Drop Checker

[scottca]

Hi All,

I have just setup my DIY Co2 solution (couple of good old coke bottles!). I wanted to use a drop checker to just see how well im sticking to the recomended 30ppm mark, I know that it will vary alot since i have no good solid way of regulating the flow.

Been looking at drop checkers on ebay - something like

http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/Chameleon-Drop-Check...VQQcmdZViewItem

My question is.. I still dont get how a drop checker works, ive tried so hard to read up but I just get lost in all the calculations about hardness of water etc, is there an easy way of looking at it? I dont see how on the colour chart provided with the drop checker, how can you measure your PH as well as CO2 at the same time, as 30ppm cant always = the same PH level ?(if that makes sense), surely it depends on your local tap water etc

When setting up the drop checker, I have seen two different sets of instructions, one that says use distilled water, one that says use your tank water

Sorry if im being stupid but I just still dont get it, is anyone able to explain it for me

Thanks,

Craig

 

[Dave Spencer]

This is my explanation from one of my journals:

http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showto...79314&st=16

Dave.

 

[ulster exile]

I'm glad you linked to that very informative post. I just bought a cheapy drop checker off ebay (for 1p, but was posted from Hong Kong) and the instructions say to put 5 drops of the supplied reagent (in an API test tube ) and just add tank water. No mention of the reference solution.

BTW is there a specific number of drops of each required, or is the 5 drops of reagent given in the ebay listing just another bit of misinformation?

Apologies for the hijack scottca!

 

[scottca]

Dave,

Thanks for the link, cleared alot up I think i now understand why we use the 4dkh solution =) - If I were to use tank water, how much would it vary the results (I understand that depends on the kh of my water but I'm not aware on how much that actually varies, I dont have anything in my tank that would affect the PH, although I do have high PH at around 7.8 - 8)

Kilultagh - Not a problem, im in fact looking at the exact same product on ebay, 1p to buy and £4 or something for delivery? - This was the reason for the post as I noticed they give you some reagent to mix with tank water, however I had read about this whole using a reference solution of 4dkh so was a tad confused on what to use so I posted this topic to find out what the 4dkh solution actually does! - Glad its helped both of us

Also been reading and another post and aparently you just use enough drops of reagent (also the same as low PH test solution from the API kit) to turn the reference solution dark blue (but not opaque)

Also if it helps Aquaessentials sells 4dkh solution ready made

Can anyone confirm what I said above is true, been trying to gather all the information from multiple threads, hope im understanding it ok !!

 

[SuperColey1]

The reagent and instructions are the original way of using these drop checkers and is not very acurate.

Because of this someone eventually stumbled across using a definitve reference solution of pure 4dKH water which would always show the correct colours at a much more accurate level.

Therefore keep the reagent if you want but you will need some 4dKH water which you can buy (or make if you have good measuring equipment) and then put 3-5 drops of bromo blue (or a ph test kit that is base on bromo blue) and it will go blue for too low (and initially when you fill) Green for right amount or a urine colour yellow for 'turn off the CO2 now, aerate the tank or your fish wil die'

Andy

 

[ulster exile]

Kilultagh - Not a problem, im in fact looking at the exact same product on ebay, 1p to buy and £4 or something for delivery? - This was the reason for the post as I noticed they give you some reagent to mix with tank water, however I had read about this whole using a reference solution of 4dkh so was a tad confused on what to use so I posted this topic to find out what the 4dkh solution actually does! - Glad its helped both of us

Cheers. Yes it is the same one - got 2 diffusers and a drop checker for 2p, but it cost £9.98 for postage including insurance. Really fast delivery too, but not so good on the packaging - mine was a bit trampled but they weren't broken.

Therefore keep the reagent if you want but you will need some 4dKH water which you can buy (or make if you have good measuring equipment) and then put 3-5 drops of bromo blue (or a ph test kit that is base on bromo blue) and it will go blue for too low (and initially when you fill) Green for right amount or a urine colour yellow for 'turn off the CO2 now, aerate the tank or your fish wil die'

Thanks for the clarification!