Drop Checker

[dave840f1]

I'm thinking of getting a drop checker but I am a bit confused. Some people say use tank water in them but some say use 4dKH. Comments would be appreciated.

 

[Ch4rlie]

Tank water in a drop checker won't do anything or give any accuracy if mixed with 4dKH.
 
using 4dKH is what most people use, this is a blue liquid that you add to your drop checker, then as co2 is added to the tank, this changes colour from blue to green if ideal co2 is at a good level.
 
If too little co2, stays at blue, if too much co2 then will turn yellow.
 
Have a read of this, much more information and details - 
 
http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/268972-drop-checkers-how-they-work/

 

[dave840f1]

Thanks Ch4rlie but 4dKH is actually clear, you are talking about the premixed solution. I am talking about the pure 4dKH that you add a reagent to yourself. I was asking if I can replace the 4dKH (Pure) with RO water as I have a RO unit.

 

[daizeUK]

The 4dKH refers to the hardness of the water.  You can't replace this with RO water unless your RO water happens to be exactly 4dKH as well.
 
The reason is that hardness affects how much CO2 can dissolve in the water which in turn affects the colour of your indicator.  The 4dKH is just a calibration standard to ensure that your indicator is showing blue if too little, green just right and yellow too much CO2.  Any other hardness of water than 4dKH would skew the results so that you wouldn't be sure what the colours meant anymore.

 

[dave840f1]

Thanks. I only ask as I live in Cyprus and can't find anyone who stocks 4dKH. I looked on You Tube and I found out how to make it but it looks a lot of bother.