Testing for co2

[Suzhi]

Hi guys. I'm extremely new to freshwater tanks and I'm thinking about setting up a planted tank. I've read through the stickies and learned much but there is one question that I can't figure out. How exactly do I test for co2 in my tank. It says to shoot for 30ppm but how to I test for it. Thanks in advance.

[Jag1980]

Just get a drop checker and go for the green color, that's the easy way :)

[Suzhi]

These tests can be found at a LFS?

[Jag1980]

You might get lucky and find one, best to visit the pet store yourself since most people will not know what your even talking about and just tel you they don't have it, when they actually do..

Best place to buy one would be from ebay or some other online store.
You will need dKH4 Solution and the pH solution that will turn green or yellow once it has measured your Co2 that is in your tank. Basically it's like a 24 pH test that will change when your pH goes up or down or stays neutral, the Co2 will drop the pH color of the solution and the color will change, letting you know if you are in a safe zone or if you have to much or not enough Co2.
Make sure you use dKH solution only in your drop checker mixed with the pH solution.

This is to give you the basic idea of what it will do.

[jmhart]

Yeah, ebay for a drop checker.

[DAVIDFBT]

I bought only the glass drop checker from ebay for some 5 odd dollars, including shipping, from a seller in Hong Kong.

[Suzhi]

Thanks for the help!

[Mgamer20o0]

drop checker is the best way like they said but you can also use the ph and kh though its no where near as good.