Electronic Saltware Test Meters - Help

[jjcbone]

I am looking into buying some decent electronic meter.
for PH, Salinity, Calcium


is there one that measures Alkalinity ???
Any others I should watch closely ??

Any advice would be greatly apprecited !!!

 

[roka64]

Are you talking items that stay in your tank and you can monitor? I'd say the cheaper route is a Hanna Instruments Testers http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=9848&N=2004+113074 for pH and TDS. I would also suggest a Refractometer http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=9957&N=2004+113074. As for the calcium, you can just buy a Ca testing kit. I know there are other "active" monitoring devices, but I don't own one and can't remember the site I saw them. I believe, once you get the hang of taking care of your tank, you won't need those other things. I would suggest, just test your water, learn how your tank works and keep up with regular PWCs.

 

[jjcbone]

Something portable would be fine .... I'm not looking for anything to keep inside the tank all the time. Does the PH/TDS unit test both PH and salinity ??

I am not familia with what the TDS reading would tell me.
Also I am hearing alot about ORP lately ... is it important to test ORP weekly ??

 

[CAGaHTN]

i know they have portable ph monitors. i cant remember the name but i used then before and they were pretty close. just keep it clean