CO2 Drop Checker Setup | The Planted Tank Forum

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T3Knical5urg3 T I purchased a no name CO2 drop checker from [Ebay Link Removed] It comes with what it refers to as "CO2 Indicator" that is an orange/red color. The instructions say to add three drops of solution followed by filling the rest of the bulb with aquarium water. This seems odd as a lot of instructions say to add DI water. I added the aquarium water per instructed and it immediately turned green. I decided to even turn the CO2 off in may tank and ~6 hours later it was still that same green color. Does this seem correct to anyone with experience with this? If so can someone explain why some instructions have you add tank water instead of DI? #1 · Jun 2, 2012 I purchased a no name CO2 drop checker from [Ebay Link Removed] It comes with what it refers to as "CO2 Indicator" that is an orange/red color. The instructions say to add three drops of solution followed by filling the rest of the bulb with aquarium water. This seems odd as a lot of instructions say to add DI water. I added the aquarium water per instructed and it immediately turned green. I decided to even turn the CO2 off in may tank and ~6 hours later it was still that same green color. Does this seem correct to anyone with experience with this? If so can someone explain why some instructions have you add tank water instead of DI? Sort by Oldest first Oldest first Newest first Most reactions #2 · Jun 3, 2012 You'll need to get an appropriate solution (called "4dkh" water/solution) in order to actually get somewhat accurate results. There are a few DIY threads here that can be followed, all depending on your capabilities: some require fairly accurate weights and measurements, a few make it simpler by using tools found in most standard kitchens. I'd give you a link, but I didn't book mark it! I believe one of the threads was by Hoppy. EDIT: I just came across this (which also suggests to check the stickies in the fertilizing section of the forum) - http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/diy/178491-another-diy-4-dkh-solution.html #3 · Jun 3, 2012 You can't use a orange-red indicator solution and expect the final color to agree with the colors associated with bromothymol blue indicator solution. And, you can't use the aquarium water unless you are just trying to measure the pH of the aquarium water. Not everyone making or selling those drop checkers knows how they work. #4 · Jun 3, 2012 Thanks guys, what you are saying is what I expected. In the end I got the glass component of the drop checker so it isn't a big deal. I'll look into the diy stuff. Interestingly I found a video that shows the same bottle of the solution I received. I am uncertain what water was used for this demonstration but it appears they got the same results (instant green water). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FvqKOntiduk #5 · Jun 3, 2012 I also bought a checker from a seller in HK. It is not the same one so maybe I will get the real 4dkh. I guess i will find out in about 15 days or so. #6 · Jun 4, 2012 Let me know about your experience with it. I just bought a dk4 solution from a seller who points out these knockoff products that tell you to add aquarium water. #7 · Jun 4, 2012 A lot of members here sell 4dKh solution. #8 · Jun 4, 2012 I was unaware of that (as you can see by my post number). I will have to look into that next time. For now hopefully this stuff is legit! Insert Quotes Post Reply

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