aquarium testers?

[civicr]

i have some xmas money left and im wondering what digital meters i could buy for my zeb tank?

i was thinking a ph meter,also what is a tds meter?and do u get meters for ammonia readings? and nirite, nitrate

[eklikewhoa]

there are meters that need cartridge replacing for ammonia/nitrates

i would probably go with a heater controller if anything, ammonia/nitrites shouldnt spike after cycling and nitrates controlled by weekly/bi-weekly waterchanges

ph they adapt to but drastic change is user controlled but heaters malfunction all the time so thats the route i would go with.

[snr69]

loads of options here...

http://www.monitors-direct.co.uk/

I've not used them, but they have a good range...

I bought a second hand meter from ebay that does PH, ECs / TDS...

[crazie.eddie]

Most people use pH probes for SW or planted tanks, since they have to inject CO2.

TDS meters are only necessary when using RO water.

How about investing on a thermometer with an alarm, in case the temp goes above or below a certain point, like this one...



A heater controller is also a good idea.

If there are any power issues in your area, how about a battery backup system or maybe even a generator?

[civicr]

ill have a look into temp controlers,but i have never seen back up power units incase of a power failure hrmmm

im a sparky aswell lol

[snr69]

I agree on temp controllers, I don't trust the internal ones on the heaters...

I have a couple of tanks, but have found good ones difficult to get.

I've just ordered one of these for a new tank...

http://www.monitors-direct.co.uk/Produc ... uctID=1126

I'll let you know if it's any good....

[snr69]

this is the PH / TDS / EC meter I have

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Hanna-Digital-pH- ... otohosting

seems really good and batteries last for ever...

I think I paid about £50 second hand....