hoppycalif

The sand paper idea didn't work well for me - the water makes the white become almost transparent. Nail polish is acrylic, the same material as the tubes, so it is the perfect "paint" for acrylic. And, that idea definitely works, if you can find white nail polish.

Blacksunshine

White acrylic nail polish is the way to go unless you can find white acrylic tubing.



Nice work. looks familar. Did you use the post from the airline hose? I found that they don't like to attach to the acrylic so well. (they are plastic not acrylic) So what I do now I cut acrylic rod the same size of the hole of the suction cup. It makes a MUCH stronger bond.

tcfish

Well I have to agree with the nail polish when it is all blue sitting in the tank all is well. But when that bugger turns color to green it get hard to really see if it is green or yellow .I put a white piece of paper behind it to see its true color. I can see it now "Honey were is your nail polish" her reply "do you want some lipstick too!" Also I used a heater holder cut it down and used weld-on #16 hope it holds up, but that is a great idea with the acrylic rod, and it just so happens I have some very small rod and I will go that route if I should make another or this one does not hold up.Thanks guys

Amazon_Replica

I have successfully made 4dKH water, and added ph solution and put it in drop checker, it is in the tank. Thanks a million Hoppy. I didn't think, even after reading this thread, that I would be able to do it. Wasn't as hard as it seemed it would be. Patience and distilled water lol. Thanks again it was easy with your instruction and everyones input!

Iceterran

Is there a certain time that is best to use the drop checker? It probably takes some time for the tank water to become saturated with c02 right? (sorry for the noobie questions, just found this thread a good chance to get them out there)

orlando

You just leave it in there as an on spot indicator..

Iceterran

Sorry this is repetitive, but just to clear things up, I can permanently leave the drop checker submerged in my tank and simply refer to it at any given time? (without ever changing the solution?)

hoppycalif

The solution contains a dye - the bromothymol blue dye that is the pH indicator reagent. Dyes do fade over time. Also, the drop checker will gradually accumulate biofilm and need to be cleaned thoroughly. Most people seem to be replacing the fluid and cleaning it about every two weeks.

It is intended to be left in the tank full time. If you remove it, the solution in it will start evaporating and that will make it inaccurate.

devocole

Okay so i made the very original rectangular drop checker out of acrylic and silicone sealant. The acrylic was from a clear picture frame. I worked out great. I think this one will just be a model because i would like to do a better job with the silicone. All i did to cut the acrylic was score it, and i snapped perfectly along the line.
Devon

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hoppycalif

Silicone isn't the best way to glue acrylic, but if it works, it works. Let us know how this works in the aquarium. Are you going to attach a suction cup to hold it in the aquarium?