SoupySteve
03/24/2007, 07:35 AM
One of the most useful tools I've ever used to keep my system heathly and thriving was to use of a journal that I kept. I had it on my laptop - any time I'd do ANYTHING aside from top-off and feeding, I made note of it - and recorded the easily measured parameters of the tank (you can get S.G. and temp with GREAT EASE... that was 2 years ago.
My current tank was an awesome 110g - before we went just shy of 2wks without power :sad:
Now, after an abbreiviated cycle and only 10% of my original livestock, I'm stuggling to keep my tank's water quality consistent and healthy by simple weekly 20% water changes... and monitoring the SG :bum:
I lost all of my test kits (the ones I had were Red Sea) when there was a mysterious case of 1/2 of ALL THE BOTTLES' contents spontaneously emptying :mad:
Now, all I am left with are my 2 swing arm Hydrometers and a couple of sick-on-glass-style thermometers. I used to measure calcium, alk, nitrAtes, NitItes, ammonia, pH ... I think that's it... but now I have a mortgage and not quite the cashflow... if I had to try to keep my budget for UNDER $100, what meters/kits would you get? I'm almost positive that a TDS meter is most important (so I can make sure the FIRST step in water quality of my tank is adequate).
Any suggestions are appreciated!
My current tank was an awesome 110g - before we went just shy of 2wks without power :sad:
Now, after an abbreiviated cycle and only 10% of my original livestock, I'm stuggling to keep my tank's water quality consistent and healthy by simple weekly 20% water changes... and monitoring the SG :bum:
I lost all of my test kits (the ones I had were Red Sea) when there was a mysterious case of 1/2 of ALL THE BOTTLES' contents spontaneously emptying :mad:
Now, all I am left with are my 2 swing arm Hydrometers and a couple of sick-on-glass-style thermometers. I used to measure calcium, alk, nitrAtes, NitItes, ammonia, pH ... I think that's it... but now I have a mortgage and not quite the cashflow... if I had to try to keep my budget for UNDER $100, what meters/kits would you get? I'm almost positive that a TDS meter is most important (so I can make sure the FIRST step in water quality of my tank is adequate).
Any suggestions are appreciated!