Has anyone had good results with any home water testing kits or strips? I saw a couple on Amazon but they seemed directed toward koi ponds. If not, suggestions on where to get my water tested would be appreciated. I live in central Kentucky. I am wanting to get testing done in the next few weeks so I can appropriately apply lime as needed this winter. Thanks.
I've used pool strips. They're not 100% accurate but can give you an idea.
BassDoc,
Last year when the pond filled, I purchased and used a kit from Tractor Supply Co. The kit gave me a "ballpark" reference. But, it was close enough to get some forage fish started. Shortly, I started sending samples to Overton Fisheries and Todd would send me the results in an email. I compared the Overton results to my TSC kit. I found that the test kit from TSC indicated a little higher pH reading than samples sent to Overton's, but again it was close enough to get me going. pH readings are (as I understand) a snapshot of the pH at a certain time of day anyway.
BD,
In addition to what the other folks have suggested, I recently saw a post from Cecil Baird1 with an Amazon link to a kit he recommends (I can't find it right now). Cecil is a real pro and a great guy. I would send him a PM and ask his recommendation.
Bill D.
I use the following for my 6 indoor systems but alkalinity is not included. There are tests listed for just alkalinity.
http://www.amazon.com/API-Freshwater-Mas...ds=Api+test+kitNot a big fan of test strips but as Dave says they will get you in the ballpark.
Thanks guys. This will get me started. Will check on the alkalinity to determine if I need to lime.
You can buy a Hach test kit specifically for alkalinity for $49.00, Hach is a great company for testing different water quality parameters. Here is link for the test kit-theres a digital titration also for alkalinity but costs a bit more.
http://www.hach.com/alkalinity-test-kit-model-al-ap-mg-l/product?id=7640220951
Josh, I bought one of those a LONG time ago. It said something about when the water turns pink. I never figured out just how much pink I was looking at.
They have come a long ways, I believe bob wrote an article that had some photos showing different water tests-did it with hach water quality test kit.
Heres another style with test strips-I have not personally used but looks pretty straight forward and simple. Company has been around since late 60's.
http://www.omega.com/googlebase/product.html?pn=WTS-480024&gclid=CI34uqerqckCFQaJaQod5iII_ABassDoc let us know what you used and how effective it was, would be interested in hearing about the results
I have ordered 2 kits. One for pH and multiple other parameters and one for alkalinity. Will report back with results.
pH 7.8
Alkalinity 1.02 meq/l
Any idea how to convert to mmol/l?
Thoughts on pH?