I need some advice on what brand of ph meter to buy and also one that measures the o2 levels. Do they make one that will do both? I dont mind purchasing seperate units just need to know some reliable units
All depends on how much money you have in the budget.
I just dug out my old Extech DO meter that's been in moth balls for many, many years. A little PM on it, clean the electrode, replace membrane, new KCL solution, calibrate. Works like new.
You can get multi-parameter meters, but they could set you back quite a bit.
I have to dig out my PH meter. I know it needs a new bulb, but might be cheaper buying a new one. Those don't last that long.
Bob,
Are you sure you need them? If it's a recreational pond you think you need them for, you would be better off spending the money on something else.
D.0. levels aren't usually an issue in recreational ponds, and even if they were, what would you do about it unless you want to shell out another $800.00 for a surface aerator in an emergency?
Ph may vary a little diurnally, but it's rarely an issue in a recreational pond, and even if it was it would be difficult to remediate. As long as you don't have excessive vegetation and algae, and too many fish being fed, Ph and D.O. shouldn't be an issue.
You'd be better off spending the money on bottom aeration or other things that will positively effect your water quality like rip rap etc.
I have both meters and rarely use them even in my aquaculture activities. As long as everything is running well and I don't overstock my tanks and ponds there is no reason to check parameters. Ammonia and nitrites are the only thing I test from time to time in myr ras' and even they become monotonously stable in a mature system.
I primarily use my $600.00 + YSI meter to check water temps as it measures to the nearest 1/10th degree. A tad expensive for just that.
I no longer use my ph meter as it's been unstable from the beginning and the constant calibrating was a pain in the ass. If I want to check PH I use a chemical color test.
Bob,
Are you sure you need them? If it's a recreational pond you think you need it for, you would be better off spending the money on something else.
D.0. levels aren't usually an issue in recreational ponds, and even if they were, what would you do about it unless you want to shell out another $800.00 for a surface aerator in an emergency?
Ph may vary a little diurnally, but it's rarely an issue in a recreational pond, and even if it was it would be difficult to remediate. As long as you don't have excessive vegetation and algae, and too many fish being fed, Ph and D.O. shouldn't be an issue.
You'd be better off spending the money on bottom aeration or other things that will positively effect your water quality like rip rap etc.
I have both meters and rarely use them even in my aquaculture activities. As long as everything is running well and I don't overstock my tanks and ponds there is no reason to check parameters. Ammonia and nitrites are the only thing I test from time to time in myr ras' and even they become monotonously stable in a mature system.
I primarily use my $600.00 + YSI meter to check water temps as it measures to the nearest 1/10th degree. A tad expensive for just that.
I no longer use my ph meter as it's been unstable from the beginning and the constant calibrating was a pain in the ass. If I want to check PH I use a chemical color test.
Yeah, meters can be overkill and a PITA to maintain.
I use pH meters in my business and I agree with others here. They are a pita to keep them calibrated and they are expensive and don't last long. Made in china
, so just get some pH paper strips, they will do what you need for ponds.
Tracy
I use pH meters in my business and I agree with others here. They are a pita to keep them calibrated and they are expensive and don't last long. Made in china
, so just get some pH paper strips, they will do what you need for ponds.
Tracy
What is your business if you don't mind me asking?
Bob,
Are you sure you need them? If it's a recreational pond you think you need it for, you would be better off spending the money on something else.
D.0. levels aren't usually an issue in recreational ponds, and even if they were, what would you do about it unless you want to shell out another $800.00 for a surface aerator in an emergency?
Ph may vary a little diurnally, but it's rarely an issue in a recreational pond, and even if it was it would be difficult to remediate. As long as you don't have excessive vegetation and algae, and too many fish being fed, Ph and D.O. shouldn't be an issue.
You'd be better off spending the money on bottom aeration or other things that will positively effect your water quality like rip rap etc.
I have both meters and rarely use them even in my aquaculture activities. As long as everything is running well and I don't overstock my tanks and ponds there is no reason to check parameters. Ammonia and nitrites are the only thing I test from time to time in myr ras' and even they become monotonously stable in a mature system.
I primarily use my $600.00 + YSI meter to check water temps as it measures to the nearest 1/10th degree. A tad expensive for just that.
I no longer use my ph meter as it's been unstable from the beginning and the constant calibrating was a pain in the ass. If I want to check PH I use a chemical color test.
Yeah, meters can be overkill and a PITA to maintain.
For sure!
Probably repeating myself, but the PHD down the road in Syracuse, Dr. Miller, doesn't use any meters for his large RAS hybrid striped bass -- he produces for the gourmet market in Chicago -- last I knew. Doesn't trust them.
Great information here, thanks guys, i purchased the kasco ra-2 diffuser unit for my pond and will skip the meters
Great information here, thanks guys, i purchased the kasco ra-2 diffuser unit for my pond and will skip the meters
A bottom aeration system will save you a lot of headaches and increase the quality of your pond water, which is what it's all about. Good choice!
I recommend going to your local wastewater or water plant if you just need a couple pH's. It doesn't cost them anything and most would be glad to help a taxpayer that votes for their boss. I'm sure you could buy lunch for a more stubborn individual. PS the test is for soil pH is a 50/50 mixture of the soil and DI water by volume. You could do this pool pH strips too. Alkalinity and solids are other tests that some may be able to help with. DO is harder because it should be taken at the source, but if you dip the container completely full and cap, being careful not to shake it, run the test as quickly as possible, and not change temperature too much it should give you an idea.