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View Full Version : What's your favorite drop checker?

NeonFlux
07-14-2008, 5:02 AM
What do you guys think? I am currently thinking of buying a co2 drop checker. hard decision. What would you recommend?
Squawkbert
07-14-2008, 9:03 AM
Simple is good.
Having a relatively large interface between the liquid inside the checker and outside the checker (surface area to volume of the checker) - leads to a faster response by the checker
Having a white patch in the checker is good for helping you to see what color the liquid in it is

So, the "bent tear" shaped ones, if not overfilled, are pretty good

the ones that have the indicator solution in a skinny tube stuffed up a larger tube (test-tube up a shot glass type) are OK as long as the indicator's tube is not too tall and skinny, and the air space is limited

the ones where it looks like the rim of a small glass has been turned into itself are also pretty responsive but can be tough to see what color they are - they also tend to have too large an air gap

This one uses a semi permeable membrane I got from Hoppy. It is in the lid of a 2mL sample vial (lid has a 2-3mm hole cut out of it). Air gap can be made super small, but the surface area of the membrane is a little small compared to the volume of the vial. I think Hoppy has some where the membrane is used as a "drum head-type-seal" on one or both ends of a clear plastic tube(very shallow). In theory, this type should be quite fast to respond to CO2 changes.
http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/5414/dropcheckerkf8.jpg
Hooked Newbie
07-14-2008, 9:32 AM
I voted for the Red Sea. Mostly because it's the only one I've used since it came with a kit.
Ozymandias
07-14-2008, 9:54 AM
i use a cheap glass drop checker from HK works fine and doesn't look bad
NeonFlux
07-14-2008, 5:02 PM
Interesting
247Plants
07-14-2008, 5:07 PM
Mine isnt up there.

I got the Cal Aqua Labs double drop checker with a reference bubble and love it.
NeonFlux
07-14-2008, 5:11 PM
Mine isnt up there.

I got the Cal Aqua Labs double drop checker with a reference bubble and love it.

where can I get that? lol
NeonFlux
07-14-2008, 5:53 PM
Might buy red sea

http://cgi.ebay.com/Red-Sea-Co2-Indicator_W0QQitemZ300226643541QQihZ020QQcategoryZ 66794QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksi dZp1638Q2em118Q2el1247
susantroy1
07-14-2008, 6:16 PM
Not bad for the money....however mine was a algae nightmare had to clean it every 2 weeks or so. also they use a rubber seal that holds the dome in place and after about 6 months its life span was up. the seal made it very tough to reclose. one other thing that I did'nt care for was the opening into the chamber would get plugged with plant matter. other than that it will last a few months for ya. you may want to spend your$$ on something more perminent.

Troy

Troy
Derringer
07-14-2008, 11:07 PM
I just ordered an Aquarium UP CO2 Monitor ... has a nice white background for the solution so should be easy reading - I hope.
Ozymandias
07-14-2008, 11:44 PM
NeonFlux the drop checker that 247Plants is taking about is this one. a rather nice one and seen it in a few tank.

http://www.calaqualabs.com/doublecheck.html
247Plants
07-15-2008, 12:50 AM
yep thats the one. Just getting it warmed up. Will let ya know how it goes.
NeonFlux
07-15-2008, 2:10 AM
Ouch. Cal aqua lab's double check co2 checker is quite pricey.. Worth it for a lifetime? lol.

its mine now
Ozymandias
07-15-2008, 8:31 AM
ya but there glass work i hear is cheaper than ADA's and apparently it's better made.
NeonFlux
07-15-2008, 5:36 PM
interesting. whats good about ada
247Plants
07-15-2008, 6:10 PM
Its the brand Takashi Amano uses and promotes.
247Plants
07-15-2008, 6:36 PM
So are you getting the same one I got Neon?
Fordtrannyman
07-15-2008, 10:31 PM
yep thats the one. Just getting it warmed up. Will let ya know how it goes.


How long have you had it 247?
I've been waiting for the reviews to come in before I invest in some.

I currently use the Overseas Chameleon brand.
I found the colors and different hues much easier to read after I invested in Lab Certified 4dkh solution. I don't have to change out the solution nearly as often either.
NeonFlux
07-16-2008, 2:17 AM
How does this work out? You are basically testing your water right? Why stick it in there.

And plants, yes, I bought it
247Plants
07-16-2008, 2:26 AM
Only had it in tank for 3 days. Will keep u posted.
Squawkbert
07-16-2008, 9:43 AM
How does this work out? You are basically testing your water right? Why stick it in there...

My 1000th post here - a short course on drop checkers (http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showpost.php?p=979657&postcount=2)

a good guy to get standard 4dKH solution from, links to other articles on teh subject (http://liquidarthome.net/khstandard)

notes on CO2 tank sources, diffusers, regulators etc. (http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1110456&postcount=13)