testing equipment

[georgetheplec]

i think im colourblind, is there such a thing to test the water for nitrates etc other than the master testing kit which has the colour chart, like you can get an electronic tester for testing soil ph?
just thinking

 

[Coyne]

They do make electronic testers. They tend to be on the expensive side (at least as far as I'm concerned).

 

[georgetheplec]

thanks, money is tight, but im curious what it would cost, i can put a bit by each week, any ideas what to put in google to search?

 

[georgetheplec]

http://www.aquariumspecialty.com/hm-digital-com-80-ec-tds-temp-water-resistant-hydrotester
i am looking at this, prices go way passed $300,
abbreviations do my nut in...am i in the right place?

 

[Coyne]

Ive never really done a whole lot of looking around to see if there are better deals out there. This is the site where I first learned of the existence of these devices.

Nitrate Monitor: Electronic nitrate monitor: Pinpoint Nitrate Monitor

 

[georgetheplec]

omg thats not cheap!

best start doing the lottery!
thanks for looking, i wouldnt know where to start

 

[GodFan]

Im gonna make someone mad here but you dont really need to test your water. I have been in the hobby 3-4 years and have not tested my water hardly at all. Once established there isnt much to worry about changing.

 

[Bichir Bro]

Im gonna make someone mad here but you dont really need to test your water. I have been in the hobby 3-4 years and have not tested my water hardly at all. Once established there isnt much to worry about changing.

This is true
Once your tank is established you really don't need to test unless a fish is sick, or some other issue. Or if you've got discus since those are so high maintenance. I very very rarely test my water unless something's wrong.

 

[mariano999]

This is true Once your tank is established you really don't need to test unless a fish is sick, or some other issue. Or if you've got discus since those are so high maintenance. I very very rarely test my water unless something's wrong.

I have 150G tank. Change 20% of the water once a month. All seems to be fine fish + plants .

 

[Delapool]

Sort of agree, got a bit complacent though in my case and had a mini-cycle. As you say, that was due to a (setup) change though (actually several in quick succession that probably didn't help the bb). Ah well, experience gained.

 

[frank98284]

IMO It depends on what kind of fish you are keeping and how much you feed them I test my water once a month or when I notice a issue with my fish but I do a 20% water change every week. It's up to you how you take care of your tank