DIY drop checker questions

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Jag1980

Got Plants?
Aug 18, 2008
1,236
1
0
44
Marysville, Wa
I tried reading on forums but they just give way to much detail and most post are just so long that I get mixed up in what I am suppose to do..

What solution do I put in the drop checker:
PH or KH solution?

How long does the solution last in the drop checker?

How accurate is it?

How long before I see the correct readings after putting the drop checker in the tank?

I would just order one online but I don't want to wait 7+ days to get it...
 

Bk718

No Monkey Business
Nov 29, 2007
7,148
1
60
Brooklyn, NY
I tried reading on forums but they just give way to much detail and most post are just so long that I get mixed up in what I am suppose to do..

What solution do I put in the drop checker:
PH or KH solution?
4dkh solution with a ph reagent

How long does the solution last in the drop checker?
normally suggested to be switched every month or so for best readings

How accurate is it?
wont know the exact value but hey green is green which is good co2 level

How long before I see the correct readings after putting the drop checker in the tank?
1-2 hrs

I would just order one online but I don't want to wait 7+ days to get it...
best to just buy it all instead of messing around and attempting to do something you never done before
 

Riiz

Apocalypse Pony
Apr 16, 2008
2,036
0
36
So Cal
Real Name
Eric
I bought my last drop checker and reg from greenleafaquariums.com and I got my package in 3 days. Should be the same for you, since your on the west coast as well.
 

Jag1980

Got Plants?
Aug 18, 2008
1,236
1
0
44
Marysville, Wa
Sounds good, but I don't wanna spend $31.23 for a drop checker with a bottle of KH solution.. :barf:
 

Jag1980

Got Plants?
Aug 18, 2008
1,236
1
0
44
Marysville, Wa
I have no patients..:woot:
That is the reason why I try not to get slow growing plants.
I could probably do with out a drop checker for a week or so, so I guess I will just order the one from Hong Kong.
 

The Zigman

Here fishy fishy fishy!!!
Oct 5, 2007
5,249
7
62
Near Chicago, Il.
www.uglymuggs.com

Jag1980

Got Plants?
Aug 18, 2008
1,236
1
0
44
Marysville, Wa
mine came from that fish place...
the solution is 4 DKH water.
with blue PH indicator...
Is it just normal pH solution from a pH test kit?
How much pH solution do you add in the checker? 5ml with 3 drops?

If so, I will just try and find something to make one with at Walmart, if not I will just buy one.
 

bkw1982

I'M GOING TO ZOMBIELAND
Aug 6, 2006
392
1
0
San Antonio, TX
To make my 4dkh i used tap water and distilled water, mixed both until i got a 4dkh solution. I'm not sure if this a proper way to make a solution but each time i test the solution, once a month, it reads 4dkh. Not sure how the tap water plays into it, but its green and been running for 2 months. I test my tank ph to make sure I'm not ODing on co2 and so far the readings stay at 7.0

To make my container i used a plastic cough medicine cup and some tubing.
 
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