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View Full Version : which is more important to know?

bboy aqua
05/21/2006, 01:25 AM
im on a tight budget so i need to know what i should buy first
a refractometer or a digi handheld ph tester
jgsensor
05/21/2006, 01:36 AM
IMO I would buy a refractometer first, hydrometers are just not reliable from my experience. PH will usualy balance itself out, but if you will be mixing your own water go with the refractometer.
scottfarcuz
05/21/2006, 01:37 AM
I would grab the refractometer first.

PH should remain stable enough for most coral unless you are dosing.

Both pieces of equipment are really good investments.
powerbuddy
05/21/2006, 01:58 AM
refractometer
Recife
05/21/2006, 02:05 AM
Refractometer.
Ph doesn't need to be tested as often and cheap test kits will give accurate values.
MiddletonMark
05/21/2006, 06:37 AM
Refractometer, no question.

Without measuring, the salinity can and will fluctuate and can easily swing to problematic extremes, and significant changes in salinity in a water change may stress the tank.

Provided stable Alk and water chemistry near NSW, generally pH should remain ok without as much monitoring, IMO. But salinity, IME, can easily slide.
cperez155
05/21/2006, 08:32 AM
Definitely get a refractometer first. This (http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=9957&N=2004+113761) is the refractometer that I own and it can be found on drsfostersmith.com.
cperez155
05/21/2006, 08:34 AM
Oh yeah did I mention that it works great and it's on sale now!
tkeracer619
05/21/2006, 10:58 AM
hmm i think the choice is obvious. the digital ph tester wins the poll hands down ;)
UrbanSage
05/21/2006, 11:09 AM
Thats like asking whether to start breathing first or buy that new set of golf clubs :D