Digital PH meter versus ph tests - Aquarium Forum
Aquarium Forum
Advertise
Reef And Saltwater Lighting, Filtration, Reactors, Refugiums, Skimmers, Pumps, And All Other Devices This is the place to discuss filters for reefs and other saltwater tanks. Posts belong here that are involving saltwater aquarium hardware - skimmers, reactors, denitrators, refugiums, wet/dry, uv, ozone, co2, pumps, lights, chillers, etc.

Go Back   Aquarium Forum Saltwater and Reefs Reef And Saltwater Lighting, Filtration, Reactors, Refugiums, Skimmers, Pumps, And All Other Devices

Forgot Password?
Connect with Facebook

Welcome to the Aquarium Forum forums.

You are currently viewing our boards as a guest which gives you limited access to view most discussions and access our other features. By joining our community you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members (PM), respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features. Registration is fast and simple so please, join our community today!

If you have any problems with the registration process or your account login, please contact contact us.
Connect with Facebook
OR

Members currently in the chatroom: 3
The most chatters online in one day was 17, 09-12-2012.
Gizmo, dht, majerah1

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools
Old 12-29-2011, 08:20 AM   #1 (permalink)
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 172
Feedback: 0 / 0%
Said "Thanks" 80 Times
Was Thanked 7 Times in 7 Posts
Default Digital PH meter versus ph tests

I am unhappy with the results I am getting with PH tests. I have API and Salifert PH tests and they don't agree, nor are either one very accurate.
Since I have vision problems, color matching to a chart is a real challenge for me.
Can anyone recommend a good, accurate, Digital PH meter. I have looked and prices seem to range from under $20 to over $150.
I can't keep fish alive and I believe it is due to PH since everything else is okay.
jbhillman is offline   Reply With Quote Send A Private Message To jbhillman

Join AquariumForum.com Today - It's Free!

Are you an aquarium enthusiast? Then we hope you will join the community. You will gain access to post, create threads, private message, upload images, join groups and more.

AquariumForum.com is owned and operated by fellow lifelong aquarium enthusiasts. We strive to offer a non-commercial community to learn and share information.

Join AquariumForum.com Today! - Click Here


Sponsors

Old 12-29-2011, 08:33 AM   #2 (permalink)
....has no life....
Super Moderator
jrman83's Avatar
Welcome Wagon Aquarium Forum Tank Of The Month Winner
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 10,660
Name: Ben
Location: White Plains, MD
Feedback: 16 / 100%
Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 4,253 Times
Said "Thanks" 507 Times
Was Thanked 2,891 Times in 2,664 Posts
Default Re: Digital PH meter versus ph tests

In that case I could see wanting one, especially if you deal with values that jump from time to time. I've used the ones from pinpoint. No matter the brand you choose, you'll have to also buy cleaning and calibration fluids to keep it accurate. Not so sure because they are digital they are anymore accurate though.
jrman83 is offline   Reply With Quote Send A Private Message To jrman83
Said thanks:
Old 12-29-2011, 08:36 AM   #3 (permalink)
Reefing Madness's Avatar
Welcome Wagon
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 5,394
Location: Arizona
Feedback: 1 / 100%
Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 2,562 Times
Said "Thanks" 90 Times
Was Thanked 1,924 Times in 1,821 Posts
Default Re: Digital PH meter versus ph tests

Hannah Test
American Marine
pH Meters| Hanna Instruments, USA
Welcome to American Marine Inc.
Reefing Madness is offline   Reply With Quote Send A Private Message To Reefing Madness
Said thanks:
Old 12-29-2011, 08:47 AM   #4 (permalink)
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 172
Feedback: 0 / 0%
Said "Thanks" 80 Times
Was Thanked 7 Times in 7 Posts
Default Re: Digital PH meter versus ph tests

Quote:
Originally Posted by jrman83 View Post
In that case I could see wanting one, especially if you deal with values that jump from time to time. I've used the ones from pinpoint. No matter the brand you choose, you'll have to also buy cleaning and calibration fluids to keep it accurate. Not so sure because they are digital they are anymore accurate though.
With my vision problem, a digital readout will be more helpful than trying to match between colors on a chart that I can't see that well anyway.
jbhillman is offline   Reply With Quote Send A Private Message To jbhillman
Old 12-29-2011, 08:48 AM   #5 (permalink)
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 172
Feedback: 0 / 0%
Said "Thanks" 80 Times
Was Thanked 7 Times in 7 Posts
Default Re: Digital PH meter versus ph tests

Quote:
Originally Posted by Reefing Madness View Post
I'll check them out.
jbhillman is offline   Reply With Quote Send A Private Message To jbhillman
Sponsors

Old 12-29-2011, 11:01 AM   #6 (permalink)
NeonShark666's Avatar
Welcome Wagon
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 903
Name: Jim
Location: Salem, Oregon
Feedback: 0 / 0%
Said "Thanks" 5 Times
Was Thanked 274 Times in 264 Posts
Default Re: Digital PH meter versus ph tests

Most fish are very ph tolerant (not Discus or Salt Water fishes), so long as any change is gradual. The usual reasons for fish loss is dirty water or bad temperature. Remember that meters all require some type of caibfration of their probe, not ph. You could also take a sample of your water to your local fish store and have them test it for you, this would confirm any results you get. They will usually use strips.
NeonShark666 is offline   Reply With Quote Send A Private Message To NeonShark666
Said thanks:
Old 12-29-2011, 12:28 PM   #7 (permalink)
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 172
Feedback: 0 / 0%
Said "Thanks" 80 Times
Was Thanked 7 Times in 7 Posts
Default Re: Digital PH meter versus ph tests

Quote:
Originally Posted by NeonShark666 View Post
Most fish are very ph tolerant (not Discus or Salt Water fishes), so long as any change is gradual. The usual reasons for fish loss is dirty water or bad temperature. Remember that meters all require some type of caibfration of their probe, not ph. You could also take a sample of your water to your local fish store and have them test it for you, this would confirm any results you get. They will usually use strips.
My primary problem is with my FOWLR marine tank. My Freshwater fish are doing fine, although a PH meter would help there also. Because of my vision problem I do not have a drivers license so frequent trips to a LFS are not possible since none are within walking distance, and I live in the country where there is no public transportation.
jbhillman is offline   Reply With Quote Send A Private Message To jbhillman
Old 08-04-2012, 01:53 AM   #8 (permalink)
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 2
Feedback: 0 / 0%
Said "Thanks" 0 Times
Was Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post
Default Re: Digital PH meter versus ph tests

I've used the ones from pinpoint. No matter the brand you choose, you'll have to also buy cleaning and calibration fluids to keep it accurate.
__________________
Best DVD - Mad Men Season 5 DVD makes our recommandation rewarding.
LeonLee is offline   Reply With Quote Send A Private Message To LeonLee
Said thanks:
Old 08-04-2012, 07:19 AM   #9 (permalink)
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 172
Feedback: 0 / 0%
Said "Thanks" 80 Times
Was Thanked 7 Times in 7 Posts
Default Re: Digital PH meter versus ph tests

Quote:
Originally Posted by LeonLee View Post
I've used the ones from pinpoint. No matter the brand you choose, you'll have to also buy cleaning and calibration fluids to keep it accurate.
I ended up buying the Hanna digital tester. I also bought a refractometer.
I have a yellow tang and two yellow tail damsels in my tank that I have now had for almost six months. They are happy, healthy and fun to watch.
jbhillman is offline   Reply With Quote Send A Private Message To jbhillman
Old 08-04-2012, 09:35 AM   #10 (permalink)
Nereus7's Avatar
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 186
Feedback: 0 / 0%
Said "Thanks" 7 Times
Was Thanked 25 Times in 24 Posts
Default Re: Digital PH meter versus ph tests

Ph is killing the fish? I must investigate says my brain. What are your levels all around? Do you have any pictures of your set up? - N
Nereus7 is offline   Reply With Quote Send A Private Message To Nereus7
Old 08-04-2012, 02:57 PM   #11 (permalink)
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 172
Feedback: 0 / 0%
Said "Thanks" 80 Times
Was Thanked 7 Times in 7 Posts
Default Re: Digital PH meter versus ph tests

Quote:
Originally Posted by Nereus7 View Post
Ph is killing the fish? I must investigate says my brain. What are your levels all around? Do you have any pictures of your set up? - N
My set up pictures are in my gallery. PH won't kill the fish if you can get a proper measurement, and keep it where it needs to be. If your test is way off, and you try to correct it, then where you end up will kill the fish.

My PH always tested at 8.o but I could not get it any higher. A digital meter showed I was closer to 8.5

My salinity hydrometer always showed 1.020 no matter how much salt I added. Refractometer showed I was at 1.026

Now my readings always show PH 8.0 - 8.1 Salinity 1.025-1.026
Ammonia 0 - Nitrite 0 - Nitrate <5

I do one water change once per month of 10 gallons. Mostly, I leave them alone and let them live.
jbhillman is offline   Reply With Quote Send A Private Message To jbhillman
Old 08-10-2012, 02:55 PM   #12 (permalink)
I CHANGE WATER
coralbandit's Avatar
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 3,280
Name: Tom
Location: Saratoga, NY
Feedback: 0 / 0%
Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 726 Times
Said "Thanks" 2,125 Times
Was Thanked 1,677 Times in 1,372 Posts
Default Re: Digital PH meter versus ph tests

I have hanna salinity tester(digital). The equipment is of good quality and very reliable. I wouldn't be without ever again.
__________________
800 + GALLONS/2 REEFS&1 FOWLR Largest 2 tanks 180G and 120G Smallest 2 tanks 5g and 6g they're all fun!
STOP PLAYING ON COMPUTER AND CHANGE YOUR WATER!
I BREED SHOWA SWORDTAILS
coralbandit is offline   Reply With Quote Send A Private Message To coralbandit
Reply



Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:23 PM.





Fish Topsites
Follow us on Twitter!
Alltop, confirmation that we kick ass

All content Copyright © AquariumForum.com & the respective author. All Rights Reserved.
Disclaimer: We are not responsible for the content of any post or thread. This is a public forum and the content posted does not reflect the opinions of nor are endorsed by AquariumForum.com nor any of our employees.