is a drop checker essential

[jacko32]

is it essential to use a drop checker and whats the best fluid to put in it.

is there any other ways to monitor co2 levels ?

 

[Iain Sutherland]

i think they are essential as a cheap and effective way to monitor co2.
4dkh solution with bromide blue from ph test kit. 2ml 4dkh to 2 drops works for me.
all available cheap on ebay but for 4dkh i'd suggest buying a branded bottle as i ve had a few questionable bottles from ebay.
Bare in mind a drop checker indication is normally 2 hours or so behind the actual water column, so dont crank the co2 up thinking it is too low, best bet is to adjust just once a day until it is a nice yellowish lime green.

 

[jacko32]

is the pre mixed stuff from AE any good then ?

 

[Iain Sutherland]

havent tried AE but everything else i have bought from them is always great quality.

 

[spyder]

I've been using the premix from and AE and all is well. I bought 100ml in May and have plenty left. Only thing is it's gone kind of cloudy in the bottle although a quick shake and a few hours in the tank and it clears and colours back up.