pH test that are actually interpretable?

I have the API master test kit (liquid test ) but can not make out the pH test results. I am not color blind or anything, it's just that I can't tell if I am looking at a 7.4 or a 8 on the high pH test, and likewise, a 7 or a 7.6 or higher on the low one. Basically I can tell my tank water doesn't match my tap water. It seems like the test can only really tell me extremes. Like my ammonia or nitrate is bad (it's not golden yellow) , but no meaningful measurement for things in between.

I am trying to figure out pH, is there another test kit you recommend ? I have the GH/KH test which is titer based, anything similar for pH?

 

Really? I can tell the difference just fine on mine. Do you have anyone else who can look at yours? Maybe it's a faulty reading chart too.

 

I have a similar problem. The low end ph test reads blue (7.6 or higher) immediately and the high end isn't 7.4, nor is it quite 7.8, so I imagine the 7.6 is accurate. I also get a slight tint of green or purple occasionally as if it is detecting a barely measurable amount of ammonia or nitrate and I find that it is if I look around hard enough I find a shrimp husk or other piece of forgotten food.

 

You can always go digital.

 

You can always go digital.

Hmm very tempting.... I was under the impression the digital pH readers only worked for salt water... I guess I will have to research that a bit more.

I have a similar problem. The low end ph test reads blue (7.6 or higher) immediately and the high end isn't 7.4, nor is it quite 7.8, so I imagine the 7.6 is accurate.

Exactly for me, and now I can't tell if it's a pH 7.6 or 8 either. I guess what I am missing is a reference liquid, so I can visually calibrate my eye balls to what a 7.6 color tint really looks like.

 

Not everyone can perceive subtle shades in color even if you're not color blind. Do you live with anyone or have a friend who can look for you?

There is a really big difference between 7.4 and 8.0 on the API Master Test kit. Do you hold it up against a white wall? That helps.

7.4 is very mustard/gold, 7.8 is quite orange, 8.0 is what I call taupe as it is a very light brownish color with slightly orange tones and 8.2 is definitely a dark taupe. Once you get above 8.2 you will register varying shades of purple. Sometimes you do have to guess. My natural tap isn't 8.2 but neither is it 8.4 so I've decided its 8.3

Also, if you register 7.6 on the regular test then its worth purchasing the high ph test which I know you have, just putting that out there in case people don't know the higher test exists.

It sounds like based on that it might be worth you purchasing a photometer like the one suggested by Hanna. If you have trouble with all the tests (nitrates is the only one that people universally seem to have an issue with) then it might be worth getting a photometer that does it all.

Sensafe makes this one that your purchase the hardware and what you want to measure with an iphone app. They're expensive because they're all in one piece of hardware:

https://sensafe.com/exact-idip-570-nm/

I have this one because at the time I purchased it they didn't have the exact idip for pools and aquariums and yes it is very expensive but it will pay for itself over the years with the amount of testing I do!

 

Digital pH meter is the way to go if the colors seem difficult to discern. They work just fine for freshwater, I'm on my second meter in 25 years. The accuracy is much greater than chemical tests, as well. The biggest problem with color tests is that the resulting solution may be thin, making the color look a shade lighter, or too heavy, making it look darker. The accuracy of chemical tests has always been considered poor, even with the best tests. Also, given the number of tanks that I have, even occasional checking makes the digital much more cost effective. Anyone with more than a half dozen tanks would likely be at least as well off with digital financially, probably better.

 

CindiL, thanks for the color explanation. I think I have a bad reference printout/instructions because the colors do look all the same on the printed page until you get to above 8 which is obviously purple. I also have cool white lights in the kitchen, I wonder if that is throwing off my perception. My other hobby is (color) photograph, so I hope I have good color perception!

 

Digital pH meter is the way to go if the colors seem difficult to discern. They work just fine for freshwater, I'm on my second meter in 25 years. The accuracy is much greater than chemical tests, as well. The biggest problem with color tests is that the resulting solution may be thin, making the color look a shade lighter, or too heavy, making it look darker. The accuracy of chemical tests has always been considered poor, even with the best tests. Also, given the number of tanks that I have, even occasional checking makes the digital much more cost effective. Anyone with more than a half dozen tanks would likely be at least as well off with digital financially, probably better.

Uh oh, I think I have a new item for my Christmas wish list!

 

Digital pH meter is the way to go if the colors seem difficult to discern. They work just fine for freshwater, I'm on my second meter in 25 years. The accuracy is much greater than chemical tests, as well. The biggest problem with color tests is that the resulting solution may be thin, making the color look a shade lighter, or too heavy, making it look darker. The accuracy of chemical tests has always been considered poor, even with the best tests. Also, given the number of tanks that I have, even occasional checking makes the digital much more cost effective. Anyone with more than a half dozen tanks would likely be at least as well off with digital financially, probably better.

May I ask you what kind you have and recommend?

 

I use a Hanna pHep, which seems to be the standard these days. Got mine from Kens Fish a couple of years ago.

 

I have not heard anything bad about Hanna Instruments. They have several versions of pH meters. I have the more expensive lab grade meter than the one I linked. I haven't used it in years and the probe is already shot and needs replacing. I neglected to buy the storage liquid that you're supposed to immerse the probe in. It accurately measures temperature and pH up to 2 decimal places. For our purposes I think accuracy only up to the first decimal place is enough.