agrotools.nl/meters/meten-van-grond-ph-ea/index.php
Millet (518-)

The pH meters often need regular calibration and cleaning of the electrodes so you need to look at buying the calibration liquids too. I have a hydroponic setup and measure pH of liquids with pH paper - its not accurate to anything but 0.5 units but is quick and easy. I also have the simple pH solution. I bought these to see if they worked good enough to not have to spend the money and a real pH meter.

So, I'd suggest just start with the pH paper or solution and see how it works for you.

http://www.amazon.com/0-14-indicator-strips-100-box/dp/B001T77WW2/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1313630171&sr=8-4

Although there is a different procedure to test the pH of soil than liquid. . .

pH meters that sell for less than $100.00 US are generally not worth purchasing.

With literally hundreds of pH meters to choose from, how does a person make an intelligent choice when selecting a pH meter for soil and water testing? Listed below are things you need to consider when buying a pH meter.

1). Accuracy & Resolution: Accuracy reflects how precisely the meter measures the pH of a solution. Resolution reflects on the number of digits after the decimal place the pH reading will be given. You can be confident of a pH measurement to the nearest 0.1 pH. Therefore, accuracies of +-0.02 and resolutions of 0.01 pH units work best.

2). Purchase a meter with Auto-shut-off. Not essential but a good feature.

3). Calibration: Regular calibration is important to make sure the electrode is working properly. If the meter cannot be calibrated with standard calibrating solutions, then do not purchase it. Meters that allow for 2-point calibration, using a pH 4 & 7 buffer solution, are more accurate and reliable.

4). Cost: pH meters will range in cost from about $50 to well over $1,000. Meters cheaper that $100 rarely have sufficient accuracy and precision.

5). Replaceable Electrode: Electrodes break faster than meters. Being able to replace only the electrode will save you 50% or more of the cost of having to purchase a new meter.

6). Range: A range of pH 2 to 12, within which the meter is designed to be accurate, will be adequate for all applications.

7). Readout: There are 2 types of readouts found on meters - digital and analog. Digital is more accurate and easier to read

8. Temperature compensation: The standard temperature for measuring pH is 77F (25C). The further away from 77F the decrease in accuracy. Meters with automatic temperature compensation (ATC) measure the solution temperature and pH simultaneously and automatically give the correct pH reading.

9). Waterproof vs. Water-resistant: Waterproof means that the entire electrode can be submerged and still work. Water resistant means that water can be splashed on the case and the meter will still work. If you want to measure the pH coming directly out of a hose, choose the water proof model.

10). Calibration Solutions: The solutions you need are pH 4 and 7 buffer solutions that can be purchased from any chemical supply company.
Millet (518-)

Hello, I want to wish everyone a very happy Thanksgiving!

I use this forum for everything citrus and do not want to invest in a pH meter if there is something better for the same price of cheaper. This pH Meter seems to have everything Millet suggested, but I'd appreciate anyone's feedback on it.

http://hannainst.com/usa/prods2.cfm?id=040001&ProdCode=HI%2099121

It is the Hanna Instruments HI 99121N Direct Soil & Water Portable pH/Temp Meter. I really like it because you can actually stick the probe directly into the soil.

Thank you for your feedback!

Thank you for your response. I will look into pH paper and strongly consider using that instead. In the meantime, since I've already saved up for a meter and spent tons of energy justifying it to my wife, I'd appreciate any thoughts on this particular meter. I want it to me an investment that I'll only make once.