Does anyone make a PH test that you can actually READ?

vw-driver · 03-14-2002, 09:34 PM

OK, I've tried 2 different kits, one from Hagen and another from Aq. Pharmaceuticals.

The color I get with the AQ could indicate a reading from 8.0 to 8.6, they're too similar! And the Hagan Kit has a scale going from blue to green, all I keep getting is PURPLE!!

Any affordable ACCURATE ph meters out there? Can you use a soil PH meter?

Nick M

Homer · 03-14-2002, 09:50 PM

I have been using the Salifert test kit since last July. My readings are always between 8.0 and 8.3 per the color chart, which I am not very good at reading with my red-green color blindness

.

So, I just ordered a ph meter for $18 plus about $5 for shipping from :

www.aquaticeco.com

I will post how well it works.

Homer

hooked · 03-14-2002, 10:06 PM

Hey Nick,

I also ordered the ph meter for $18. Just got it today but what they do not tell you is that you need ph 4.01 and ph 10.1 to calibrate it. The price is a great deal, just hope it works ok.

Jim

fishinchick · 03-14-2002, 10:27 PM

You know...... I have those two tests too and I hate them. Hate them alot. It would be nice to find a test that works and is easy to use and easy to read AND is affordable. Is this too much to ask???

khrys · 03-18-2005, 10:02 PM

I started a thread this morining under "Bad Hagen pH test Kit" that describes the same problem with their High Range pH test kit. I contacted Hagen http://www.hagen.com via e-mail and all they would tell me is I may be looking under the wrong light source. I told them I use the window for outside light, and never got a reply back. So, if you would like, click on the link and "complain". Seems there is other people with the same problem too. And, I agree. There isn't hardly any good liquid pH test kits that give the colors that their charts show........... GRRRRR. I feel your pain!

drsyme · 03-18-2005, 11:27 PM

a pH meter is the only way to go.

I have a pinpoint meter myself. Not sure about the cheap ones, probably should compare to a reliable meter before you are sure of the readings. pH monitoring is not simple.

yardboy · 03-19-2005, 06:13 AM

There is no "wet" method I've ever seen that works worth a hoot, and I've been around for a loooooong time (no brag, just fact) Save yourself the agony and get a pH meter. There are several brands that are inexensive out there, though as in so many other things, you get what you pay for. Well, that's not entirely true, depends on what you need too! I use $1000 meters with $200 probes at work and when I bought a Milwaukee from "My Reef Creations" for substantially less, it works better that those expensive ones, with just a slight loss in accuracy (Hey, do I really need two decimal places for measuring pH in my tank?)

btang · 03-19-2005, 07:12 AM

Well I have to ask now, who makes the best PH meter?

Loverotties · 03-19-2005, 09:25 AM

I like my pinpoint!which I got mine from e-bay from some aquarium place that puts new one on now and then.I got a new one with every thing(probe,4&10 calib.liquid and the a/c adapter) with shipping for $83.Most places sell it for $89 W/O the $9.95 a/c adpter and then you have to add shipping.