Nutrient Test Kits?

[krisw]

What nutrient test kits does everyone use? I've done a lot of searching on the web, and it seems like the *best* kits are professional ones from Lamott, but those are pretty expensive. So far I've pretty much been dosing by eye when I see what looks like a nutrient deficiency. (I know, probably not the most ideal thing to do.)

Also, has anyone seen a "picture guide to nutrient deficiencies?" The only guides I've been about to find are text-based. Such as <a href="http://www.csd.net/~cgadd/aqua/art_plant_nutrient.htm" target="_blank">Chuck Gadd's</a> table.

[Ghazanfar Ghori]

I was using AP test kits...but they're old and I dont
trust the results. That's the problem with Lamotte
test kits too - the reagent expires and then you're
left with a useless $50 test kit.

I havent seen any picture guides to deficiencies -
though several people have tried to make one.

[krisw]

Yeah... I'm using AP test kits for PH/KH testing. I didn't know that they carried other nutrient tests in their product line. (ie/ Fe, Mg, K, etc)

It's too bad about the picture guides. I imagine that most experienced people who could identify an exact nutrient deficiency have forgotten how to "not care for their tanks." <img border="0" src="smileys/smiley2.gif" border="0">

[SCMurphy]

I've forgotten the basic symptoms, my poor recollection is.

yellow leaves = Fe shortage
Red leafed plants growing green = not enough Fe
pin holes in new and old leaves = K shortage
small crinkled leaves could be either Ca or magnesium shortage
If you are dosing K and getting larger holes in the leaves that eventually take the leaf = too much K causing both Ca and magnesium defficiency
No growth when everything is usually pearling = N shortage often accompanied by BGA
Slow growth when you know there is some N and you are seeing BBA = too much Fe but no P

Indicator plants
Anubius, crypts for K shortage
Nesea, Hygrophila for excess K, Ca or magnesium shortage
Crypts Swords Mayaca for Fe shortage

That's all that comes to mind.

[krisw]

Thanks Sean! Everything else makes sense, but what are BGA and BBA?

[SCMurphy]

<img border="0" src="smileys/smiley9.gif" border="0">
BGA - blue green algae
BBA - black brush (beard) algae

Here in the DC area we live for acronyms.

LFS - local fish store
LHD - local home depot
PMDD - poor mans Dupla drops
SSS - Sean's soil substrate
MCS - Martha's clay substrate
GGG - Guru Ghazanfar Ghori
<img border="0" src="smileys/smiley36.gif" border="0">

[jerseyjay]

[QUOTE=Ghazanfar Ghori] That's the problem with Lamotte
test kits too - the reagent expires and then you're
left with a useless $50 test kit.[/QUOTE]

Then you buy new reagent for $15.00

This applies to any low caliber test kit. There is always expiration date on those products. You have to think of that before you buy one.

I purchased CO2 controller and it was one of the best buys for my tank. I wouldn't have a tank without one now.

[krisw]

[QUOTE=SCMurphy]Here in the DC area we live for acronyms.

LFS - local fish store
LHD - local home depot
PMDD - poor mans Dupla drops
SSS - Sean's soil substrate
MCS - Martha's clay substrate
GGG - Guru Ghazanfar Ghori
[/QUOTE]
Well, I knew the first few... Obviously, the latter three are new to me. Good stuff to know!

Jay, I recently added a CO2 system one of my tanks. I was looking at the controllers, but opted to wait a bit. What brand/model did you get?

[jerseyjay]

[QUOTE=krisw]Jay, I recently added a CO2 system one of my tanks. I was looking at the controllers, but opted to wait a bit. What brand/model did you get?[/QUOTE]

<img src="http://www.aquatic-store.com/media/SMS122.jpg" border="0">

SMS 122 Milwaukee Co2 PH Controller

Professional pH/CO2 controller especcially designed for
use in aquariums

Manual 2 points calibration
Visual LED alarm
Works with 12 VDC adapter
Power plug for CO2 dosing
Double junction pH electrode (BNC connector)

[Cristy Keister]

What does it do if the pH is too high? Does it dump in CO2 until it gets to the right pH or does it gradually raise it?