Quick question - I'm guessing the answer is no, but I'll ask anyway. I'm looking for a digital nitrate test product that works for freshwater. The thing is, I'm colorblind to a degree, which makes those color-coded tests a nightmare to read. I've been getting my girlfriend to help me out, but it's getting old and isn't always practical.
I've tried searching online, but I'm not finding much - just a few saltwater options. It's pretty frustrating, so I figured I'd ask and see if anyone knows anything. Any help would be appreciated, thanks in advance!
Digital Aquarium Water Testing?
Re: Digital Aquarium Water Testing?
Re: Digital Aquarium Water Testing?
I did come across a digital nitrate test product from Hanna Instruments, but I gotta warn you, it's on the pricier side: https://www.hannainst.com/nitrate-po...r-hi96786.html.
I did come across a digital nitrate test product from Hanna Instruments, but I gotta warn you, it's on the pricier side: https://www.hannainst.com/nitrate-po...r-hi96786.html.
Re: Digital Aquarium Water Testing?
Re: Digital Aquarium Water Testing?
That's a nice gadget. Hanna's my go-to for meters, they're very trustworthy. I'm glad I don't need one that pricey, though.
That's a nice gadget. Hanna's my go-to for meters, they're very trustworthy. I'm glad I don't need one that pricey, though.
Re: Digital Aquarium Water Testing?
Re: Digital Aquarium Water Testing?
Originally posted by belleora
The only ones I'm aware of are the ones made by Hanna Instruments, but it's pretty pricey: https://www.hannainst.com/nitrate-po...r-hi96786.html
Thanks so much for this info, I really appreciate it. I had actually come across Hanna Instruments before, but the products I saw seemed to be more geared towards saltwater. I didn't catch this one, so thanks for pointing it out. Yeah, it's definitely on the higher end, but I'm seriously considering it - the color-based tests are such a hassle for me. Thanks again for your help!
Originally posted by belleora
The only ones I'm aware of are the ones made by Hanna Instruments, but it's pretty pricey: https://www.hannainst.com/nitrate-po...r-hi96786.html
Thanks so much for this info, I really appreciate it. I had actually come across Hanna Instruments before, but the products I saw seemed to be more geared towards saltwater. I didn't catch this one, so thanks for pointing it out. Yeah, it's definitely on the higher end, but I'm seriously considering it - the color-based tests are such a hassle for me. Thanks again for your help!
Re: Digital Aquarium Water Testing?
Re: Digital Aquarium Water Testing?
Guess I'll just stick to my usual method for now - shake the test tube and take a wild guess at the color. Not that I test for nitrates regularly, anyway. Maybe I'll get around to it once I stop putting off water changes.
Guess I'll just stick to my usual method for now - shake the test tube and take a wild guess at the color. Not that I test for nitrates regularly, anyway. Maybe I'll get around to it once I stop putting off water changes.
Re: Digital Aquarium Water Testing?
Re: Digital Aquarium Water Testing?
Hanna Instruments does cater to saltwater with many of their meters and checkers, and that's due to the different tech and sensors needed for salinity. But, their standard water checkers and meters that aren't specifically for saltwater will work just fine for freshwater aquariums.
I agree, it's pricey, but digital readout meters like the one belleora mentioned are basically your only other option. Hanna makes top-notch tools, so I think you'd be happy if you splurged on that one. It's just unfortunate that most of our standard test kits rely on color, but I guess it's cheaper to manufacture reagents and it covers 98% of customer needs.
Hanna Instruments does cater to saltwater with many of their meters and checkers, and that's due to the different tech and sensors needed for salinity. But, their standard water checkers and meters that aren't specifically for saltwater will work just fine for freshwater aquariums.
I agree, it's pricey, but digital readout meters like the one belleora mentioned are basically your only other option. Hanna makes top-notch tools, so I think you'd be happy if you splurged on that one. It's just unfortunate that most of our standard test kits rely on color, but I guess it's cheaper to manufacture reagents and it covers 98% of customer needs.
Re: Digital Aquarium Water Testing?
Re: Digital Aquarium Water Testing?
I'm not surprised your plants are thriving with regular water changes. That's actually what I'm trying to avoid - the constant water changes are counterproductive for my plants, and it's a challenge to maintain the right nitrate balance in a planted discus tank.
I'm not surprised your plants are thriving with regular water changes. That's actually what I'm trying to avoid - the constant water changes are counterproductive for my plants, and it's a challenge to maintain the right nitrate balance in a planted discus tank.
Re: Digital Aquarium Water Testing?
Getting that meter would be a game-changer for you - no more relying on your girlfriend to decipher the colors. It's actually pretty great that you're aware of your color blindness, some people struggle with the liquid tests and just blame the product itself.
Re: Digital Aquarium Water Testing?
Re: Digital Aquarium Water Testing?
If you get that meter you'll be able to test whenever the whim to know strikes and not have to bother the girlfriend once a week. At least you know you have color blindness. Many guys have no idea why they are unable to read the liquid test. They blame it on the test.
I've lived with it my whole life, but it's super mild. Doesn't really affect me in everyday life, but that test is a whole different story - I just can't tell the colors apart.
If you get that meter you'll be able to test whenever the whim to know strikes and not have to bother the girlfriend once a week. At least you know you have color blindness. Many guys have no idea why they are unable to read the liquid test. They blame it on the test.
I've lived with it my whole life, but it's super mild. Doesn't really affect me in everyday life, but that test is a whole different story - I just can't tell the colors apart.
Re: Digital Aquarium Water Testing?
Re: Digital Aquarium Water Testing?
Honestly, I think that test is more like a guessing game. You're not the only one struggling with it. One trick I've learned is to hold the vial right over the color chart. If you can see a color through the vial, that's not the one. It's the last color you can't see that's usually the correct reading. I remember one time I thought the reading was 180ppm, but it was actually 20ppm. It's crazy how off you can be.
Honestly, I think that test is more like a guessing game. You're not the only one struggling with it. One trick I've learned is to hold the vial right over the color chart. If you can see a color through the vial, that's not the one. It's the last color you can't see that's usually the correct reading. I remember one time I thought the reading was 180ppm, but it was actually 20ppm. It's crazy how off you can be.
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