Ammonia Sensor

[fishchemist]

Hi,

Are there any ammonia sensor in the market?

Not looking at ammonia test kit.

Cheers

[arcanehacker]

yes.. most FS should have them.. it should be call Ammonia Alert..

[nicky30092002]

was juz wondering r they really acurate in warning?

arcane, in our neighbour where sell har, ? sgd?

[silverfish]

brand is seachem.. about 12 bucks should get you one..

[Weapon_Master]

Should be generally accurate. I put that in during my cycling process and it did change to the various colours indicated.

[arcanehacker]

was juz wondering r they really acurate in warning?

arcane, in our neighbour where sell har, ? sgd?

accurate enough lah.. usually you will only see the changes during cycling. After that its basically useless coz properly cycle tanks will not have ammonia increase.. maybe only in nanos can tell only..

I've seen at Bio-Ocean though.. .. and Aquastar & That Aquarium(Kathib) too..

[Nickel]

How does it works ?

Understand that at the centre is a circle that change color according to the ammonia in the water and all yuo have to do is to see the circle color and match it to the color chart at the side ? Correct ?

Can anyone advice the corresponding reading to the range of numeric value as if measured by test kits ?

[Eric]

How does it works ?

Understand that at the centre is a circle that change color according to the ammonia in the water and all yuo have to do is to see the circle color and match it to the color chart at the side ? Correct ?

Can anyone advice the corresponding reading to the range of numeric value as if measured by test kits ?

Just add a dead prawn then wait till the chart change colour. On every colour change, do a test for NH3. You will know ur chart concentration now.

[alanseah]

hmm me disagree..

yes u can add a dead prawn to speed up the process.. but a small small one will do..

also go test for ammonia first once it reach 0 then test for n02 after N02 reach 0 then test for N03..

like that u can save money on test kit as all this must finish be4 u can test out the next.

[fishchemist]

Thanks for the feedback.

However, I meant the electronic type, those with the probe and you take readings from a meter. I notice that the pH sensor is quite common but have not seen one for ammonia.

[weileong]

Yes there is definately electronic type.

Errrm... what's your budget?

These Ion probes has certain restriction of pH range where the readings are accurate. Beyond that readings is inaccurate. Moreover due to the unstable nature of the electrode, you need to calibrate them on a daily basis.

All probe type sensor works on the same principle for all manufacturer.

IMO the end results is using a test kit is better.

FYI, there's also sensor for Cyanide, Chloride,Sulfide,Iodide,Bromide,

Copper, Cadmium,Lead,Thiocyanate.Fluoride,Silver,Sodium,Nitrate,Potassium,

Calcium

[fishchemist]

Hi weileong,

Thanks for the info.

Are these ion-selective electrodes available in any LFS or other shops?

I only notice the pH sensors so far. What's the approximate cost?

Cheers

[weileong]

In the region of around $1K for the electrode only and excluding price of the meter. I don't think any LFS would carry it. If you really want to burn $$$ on it, pls let me know.

[arcanehacker]

In the region of around $1K for the electrode only and excluding price of the meter. I don't think any LFS would carry it. If you really want to burn $$$ on it, pls let me know.

wah.. you got lobang for such test kits ah?...

[Weapon_Master]

Wah you ppl are all big/serious investors. Print $$$. Wished I printed $$$.

[weileong]

It is not a test kit but rather sensor type, just like those pH meter using probe except this one can measure the Specific Ion you want.

It is not really suitable for our use as the low end sensitivity is quite bad hence not too accurate plus the fact that it is not too stable so if your intention is to have it online like a pH controller then you will be disappointed because it requires daily calibration. This is good only for a lab where you requires to perform many measurements in a day.

The NO3 sensor can work well only in pH of 5-7 so it will not be accurate in our reef tank.

Saves the money and if you want get a colorimeter

[fishchemist]

I dont think a colorimeter can measure the concentration of these colorless ions.

I am teaching Chemistry at a JC and I am looking into starting an elective program for students base on aquatic science. I had work with some of these ion-selective electrodes while I was studying. I am checking out if hobbyist use these instruments.

[weileong]

colorless ion like which types?

Even silica with some reagent can produce colors.

Due to cost, the needs for very frequent calibration I don't think much pple using it.

[pacificbetta]

I use the ion specific probe to measure for calcium, magnesium and *cyanide*. Quite accurate for Ca/Mg. Cyanide meter useless for hobbyists LOL.

Meter costs a few hundred $. Do not quite remember exactly how much, bought too long liao.

IMO, waste of money to spend such items on meauring NH3. You are not supposed to have them in your tank in any appreciable amounts anyway. Will it help if you know you have 57ppm of NH3 +- 1 ppm in your tank, or if you just know you have 40-60ppm of NH3?

[fishchemist]

colorless ion like which types?

Even silica with some reagent can produce colors.

Due to cost, the needs for very frequent calibration I don't think much pple using it.

NO3-, NO2-, NH3, Ca2+, all these ions all colourless. These are some of the ions we need to monitor. A colorimeter will not be able to detect their concentration.

[fishchemist]

I use the ion specific probe to measure for calcium, magnesium and *cyanide*. Quite accurate for Ca/Mg. Cyanide meter useless for hobbyists LOL.

Meter costs a few hundred $. Do not quite remember exactly how much, bought too long liao.

IMO, waste of money to spend such items on meauring NH3. You are not supposed to have them in your tank in any appreciable amounts anyway. Will it help if you know you have 57ppm of NH3 +- 1 ppm in your tank, or if you just know you have 40-60ppm of NH3?

For educational purpose, yes. It will be interesting and important to collect these data for further studies. Can I have the contact of the vendor which carrys these products? A couple of hundreds seems reasonable. I am now working out a budget.

[pacificbetta]

Try Hanna Instruments, they have a presence locally, I think.

[fishchemist]

Hi Bro pacificbetta,

Thanks for sharing.