PH testing

[gunsablarrin]

Out of all the posts I've read here, no one has mentioned anything about PH in these nano tanks.

Is this a concern when running a nano tank just like it is with the larger tanks?

[djp183]

Yes. I try to keep mine between 8.0 and 8.2.

[Tempest]

pH is a concern with SW tanks. It's influenced by dissolved oxygen, alkalinity, calcium and other factors. Ideal pH is around 8.2-8.4, but a little lower is usually fine for most tanks.

[EtOH_is_good]

the more exp nanoreefers know about pH. pH takes a little longer to stabilize in a smaller tank, so advice is to usually leave it alone until it becomes a problem with the livestock.

[gunsablarrin]

Can you guys recommend a good ph reader?

I don't really like the liquid type tests tha I usually use.

[jong]

I've been wondering this too. Are the electronic "stick" type readers accurate or would you suggest keeping the pH liquid chemical tests? If the electronic pH readers are accurate it would justify the intial price (which is really not much higher than the test kits).

[EtOH_is_good]

in all the science labs i've been in we've used electronic pH meters. currently i have a pen type pH meter by milwaukee electronics from diyreef.com. seems to do the job, but also seems to need frequent calibration. if you know what you're doing it shouldn't be a problem.

[RegalFlush17]

There are also many ph monitors available that do a great job, but they are expensive. I believe that they are worth it though. You can find some here. http://marinedepot.com/md_searchitem.asp

[gunsablarrin]

I was thinking about getting the ph meter from marine depot but I really don't want to spend the $90.

But I think I better.

Thanks for the info everyone.

[jong]

This one is only $50:

 

http://marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idp...dproduct=CP2131

 

Not too bad of a deal. I am sure you could find a better deal somewhere too. Like e-bay or something. FWIW.

[gunsablarrin]

I read on RC that those type of ph meters can be pretty inaccurate. It seems that most recomment the pinpoint meter. It is one of those things that I should only have to buy once so I might as well get a good one. If its not really accurate then whats the point.

[paultyrer]

I use one from Hanna Instruments, Bought it over Ebay for aprox $20, works fine and is accurate to 0.01

 

Hope this helps

 

Paul

[dzergoski]

Hi. I'm researching equipment and came across your question about Ph testing. Which meter did you end up getting and from where? Thanks!

[nalbar]

never paid any attention to it. not in my nano, not in my 80g.

 

never tested for it, never cared.

 

 

 

nalbar

[bikinibottom]

I wouldn't say "don't pay attention to the pH", but I would say pay attention to other factors that influence the pH. Personally, I monitor the alkalinity more closely, because if that number is going down then I can *slowly* add buffers to the tank in order to avoid a pH crash. Unless something dies, I assume my ammonia and nitrite levels are zero (but still check them anyway about once every week or two). I do weekly or 10-day water changes, so I don't worry much about nitrates either. The things I constantly monitor are the temp and count my animals every day.