tester - meters? PH. ammonia

[caesar2]

Hi, I'm just getting back into aquariums and have a few questions. I have a 20 gallon high tank right now that I'm going to try growing plants. I know I need to add more lights and some CO2. But my biggest concern is testing the water. Is there now better testers than the old vials - add - shake and compare to the color charts? I could never seem to match the clors on the chart , which would make me lazy & I would loose interest. I've decided I would spend some money to make this tank as easy as possible to maintain. I seen PH testers on ebay for pools, would this work for aquariums? also what other testers would you recommend. Thanks in advance, Eric

 

[Rex Grigg]

Any of the Major US on-line retailers have pH testing equipment. pH pens can be had fairly cheap.

Beyond that there are some single element (phosphate and nitrate) electronic tests.

And then you get into something like the LaMotte Colorimeter

http://www.aquaticeco.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/product.detail/iid/693/cid/158

Better save up your pennies.

 

[caesar2]

ya that is expensive. I guess I'll start with the ph pen. Any recommendations on brands? Thanks for your reply.

 

[Mgamer20o0]

unless your willing to pay some big bucks.... i think the liquid test kits are the way to go.