Simple DIY Drop Checker (V2 is Alive! 3/31)

Loop · 04-09-2011, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by larams67

The part I'm not sure about is the diameter of the section that connects the surface area chambers. It would seem to restrict the exchange of gases.

I don't see how the chinese made glass styles for instance would be any good. A big funnel reducing down to a pinhole at the bend before opening back up for the ph solution chamber can't be effective.

I'm not positive about this, but I think that air will exchange gases very easily that it's not a problem. Meaning whatever level of CO2 is in the bottom chamber will quickly equalize with the rest of the trapped air, despite the small opening. Like I said, I'm not positive, but I thought I remember something like that from a science class along time ago.

**Hoppy** · 04-09-2011, 11:38 PM

If you want the best configuration I have found, here it is: http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/sw...-checkers.html There is a DIY thread about how to make it too.

btimmer92 · 04-11-2011, 06:29 AM

The Chinese glass one works great for me. It changes about 4X faster than a DIY one I made..small amount of liquid, and volume, and a decent surface area-comparably. The small diameter at the top doesn't have an effect on the equilibrium speed. It's all about surface areas to liquid volume in the checker.

NeocaridinaCollector · 04-13-2011, 01:03 AM

I'm going to be starting on this tomorrow as was wondering if you could use an old plastic medicine bottle.

Loop · 04-13-2011, 03:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Traveller

I'm going to be starting on this tomorrow as was wondering if you could use an old plastic medicine bottle.

I don't really know for sure, but I would think it would be fine. I wouldn't think it could be harmful to anything if it's used to hold medicine. Just make sure there's no medicine left in there.

Chrome · 03-26-2012, 04:02 AM

bump for a very useful thread.

I had a brand new airbrush bottle laying around and a few feet of 1 inch OD vinyl tubing. worked great. Just need some solution now.

galabar · 03-26-2012, 07:43 PM

I like the fluval drop check. It seems to have a fairly low internal volume with a large water contact area:

http://ca-en.hagen.com/Aquatic/Water...plements/A7551

It also comes with an all-in-one indicator solution for lazy people like me.

supergreeneye · 12-01-2012, 05:54 AM

i will definitely give it a try thanks for the idea

04-09-2011, 11:38 PM	#47
Hoppy Planted Tank Guru (View User Tanks) PTrader: (57/100%) Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 17,286	If you want the best configuration I have found, here it is: http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/sw...-checkers.html There is a DIY thread about how to make it too. __________________ Hoppy

04-11-2011, 06:29 AM	#48
btimmer92 Wannabe Guru (View User Tanks) PTrader: (67/99%) Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Dayton, Ohio Posts: 1,227	The Chinese glass one works great for me. It changes about 4X faster than a DIY one I made..small amount of liquid, and volume, and a decent surface area-comparably. The small diameter at the top doesn't have an effect on the equilibrium speed. It's all about surface areas to liquid volume in the checker. __________________ -Bill

03-26-2012, 07:43 PM	#52
galabar Planted Tank Enthusiast (View User Tanks) PTrader: (1/100%) Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Bellevue, WA Posts: 856	I like the fluval drop check. It seems to have a fairly low internal volume with a large water contact area: http://ca-en.hagen.com/Aquatic/Water...plements/A7551 It also comes with an all-in-one indicator solution for lazy people like me. __________________ My 40 gallon breeder (and 20 gallon long): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ta07C0y0nk My 10 gallon with PAR30 LED: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8rbms5asKmA

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04-13-2011, 01:03 AM	#49
NeocaridinaCollector Planted Member (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Asia Posts: 155	I'm going to be starting on this tomorrow as was wondering if you could use an old plastic medicine bottle.

03-26-2012, 04:02 AM	#51
Chrome Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (1/100%) Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: SW FL Posts: 104	bump for a very useful thread. I had a brand new airbrush bottle laying around and a few feet of 1 inch OD vinyl tubing. worked great. Just need some solution now.

12-01-2012, 05:54 AM	#53
supergreeneye Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: las vegas Posts: 100	i will definitely give it a try thanks for the idea