Intro
Looking to automate pH control in your hydroponic system?
Two of the most popular options are the Growee Dual pH Controller and the BlueLab pH Controller.While both tools help maintain proper pH levels, they differ significantly in terms of dosing flexibility, setup, remote access, and system expandability. This comparison guide breaks it all down so you can make the best choice — whether you’re managing a home grow, indoor tent, greenhouse, or a commercial hydroponic setup.
System Highlights: Growee vs Bluelab
🌿 Growee pH Automation Highlights
- Dual Dosing Pumps – Automates both pH Up and pH Down
- Remote App Control – Wi-Fi or LAN connectivity, full mobile/web access
- Smart Dosing Algorithm – Patented logic for root-safe, precision dosing
- Cloud Logging – View dosing history, trends, and live data
- Modular System – Expandable to EC probes, nutrient dosers, multi-tank setups
💧 BlueLab pH Controller Highlights
- Single Dosing Pump – Choose to automate either pH Up or pH Down
- Manual Setup – LCD screen for setting dose direction, timing, and alarms
- Wi-Fi Monitoring – View pH remotely via BlueLab Connect App – in some versions
System Highlights: Growee vs Dosatron
| Feature | Growee | Dosatron |
|---|---|---|
| Dosing Pumps | ✅ Two pumps (pH Up & Down) | ❌ One pump (choose pH Up or Down) |
| pH Control Setup | ✅ Set pH range in app – fully automatic dosing | ⚙️ Manually configure dose direction, on-time, off-time |
| Nutrient Dosing | Option to add dosers | Not optional |
| Probes / Monitoring | ✅ 3 probes (pH, EC, Temp – expandable) | ✅ 2 probes (pH + Temp) |
| Expandability | ✅ Yes – add nutrient dosers | ❌ No expansion |
| Connectivity | ✅ Wi-Fi + LAN, full app control + alerts | ✅ Wi-Fi view only – manual control via screen – in some versions |
🔧 How the Growee pH Controller Works
The Growee Dual pH Controller is a cloud-connected, app-controlled dosing system. It continuously monitors your water and automatically adjusts pH using two built-in peristaltic pumps — one for pH Up, one for pH Down.
To Get Started:
1. Set your target pH range, for example, 5.8–6.2 in the Growee app.
2. The system uses a smart algorithm to calculate dosing volumes
Growee offers growers a simple plug-and-play solution. Just set your desired pH range, and the system will automatically monitor and maintain it — injecting pH Up or Down as needed, using a smart, patented method that protects plant roots.
With cloud logging and remote access from anywhere, it’s ideal for everything from home grows to commercial greenhouses.
🔧 How the BlueLab pH Controller Works
The BlueLab pH Controller Wi-Fi is a standalone dosing device that automates either pH Up or pH Down using a single pump. It requires manual setup through its LCD interface.
Getting Started:
1. Set your target pH value via the onboard screen
2. Select dosing direction: acid (Down) or base (Up)
3. Configure dosing: set on-time, off-time, and lockout delay
Optionally enable high/low pH alarms to prevent overcorrection. BlueLab includes Wi-Fi visibility via the Connect app, but all dosing logic must be configured manually on the device.
Final Thoughts
Both Growee and BlueLab offer powerful tools for hydroponic pH control, but they serve different needs.
- If you’re looking for a smart, remote-controlled system that automates both pH Up and pH Down, offers real-time alerts, and can scale with your growing operation, Growee is the superior choice.
- If you prefer a simple, standalone device and don’t mind manual configuration or only need to dose in one direction, BlueLab remains a trusted, entry-level option.
As hydroponic growers increasingly seek reliability, efficiency, and data-driven control, Growee offers a modern solution that adapts as your setup grows.
FAQ
Can Growee dose both pH Up and pH Down?
Yes! Growee includes two independent peristaltic pumps — one for pH Up and one for pH Down. The system automatically chooses which one to activate based on your target range.
Can I use Growee with direct line feeding?
No. Growee requires a mixing (batch) tank to operate.
Does BlueLab support dual-direction dosing?
No. BlueLab’s pH Controller Wi-Fi includes a single pump, and users must choose whether it doses pH Up or pH Down during setup.
Is Growee expandable beyond pH control?
Yes. You can add nutrient dosers, EC probes, and control multiple tanks under the same app account. It’s designed to grow with you.
Do I need technical skills to set up Growee?
Nope. You just connect the devices, set your pH range in the app, and Growee handles the rest. No need to program dosing times or calibrate cycles manually.
How does the Growee pH control system work?
Growee uses a real-time pH probe to constantly monitor the pH level of your hydroponic nutrient solution. When the pH drifts outside your target range (which you set in the app), Growee automatically activates one of its built-in dosing pumps — either pH Up or pH Down — to bring the water back into balance.
It’s a fully automated, closed-loop system that works 24/7.
How does Growee know how much pH solution to dose?
Growee uses a patented smart control algorithm that calculates the required amount of pH solution based on:
Your system’s size and volume
The current pH reading
The change in pH after previous doses
Instead of guessing or dosing fixed amounts, Growee adjusts in small, precise steps and checks the water again after each dose to avoid overshooting — ensuring plant-safe dosing at all times.
What size grow tent do I need for an RDWC system?
The size of your grow tent will depend on the size of your RDWC system. A 5×5 grow tent is a good starting point for a 4-bucket system.
Can I use Growee with powdered nutrients like Athena?
Yes. Just dissolve the powder into liquid before use.