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aquarium testers?
Posted: Sat Dec 30, 2006 10:03 am
by 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
Posted: Sat Dec 30, 2006 11:55 am
by 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.
Posted: Sat Dec 30, 2006 4:52 pm
by 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...
Posted: Sat Dec 30, 2006 4:58 pm
by 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?
zebs
Posted: Sat Dec 30, 2006 5:36 pm
by 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
Posted: Sat Dec 30, 2006 5:51 pm
by 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....
Posted: Sat Dec 30, 2006 6:14 pm
by 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....