Seneye Device - ph Check

[LBDave]

I don't see many people talking about the seneye device at MFK. But thought I would let you know about my latest test.
Before we get into ph just want to say I have never used anything but the Seneye for testing ammonia. I trust the accuracy much more than a visual test vial or test strip. Not to say that it is completely accurate but I know if it get's into the 0.1X range and when it gets down to 0.001 I believe NH3 is ok.
I use API kits for Nitrate and Nitrite. Also the Salifert kit.

Anyway on to Ph. First time I have actually tested. Used this Ph tester:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B017J5GQHY/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Tested/ calibrated with the included packets. It was actually very accurate right out of the box.
The Seneye with current slide indicated 7.52 ph. With the Digital Aid device I got 7.23. So about a 1/4 point off. Really was a little surprised.
The seneye software allows you to trim the readings. So I trimmed to 7.35. Why not 7.35? Well, just splitted the difference so to speak due to error for each device. I will retest again when I put a new slide in.
BTW the temp is always about 1/2 degree different from my cheap digital thermometer so I trim that similarly.

What's it all mean? Not much, just some info on the seneye device.

 

[epond83]

Once a tank is properly cycled and live stock is added in small amounts ammonia shouldn't ever be a problem.
If you set up tanks often without and seeding them or change bioload/tank stocking often I could see this being cool. But given the cost it a tough cost to justify for starting a new tank.
With that said I would totally geek out with the graphs and what not while cycling a tank.

 

[LBDave]

Once a tank is properly cycled and live stock is added in small amounts ammonia shouldn't ever be a problem.
If you set up tanks often without and seeding them or change bioload/tank stocking often I could see this being cool. But given the cost it a tough cost to justify for starting a new tank.
With that said I would totally geek out with the graphs and what not while cycling a tank.

Generally you are correct. The Nh3 and Ph generally do not vary much on a cycled tank. But recently my tank went into a mini cycle, sort of a crash. Could have been too much CO2 booster. Not sure. If I didn't have this I probably would have caught it much later. The graphs are also nice for tracking stuff that's for sure.
And tracking anywhere.

 

[PYRU]

I use the hanna ph tester myself

 

[duanes]

As long as these type devices are calibrated properly, with fresh fluids they are great for pinpoint accuracy.
Especially for men, who may have varying degrees of colorblindness trying to use colorimetric tests.
For aquarium purposes I am satisfied with most liquid tests, and even some test strips, although I have used electronic probes like Hach's pH meters that needed daily calibration, and regular salt block maintenance.

When I ran ammonia tests, I always ran a 2ppm standard (the green one) a DI water blank (far right), and a tank water sample, to check accuracy.

Although once a tank is cycled, ammonia testing may become less important.
We use nitrate and pH testing to determine frequency and amount of water changes, because they are simple indicators of degradation in water quality.
If there is a wide swing in either, between a weekly water change, that indicates, more changes are needed during that week, and maybe more volume changes to keep water quality stable.
And if new fish are added, or as large growing species grow, the water change schedule will obviously need to be adjusted to keep up with fish urine and waste out put over time.
What good enough for a 3" Oscar or 4" Tiger fish, may not be enough for a 6 " individual, or even close for those 12"-14" ones, and swings in nitrate and pH help point out the obvious.

 

[joe jaskot]

Bought a little pH test kit back in 1979. Rarely used it. It still has some testing solution in the bottle. LOL!

 

[Oughtsix]

I remember when they were announcing the Seneye... I thought it was going to be GREAT!!! But it doesn't test nitrates so "for me" it is useless for anything but monitoring a tank while it is cycling... but the test kits do just fine for that and are a whole lot cheaper!

 

[LBDave]

I remember when they were announcing the Seneye... I thought it was going to be GREAT!!! But it doesn't test nitrates so "for me" it is useless for anything but monitoring a tank while it is cycling... but the test kits do just fine for that and are a whole lot cheaper!

It would be nice if it tested for nitrates. Agreed. Expensive? The slides are the most $$. But...I am hooked. Like the status updates. Keep a laptop near the tank also for constant read out. Just like it. I caught my tank crashing with this thing.