I was just wondering if they are reliable...I test twice every week and there's no difference.I always get the same readings

I was using them for a long time but I don't think they were reliable. I bought a Master Test Kit by Aquarium Pharmacueticals and I really like it. You get a lot more test for the money as well.

That was what I thought so....How about those digital ph tests thingys?Could they be reliable?The reason I ask is because that 's all they have at our lfs.Either its the strips or the digital tests.

Cathy,
I think the digital PH tester is the best investment as no consumables are required. Just insert the probe in the water and get instant result. It is not cheap though but worth it if you use it often. I used to use a digital PH meter in my ex-company and they are very reliable. In japan there are many brands of PH meter and you can consider a good pocket type which is easy to store and use.

Of course you can also consider a chassis mount type that you can house the meter in your tank hood. It looks professional and very nice. I am an electronic freak and like to meddle around with electronic gadgets. My tank has a UPS to run the pump for 90 minutes in case of power failure.

Thanks ranchu man
I think I'll go with the digital one though I don't know if they have the chassis mount type you mentioned but I'll check just in case.

I've never seen those.

I have attached 2 models of portable PH meter. They are not very expensive and both made by Hanna Instruments. They cost about US45.00/unit.

So what is the difference between the two. One Says phep the other ORP.

Heck you can get them for cheaper than that! $21 (last time I checked) at www.aquaticecosystems.com. I love mine, its very reliable and no worries about trying to figure out the color, its a digital readout. I'll never mess with the dip strips or drop kits again for pH.

PHrep is for direct PH measurement and ORP is milivolt output for special industry use. Both measures PH. Yes Myaj, the price is not the chapest as I got it from RS Components. They are expensive and pocket PH meters are stock by most scientific instruments supplier which I think is cheaper.

The ones I saw at our lfs are about 3,700 yen(dollars???)I guess they're much cheaper