In planted aquariums, a deep understanding of water quality, especially the CO₂ concentration, is very important. For beginners, it is often difficult to analyze and optimize the composition of the water. With the ADA Drop Checker, determining the appropriate CO₂ concentration is made considerably easier by the color of the indicator. The Pack Checker also makes water optimization easier, by drawing a small amount of aquarium water into the tube containing the indicator. Unlike in fish aquariums, planted aquariums need a supply of CO₂ to promote the plants' photosynthesis. The addition should be done with care, however, since a lack of oxygen harms fish, shrimp and other animals while a lack of CO₂ endangers the plants. Supplying CO₂ is only common in planted aquariums. The right amount of CO₂ to supply is at times tricky, especially for newcomers to the aquascaping hobby. Experienced aquascapers can read the amount of CO₂ in the aquarium water from the photosynthesis rate and the behavior of the fish and shrimp. Of course, that requires a lot of experience and is therefore not suitable for everyone.

The relationship between CO₂ level and pH is an additional complication. At a high CO₂ level, the pH of the water drops and it becomes slightly acidic. A low CO₂ level, on the other hand, can make the water alkaline. The ADA Drop Checker uses this relationship and shows the amount of dissolved CO₂ in the water by means of a pH check. However, other factors such as substances that get into the aquarium with driftwood and stones also influence the pH. The ADA Drop Checker therefore contains a layer of air and thus reflects only the pH influenced by the dissolved CO₂. With its distinctive design, the ADA Drop Checker thus offers the highest degree of functionality. Checking water quality is often perceived as risky, and hobbyists shy away from the consequences of a wrong decision. With the Pack Checker, however, you can easily test the water quality at any time by simply taking a little aquarium water.

Color changes of the ADA Drop Checker and their meaning:
yellow - too much CO₂
green - optimal amount of CO₂
blue - too little CO₂

The Pack Checker allows even beginners to check water quality easily and quickly by taking some aquarium water and testing it. When using it, it is advisable to first fill some water from the aquarium into a container and only then test it with the Pack Checker. This way, the indicator cannot get into the aquarium and affect the water quality.

Source and Copyright of the article/photos (except header photo) - Aqua Design Amano - ADA