Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Are these remotely useful for a quick visual check on ammonia levels? You could mount one on something just below the FT surface or on something you could pull out and check. No replacement for regular testing, but it's cheap at least.

http://www.seachem.com/Products/product ... Alert.html

Says... "This product is not recommended for use at acid pH "

So I'm not sure it's that relevant to AP...

And in general it seems calibrated to higher pH levels... which makes sense as ammonia is more toxic....

But it also depends on temperature as well....

Personally... for about $50... and capable of about 800 tests... why wouldn't you buy the API test kit...

And be able to meausre everything....

I tried one of these and one for PH and neither of them worked. They both showed high, even though API test said it was good.

Tried one of them once in my aquarium, but it didnt work. API test kit for sure
I picked something was wrong with the trout system the other day by its smell when I opened the lid. Tested 0.5 ammonia and a search found a dead decaying yabbie in the sump.

But Jake, don't let anything disuade you from tossing different ideas into the forum. You may hit upon something that's a winner. Like an affordable meter/probe that connects to a network or PLC for data logging or alerts. Or a balanced organic fish food formula that is easy to recreate at home... that doesn't cost a fortune or smell to high heaven!

Definitely not a replacement for my API kit, but a quick check before heading off for work might head off those "did I leave the oven on?" feelings that an AP newbie can be prone to.

There are well established ways to automate ion/pH reading and remote monitoring with electrodes. I've done it with bioreactors, but not on my own dime. "Affordable" doesn't quite describe that approach.