test kits

[One_Trick_Pony]

teh test kit i curently own gives me tets for:

pH
high rnage pH
nitrite
nitrate
ammonia

would it be worht getting extra test kits for thigns such as

iron
phosphets etc

also how do you tets for co2?

OTP

 

[jimbooo]

sorry, posting everywhere today.

you know my answer to the first question.

co2 test kit

you can get the co2 by using KH and PH readings but this permanent test kit stays in the tank for a constant reading. worth getting one

 

[Bloo]

I've ordered one of those over 2 weeks ago now and though the money has left my account, I haven't received it yet. Emails keep bouncing back and the phone number always go through to an answering machine. I'm actually fed up now and am thinking of reclaiming my money through paypal

Oh and especially considering the outrageous postage charge I would have at least expected it by courier.

Something is fishy !

Just thought I'd mention that in public in case anyone else has had similar problems with them.

 

[jimbooo]

) i feel bad now. i only linked there to show the product. never used them myself.

on a msn search for "JBL Permanent CO2 test" they come up first thats the only reason i used that link.

the product's good though. available from all JBL stockists.

 

[Bloo]

Hey it's not your fault ! lol
It looks like a pretty legit website, but perhaps it's just like one person running it and they are on summer hols or something.
If that's the case it's not on !
I tried searching for another online supplier but no luck

 

[zig]

Jimbooo is the kit as it says permanent, or do you have to refill it with some sort of activator, in other words how permanent is it.

Cheers

 

[One_Trick_Pony]

yeah good point

 

[jimbooo]

the vessel thing which sits in the tank (like a thermometer) splits in two.

you put 1 ml of aquarium water in plus 3 drops of reagent. then plunge the whole thing in the tank.

it has a tiny hole underneath to allow contact with the water but the reagent doesn't leak out (quite clever really)

within 2 hours the reagent colour is accurate and can be compared against a colour strip (like all other test kits) to give you PH and KH readings.

you can then use a KH/PH chart to work out your CO2. after a short time you'll work out what colour = all good so wont use the chart for long at all.

you have to refill the vessel every 2 weeks according to the instructions but personally about once a month seems to work fine.

any LFS that stock JBL products can order it for you.

i just like the fact that i can tell if co2 is low/high at a glance without getting all the test kits out etc....

one tip though the colour strip is a sticker you are supposed to stick to the side of the tank. i stuck mine to an old credit card, saves having nasty stickers on the glass.

 

[Bloo]

Thanks Jimboo, I will order it at my LFS - I know they stock JLB but haven't seen this test kit there - but I'm sure they can get it in.

Just on a side note: I not recommend Herts Aquatics. Seeing as payment is done though "WorldPay" and not "paypal" no refunds can be made unless through the actual retailer.

After a zillion phone messages and bounced emails, I resorted to finding the web registration details through http/www.whois-search.com and wrote a letter to registered owner. Interestingly enough, when I did a search on the registered address, I found that it belonged to a Dr who is an associate of the "Royal Historical Society". Anyway, fascinating what you can find on the web if you do a little digging.

Well the letter obviously had the desired effect, as today I received an email saying "as per your request your order has now been cancelled" - hello what ?

I wanted to know what's happening to the order and when I could expect it and wanted and explanation about the bounced emails and non-existent phone number.

Ah well, hopefully they will refund my money and I'll just order it though.

 

[jimbooo]

no problem bloozoo2

thanks for the tip off on herts aquatics. i'm one of those people who trust anyone and everyone would never have guessed they are dodgy.

good detective work and i hope you get your refund