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Being also an avid gardener(as well a a fishkeeper), I'm looking for a dual use electronic instrument to measure pH and other things (related to soil, in those cases).

This product could be used in my garden,planted pots also, hopefully along with my many aquariums?

Would this work in my aquarium any better than 0.5 step pH readings of my water pH test kits?
(I already have multi-function water quality test strips and a water/drop pH kit...and am looking for something "metered" and graduated more precisely than "colors" every half step in pH values)

http://www.outsidepride.com/catalog/4-Way-Analyzer-p-17835.html

There is only one way to find out that is try it and see if it works.
I can see a massive problem when it is used in garden/potted soil mixes there are bound to be poisons/contaminants that those points come in contact with this means a complete and sterile cleaning before it should be used in a tank.
As far as I would be concerned not worth the bother. If you want to be that accurate in your ph readings there are more accurate ones around but these will cost you a fortune. Also if you are that worried about your Ph readings do a Ph test about every hr with the lights on and off and compare the differences I am sure you will get several readings.
Finally it would send you up the wall. I only use a PH buffer and if I think about it or I have a problem that is when I do a water test and then I get it done fully at the LFS free.

Have a look in [link=My Profile] http://www.fishprofiles.com/forums/member.aspx?id=1935[/link] for my tank info
Look here for my
Betta 11Gal Desktop & Placidity 5ft Community Tank Photos

Keith

Near enough is not good enough, therefore good enough is not near enough, and only your best will do.
I VOTE DO YOU if not WHY NOT?
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for one, I would clean the electronic pH (soil) tester extremely thoughly before trying it in my aquarium.

But I do use Seachem Discus buffer every other day at the recommended amount for my tanks to step the pH down 0.5 at a time. No real lowering(still reading 8.0 on the color test after 6 days)!
I will do it a few more days and take a sample to my local FS. The Seachem seems to be making No difference with my water..dropper test color kit.

well, I'm not sure about testing PH of soil, but if your interested in quality electronic water testing equipment,
check these guys out>>http://www.lamotte.com/
if your willing to drop the $$$$$, they can custom-build specific test equipment like a combo PH-conductivity-Temperature-nitrite in 1 unit, just gotta use multiple probes, even with electronic equipment, ya still usually need to calibrate probes with stabilized liquid mediums of some sort.... basically not that much different that a good quality titration test kit.... just more buttons to push, anywho, have a lookey-see ( alot of municipal water companies use this brand equip).

hope this might help


J.

Could be several problems then if ph is not dropping (your test)
Your kit is not accurate or passed UBD or even stale & old
Do you have something in the tank causing that PH?

I would also get a full test direct from your water supply.
If I tested my water supply I would go crazy it is all over the place especially during the warmer months just before it gets full on summer.

Have a look in [link=My Profile] http://www.fishprofiles.com/forums/member.aspx?id=1935[/link] for my tank info
Look here for my
Betta 11Gal Desktop & Placidity 5ft Community Tank Photos

Keith

Near enough is not good enough, therefore good enough is not near enough, and only your best will do.
I VOTE DO YOU if not WHY NOT?
VOTE NOW VOTE NOW

keithgh,
There is nothing in the tank that would leach alkaline.

My pH test kit is not "test strips", it's a vial with a certain number of drops added for that very reason. I don't want "stale" testing gear.

I'll check the water again tonight to see if it dropped the 0.5 step per dose directions for that size tank.

My FS owner is trying to sell me on a R/O, Di filter. But I'm resisting because of expence. I can buy MANY bottles of Discus Buffer for the $185 (US) the filters cost, plus many storage(five 5 gallon)jugs until water change time on this 125g tank.
any other ideas?

If your pH is stable I would not bother trying to adjust it. You will end up with fish in pH shock if it starts swinging up and down.
What is the pH when you are not using a buffer? Have you ever checked the KH of the water?

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Before you criticize someone walk a mile in their shoes. That way you're a mile away and you have their shoes.

Sorry for not responding to you sooner Lindy,
I haven't been well.
I'll check the levels and get back with you.

No problem, hope you are feeling better

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Before you criticize someone walk a mile in their shoes. That way you're a mile away and you have their shoes.

You are so kind...thank you, I'm better.

My tank has stabilized with good readings in everything now. The fish all seem happy and healthy/hungry.
Although my local water is a bit more alkaline than optimal, I won't "mess with the pH chemically" anymore, and they will get used to my water slowly over periodic water changes when the nitrate level indicates they are necessary.

thank you, Lindy
dS

Good to hear that things are working out. I think sometimes too much emphasis is put on pH. The only time I would be really concerned with it is if I was purchasing wild fish, they are alot less adaptable to change.

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Before you criticize someone walk a mile in their shoes. That way you're a mile away and you have their shoes.

Glad to hear every thing is OK now If I tested my water supply every day at different times it would drive me crazy. I use a good locally made PH buffer and fish and plants are all going well. Even in the wild the Ph will vary a lot especially after rains or the opposite long spells without rains.

I have never tested it but I believe a tank varies during the day and over the water change period.

Have a look in [link=My Profile] http://www.fishprofiles.com/forums/member.aspx?id=1935[/link] for my tank info
Look here for my
Betta 11Gal Desktop & Placidity 5ft Community Tank Photos

Keith

Near enough is not good enough, therefore good enough is not near enough, and only your best will do.
I VOTE DO YOU if not WHY NOT?
VOTE NOW VOTE NOW

Thank you all.
I didn't post it initially, but I got myself into the "upside down" pH situation by crafting a large cave for fish to hide in....but found out that some of the rocks I used were limestone (which of course, leached alkalinity into the water and hardened it). Once I realized the problem with the changing pH, I removed the rock formation I'd made, and thru water changes and the buffer, finally got things back into a lower pH range, as my fish need.

I'm gathering non-limestone rocks for a new cave to be siliconed together soon.

Thank You all,
I learn more all the time and appreciate the great partication of knowledgable, more experienced fishkeepers than I here on this great forum!