CAL Aqua Labs's Double Check CO2 checker?

[AnA]

Anyone tried using this CAL Aqua Labs's Double Check CO2 checker? Saw it today at NA but not sure if it is good.



Think it does not need any solution preparation. Such as distilled water of KH4. However, it needs 2 types of premade and included solution. So, once finish, you need to buy 2 type of solution instead of one. But, the good thing is you do not need colour chart anymore... sound good to me. But, anyone tried? Please advise. Thanks.

Click the link for the CAL Aqua Labs Double Check CO2 checker

[Captain Telecredible]

Hi yeah I also wanted to try out this product too, but not sure whether it is good, but i feel that ADA drop checker design is nice, because its 1 and not 2
Cheers

[AnA]

Agree, the ADA design is neater and smaller. But for function wise, this CAL one could be better?

However, I am not sure what theory this base on to get the indicator solution to match with the standard Reference solution. By right, once match, the tank CO2 is set to 30ppm and is suppose to be considered optimal. Interesting.

[Captain Telecredible]

Hahas agreed, ADA looks neater, but dont know why I feel that ADA products are very good and only i prefer Cal Aqua Inline Diffuser
Cheers

[AnA]

Come to think of it, the CAL reference solution could be just a premade "colour water" to the colour when the CO2 is at optimal. Taking this colour as a reference (instead of a chart); so that we could have a reference colour for the indicator solution to match. Therefore, the "reference solution" could be just simply coloured water... Anyone tried could advise? Thanks.

[Panut]

Can i ask if, i don't use co2, but can this still measure accurately the PH of the water?

[Shadow]

yes and no, drop checker only measure pH that cause by CO2. In the nut shell, CO2 from the tank enter the dropchecker chamber, react with the solution inside and change it color.

[benetay]

I have the ADA drop checker but i'm still doubting the 'need' for one.

[AnA]

Thanks Benetay, Really not much use?

I find it not much use last time when I use the tank water as mixture with the solution. But now, I tried using the DIY KH4 distilled water as mixture. Think it may help. I am still trying to get the CO2 indication as green. I am still in the trying stage, hope it helps.

Of course, my planted aquarium does not really need optimal CO2 fertilization since I mainly keep only moss. But, I will like to learn the concept of CO2 controlling to prevent aglae.

Come to worse, I am keeping my ADA drop checker as deco to the aquarium.

I have the ADA drop checker but i'm still doubting the 'need' for one.

[Shadow]

I usually use drop checker during the first few weeks of new tank when you need to adjust the CO2 bps. or after CO2 tank top up

[CAL AQUA LABS]

guys,
The Reference solution is not colored water. It's a formulation of buffers, indicator, and stabilizers in solution to give it the precise shade of green.

Regarding the size, the last time we check, ours was smaller (or at least not larger) than ADA's drop checker. Perhaps the image on our website gave the impression that it's a large unit?

Cheers!

[Shadow]

if it is not colored water, will the CO2 affect the reference solution? I'm trying to ask Why not just colored water where it is not effected by CO2 or other external source?

[CAL AQUA LABS]

Since one of the main ingredients is a buffer, CO2 (within practical limits) will not affect the reference solution. On top of that, the unit is also supplied with a small plug to seal the reference solution (this is optional and not necessary for operation). We used this because we want to use the exact same coloring agent as the indicator solution, so that the color and shade will be identical under appropriate conditions. Using a different coloring agent between the indicator and reference risks mismatching the color and shade of the solutions.

[AnA]

Thanks CAL AQUA LABS for the reply.

One question, do we need to add any "water" (be it tank water or DIY distilled KH4 water) to mix with the indicator solution? From the detailed instruction, it seem solely using the indicator solution will do? Please advise. Thanks.

[CAL AQUA LABS]

Everything you need is supplied and ready to use. No mixing of anything required. The main ingredients of the "Indicator solution" is kh4 solution and a predetermined amount of pH indicator and some stabilizers. You can always use your own kh4 solution if desired. There is the same amount of pH indicator in both the Indicator and Reference solutions so that the color and intensity appears the same.

[AnA]

You are right, a check again side be side shown that it is about the same size as ADA. In fact ADA seem a little bigger.

guys,
The Reference solution is not colored water. It's a formulation of buffers, indicator, and stabilizers in solution to give it the precise shade of green.

Regarding the size, the last time we check, ours was smaller (or at least not larger) than ADA's drop checker. Perhaps the image on our website gave the impression that it's a large unit?

Cheers!