How do i measure Oxygen level?
- Thread starter ccole
- Start date
Hi all,
Realistically you need to measure the O2 content continually with a probe for it to be of any use as a reading, and it is still a less useful measure than the "Biochemical Oxygen Demand - BOD" of the water. Unfortunately we can't measure the BOD either out-side of a lab either.
Have you read our article on "aeration and oxygenation"? <http://www.plecoplanet.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4628> & <http://plecoplanet.com/?page_id=829>If you haven't that gives an explanation of the processes that effect the O2 level in the aquarium and also some practical advice of how to ensure your water remains oxygenated.
cheers Darrel
You need a "Dissolved Oxygen" meter, this is about the cheapest <http://www.jenway.com/product.asp?dsl=259> suitable one (about £550). Unfortunately these aren't every day bits of kit, and they are quite expensive to buy. You calibrate them by exposing them to 100% H2O saturated air in a sealed container, and then measure the DO level in mg/l or % saturation (% saturation is dependent upon the salt content of the water, atmospheric pressure and temperature) in your water sample.
Realistically you need to measure the O2 content continually with a probe for it to be of any use as a reading, and it is still a less useful measure than the "Biochemical Oxygen Demand - BOD" of the water. Unfortunately we can't measure the BOD either out-side of a lab either.
Have you read our article on "aeration and oxygenation"? <http://www.plecoplanet.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4628> & <http://plecoplanet.com/?page_id=829>If you haven't that gives an explanation of the processes that effect the O2 level in the aquarium and also some practical advice of how to ensure your water remains oxygenated.
cheers Darrel
wow
wow - thats alot of money¬!
i did read the artical and thats what sparked my interest and concern - i was worrying it was a basic bit of equitment i should have...glad its not but wish i did have it aswell!!
thank you very much for taking the time to tell me about it darrel
cole
wow - thats alot of money¬!
i did read the artical and thats what sparked my interest and concern - i was worrying it was a basic bit of equitment i should have...glad its not but wish i did have it aswell!!
thank you very much for taking the time to tell me about it darrel
cole
I got a JBL test kit on ebay, http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Tetra-Tetratest-Oxygen-O2-Test-Kit-Fresh-Marine-Pond-/110612798010?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish&hash=item19c1095a3a
Unsure how good it is, but provides a good guide on O2 levels in the tank etc. Hope this helps.
Unsure how good it is, but provides a good guide on O2 levels in the tank etc. Hope this helps.
Hi all,
You want to have at least 7 - 8 mg/l O2. You need to take the sample before the lights come on in a planted tank, or before your regular filter maintenance if you don't have plants. If you keep bottom dwelling fish with a high oxygen demand if they are ever near the top of the tank, or clustered around the filter outlet, you need some more aeration.
To be brutally honest, if you think you need to use the test kit you definitely need to increase aeration in your aquarium.
cheers Darrel
They do work to some degree and will give you a rough ball park figure. They work using the "Winkler method" where the oxygen in the sample water oxidises a manganese compound which changes colour when oxidised. The more oxygen the more of the compound is oxidised and the deeper the colour is.
You want to have at least 7 - 8 mg/l O2. You need to take the sample before the lights come on in a planted tank, or before your regular filter maintenance if you don't have plants. If you keep bottom dwelling fish with a high oxygen demand if they are ever near the top of the tank, or clustered around the filter outlet, you need some more aeration.
To be brutally honest, if you think you need to use the test kit you definitely need to increase aeration in your aquarium.
cheers Darrel