[squawkbert]

- Cleaning the drop checker before use - I am assuming that a few rinses in the huge amount of kH solution that I will end up with would be sufficient?

Yes

- The water - Is "Distilled" water the same thing as "Deionized" water?

Yes

- The test regent - Is there a certain pH test regent that is best for this application? The regent that came with the kit was open in transit and had to be thrown away. I am considering using my AP pH test regent... Will this work?

I think so (should be bromothymol, try it)

- Refreshing the solution - How often, if ever. should I change the kH reference and Regent to maintain accuracy?

when spilled, contaminated w/ tank water (got loaches?) or if it fades

- Once I have my kH solution baked up, mixed and measured, I plan on using it in the AP kit's pH test, then using that liquid, which will include the regent, to fill the drop checker. Does this sound right?

Just add the 4dKH solution you made to the drop checker, add a few drops of the pH reagent (hwo ever many it'll take to give decent color), that's it.

I'm loving the stickyness of this thread.