How do you capture your water to test it?

[phoenix]

I just use a pipet, it holds almost the perfect amount for my test tubes.

 

[JimZi]

i use a regular drinking straw. just dip the staw in the water, hold one of your fingers on top of the straw, pull the straw out and into the test tube, let go of your finger.

That's brilliant! Make a mark on the straw where it will pick up the exact right amount everytime. Thanks for that one!

 

[cswhi]

I use a small plastic cup That I rinsed well and then rinsed it with conditioned tap water. And use a dripper for baby medicine to dispence tank water to the test tubes.

 

[Lukky the Guppy]

I use a flavor injector made for cooking, i bought it at wally world($6) and it holds about 30 cc, so I can do almost every test with one draw.

 

[WrittenLyric]

The test kit I bought came with a syringe with measurement markers, so that's an option. In fact, I should probably start using that, normally I just dip it in the tank as I rinse them before and after each use.

 

[RanchuRick]

Some test kits don't come with dropper?

 

[sophiecat22]

Don't you think that by washing your hands with soap you still run the risk of soap residue getting into the tank when you put your hands in?

 

[guppygal]

Don't you think that by washing your hands with soap you still run the risk of soap residue getting into the tank when you put your hands in?

Yup - that is one of the things I do worry about, that is why I post the message. I originally just mentioned lotion but I think about the soap. I do try to just run my hands and arms underwater before touching the tank. But I wonder if that washs off diaper lotion and all the prescription lotions I put on my kids.

 

[rwspear76]

BRILLIANT!!!!! Wash your hands first and there will be no question... Rince tubes when finished... All excellent ideas... I dont see the point in the whole finger over the straw trick though... Dont they tell you NOT to cap the test tube with your thumb when shaking it? Then why would would you do it to pull water from the tank? It may give incorect readings...

They tell you not to use your finger over the tube when shaking it because of the chemicals you are using to test are usually quite corrosive and can cause acid burns, and some are even carcinogens (they can cause cancer) not because it will have an effect on your readings, although it might

 

[guppygal]

I don't think you're visualizing it right. You dip the straw only half way in the water. The part of the straw above the water is what you put your thumb on. This creates a vacuum and you can pull the straw out with the water inside it. Your fingers never touch the water.

Ahh so simple! No need to buy other equipment. I did this today and it work just fine!

Thanks!

guppy gal