SeaChem pH Alert Compared To Mardel Live pH Monitor

http://tinyurl.com/Ammonia-Alert-Test

Update added December 6, 2008 -

I remember using the SeaChem Ammonia Alert years ago just to see how accurate it was since one of the "Fishless Cycling" sites actually used the Ammonia Alert instead of doing testing of ammonia levels. More recently, I've been seeing the Mardel brand of various water parameter "monitors" being advertised and since I had a free gift certificate for PetsMart and they had these Mardel monitors on sale, I decided to give the Mardel Live pH monitor a tryout.

I bought the 3-pack and after using it the past couple of months, I was never really happy with the levels it was showing since my API pH test kit and Tetratest-Laborette pH test kit were both showing higher levels than the Mardel Live pH monitor ever showed.

In order to be fair, I was placing a recent order with http://www.drsfostersmith.com/ and they had the SeaChem pH Alerts on sale so I decided to buy a couple of them.

I put one in my tank this morning and within an hour, it was clearly showing a pH level that I knew to be accurate. It's right next to the Mardel Live pH monitor which is showing a much lower pH... which is NOT accurate.

The other BIG factor is that the SeaChem pH Alert is supposed to last 3 to 6 months where the Mardel Live pH monitor only lasts 4 to 6 weeks and the cost was similar.

In closing, if you were going to use these handy little monitors, DEFINITELY go with the SeaChem pH Alert. Let me know, in the comments section, if your own comparison testing showed similar results to mine.... and I'll try to remember to update this blog when the SeaChem pH Alert finally wears out to see if it makes it to the 3 months or more mark.. or maybe even to the 6 month mark.

Update - December 5, 2008 -

It has been a month since I started using the SeaChem pH Alert and it seems to be very accurate when compared to my API test results. I have moderately hard water with a pH range of 7.4 to 7.8, so I'd like to hear from others who have used this little inexpensive monitor in softer water, lower pH conditions to see how accurate it has been for you. I've calendared another update in four weeks.

Lenny Vasbinder (aka GoldLenny in forums)