The pH level of mushroom cultivation substrates is critical as it affects mycelial growth which in turn determines nutrient availability, and resistance to contamination. Most cultivated mushrooms thrive at a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0–7.5). Indigo® pH 4.5-10 test strips can be used to monitor & help maintain this.
Fungi such as mushrooms rely on their mycelia to absorb food and water from their surroundings. They play a crucial role in breaking down dead or decaying organic matter that the mycelia can absorb as food. Mushrooms rely on their enzymes functioning optimally to break down organic matter in the substrate.
Optimal enzyme function occurs in a pH range of 6.0–7.5 which allows efficient nutrient uptake. Ambient levels that are too acidic (<5.5) hinder enzyme activity & slow mycelial growth. Levels that are too alkaline (>8.0) reduce the the availability of essential nutrients like phosphorus and certain trace minerals.
I bought these to verify what the contractor said. I'm glad I did because they proved him correct. My tap water is close to 6.5pH, but the "5-gallon filtered bottled water" from the self-fill machine at the grocery store is between 6 and 5.5 pH. The grocery store water is slightly more acidic than the water from the sink/tap. The normal range is said to be 6 to 8.5. I'll have to research the meaning of these findings, perhaps try another store's water and see what I get. The purchase was well worth it!
— Patrick
2022-09-28
Surprised by the new packaging, but think it will be better than the old. Delivery as always was quick, we will continue to purchase these test strips.
— Linnea
— Indigo:
Thanks for your review and continued support. The packaging was changed by the manufacturer at end of 2021 to allow increased protection, quicker dispensing of strips and allow the new label layout to be utilized.
2021-12-12
These test strips are extremely accurate and I will only purchase the test strips from here! Thank you
Excellent product. The strips are packaged well and easy to use. The triple pads make it quite easy to read very accurately. The order was very well packaged and delivered quickly.
I have been using Indigo Instruments test strips around 10 years now. Before I found them I think I have tested maybe 15-20 different test equipment and have found that Indigo test strips are way superior to any and all the other test strips I have tried. Usually fast delivery I am in California and I have them 3-4 days in the mailbox.
— Swede
2017-12-02
Better sensitivity (0.5 units) than typical pH paper. Provides accurate results without the need for electronic pH tools in difficult environments for electronics. And NO calibration needed.
— Doug
2017-08-10
I discovered this company accidentally many years ago when I was seriously ill with no diagnosis. I used the pH strips to double check the medicinal test strips I had bought in order to diagnose myself. At first I bought only a bag of test strips; now they all come in a plastic box. The quality is very good; the tests are reliable; the strips last for over a year. The company ships immediately, and the product arrives to Norway in just a few days. I once sent an enquiry about the pH in drinking water (low due to acid rain), and I had an email discussion with a professional who works with the company. All in all, I consider Indigo a serious and professional website, and the pH tests of high quality.
— Efficiency and reliability at affordable costs
2017-06-01
This PH scale is extraordinary. Very precise.
Indigo's customer service is excellent. Very accommodating, attentive and prompt in their advice. Always a pleasure to order Indigo Instruments.
Thanks for your review and continued support. The packaging was changed by the manufacturer at end of 2021 to allow increased protection, quicker dispensing of strips and allow the new label layout to be utilized.