Using Litmus Paper Strips to Test PH

[nagukush]

Hi Friends !

Just wanted to know if its ok to use the Litmus Paper Strips (that are commonly available at Chemical Shops) to measure the approx PH of the Aquarium Water ? I mean can I use to get atleast an idea of my PH ?

Kindly Guide me...
Thanks and Regards
Kush

 

[krytan]

I would take a cup of water out of the aquarium and do the test in the cup not the aquarium. I would also recomend investing in a decent liquid test kit.

 

[jpappy789]

:iagree: strips are horribly inaccurate IME.

 

[excuzzzeme]

Litmus test paper can't give you the accuracy needed. It isn't sensitive enough to detect small degrees of change.

 

[OldMan47]

If all you want to know is acidic or basic, litmus is fine. What that information will mean to you I don't now. At pH 7.5 or 9.0 it would turn blue while at pH 6.5 or 3.5 it would turn red. I'm afraid we try to get a bit closer than that.

 

[Rbishop]

I wouldn't use them since they are a very rough indicator. Even the other styles of paper dip strips are not that accurate either.

 

[Reddog80p]

Most of the paper test used for industry should be fine for pH. Many of the more sensitive tests have breakdowns into the tenths of a point. I wouldn't recommend using the strips for the aquarium trade, but some of the ones for industry water testing should be more accurate. These are the papers I get from work. They last forever and our chemical rep brings them in periodically...

http://www.microessentiallab.com/index.php