Originally posted by Dan B:
......... Anyone here ever used one of those little electonic testers with the digital readouts. Do you work very well? I dont think they test for very many things. I dont think they can test for bacteria at all.
my small contribution to this discussion.......for groundwater sampling in my business i use a pH, temp, elec. conductivity meter that also calculates total dissovled solids (TDS)..TDS and elec. conductivity are directly related. it is small, lightweight, rugged for extended field use, easy to use and maintain. it is extremely accurate for what it measures (pH to w/in +/- 0.01 pH units). the conductivity and TDS numbers provide a sense of the hardness and alkalinity as they are somewhat related in most fresh waters....i.e. in general the higher the dissolved CaCO3 and MgCO3 (which is hardness) the higher the TDS, alkalinity.
if interested the probe is manufactured by Hanna instruments, I believe the model number is HI991300, cost between $400-450 depending on where you get it, and what accessories you want with it. The pH probe needs routine and frequent calibration (an easy process) using inexpensive pH buffer solutions, everything else is factory calibrated basically for life of instrument.
all that being said.....do i go out and take regular measurements of my pond water?......no i dont.....i probably should since i have the equipment......but i am not that smart......i use this meter for work, but it would double wonderfully as a very accurate pond water measurement device if you want to invest that kind of money. i kind of like BC's post above, that's how i currently manage my pond.
