Different pH readings?

[Leiopelma]

Hi,

Just wondering what's up with my pH readings. I have a bottle of Siemens Multistix which are supposed to be used for urine analysis but I figured they'd do the job for my axolotl tank too as they test for both pH and nitrite. However, if I take a sample of the water and then test it with the multistix, the pH reads 5. If I test the water directly by putting the multistix directly in the tank, the pH reads 7.5. Which is the right way to do this? Both times the multistix are in the water for the same amount of time.

Cheers for your help!

 

[Kaysie]

You're better off investing in tests for ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate, rather than pH. These chemicals are much more dangerous than pH is, as axolotls can tolerate a fairly wide range of pH. I'd say between 6-8 isn't anything to worry about.

Also, dip-type tests are notoriously inaccurate. You would be wise to invest in a liquid reagent master test kit.

 

[carsona246]

are these like a strip that you put in the solution to test ph? I'm not sure if this works with urine tests, but for aquarium tests drip test kits are supposed to be more accurate. Honestly I wouldn't worry about your ph. Stability is far better than having an ideal ph, and I rarely ever test my ph unless there is something wrong with my tank.

 

[Leiopelma]

Oh sweet, thanks guys. I'll get a better test kit. Cheers!