Easiest way to explain ORP

[Js.Aqua.Project]

I spend some of my spare time helping out the LFS which occasionally includes helping install tanks. Lately they have been introducing me as their "IT guy" due to my affinity for computers and fixing issues on their computer. What this now means is I am the person that helps install Apex systems for customers when we do tank builds.

The problem I have run into is trying to clearly and simply explain what ORP is. I have my knowledge from reading @Randy Holmes-Farley articles and have simplified it as this:

ORP helps measure a tank's ability to break down waste.

Is there another simple way to explain to customers what the measurement is?

I need something a little easier than the comparison to how many soldiers are going in to battle...

Thanks in advance.

 

[dragon99]

Easy, just tell them not to measure it.

 

[Labridaedicted]

I think the description you used is probably the most accessible explanation and really as detailed as most people need to know

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I don't agree that this is correct:

"ORP helps measure a tank's ability to break down waste."

I think you'd want to focus on what someone might actually do with the readings (if anything), rather than trying to say what they mean.

I do agree to tell people to not waste time measuring it unless they use ozone. lol

 

[p7willm]

It tells me when the starfish I never see in my tank dies. It sort of chugs along kind of steady and when there is a big swing something changed, probably something died and is rotting.

 

[Js.Aqua.Project]

I don't agree that this is correct:

"ORP helps measure a tank's ability to break down waste."

I think you'd want to focus on what someone might actually do with the readings (if anything), rather than trying to say what they mean.

I do agree to tell people to not waste time measuring it unless they use ozone. lol

I would love to tell them not to bother measuring it, but the probe comes with the new Apex. Customers want to see everything up and going then want to know what it all does. Hence the needing a simple way to explain it.

I am considering installing the probe in the future but hiding the widget that displays the reading...

I blame Neptune Systems...

 

[p7willm]

It doesn't cost Neptune all that much and they can brag about the "feature".

 

[Js.Aqua.Project]

@Randy Holmes-Farley do you have another simpler method for trying to describe it? I have read your article a dozen times to come up with my simplification, which may not be wholly accurate. Can you suggest something?

Please understand that the only reason I am looking for a simple answer is that we have installs where someone who is getting their first tank and don't even fully understand the nitrogen cycle have purchased an Apex and want to know what that funny reading is supposed to mean...

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

@Randy Holmes-Farley do you have another simpler method for trying to describe it? I have read your article a dozen times to come up with my simplification, which may not be wholly accurate. Can you suggest something?

Please understand that the only reason I am looking for a simple answer is that we have installs where someone who is getting their first tank and don't even fully understand the nitrogen cycle have purchased an Apex and want to know what that funny reading is supposed to mean...

I guess it would be just too honest to say it's not really worth having or installing and is a marketing gimmick to sell you something you don't need so you feel like you got something cool that goes "Bing" and has a graph that freaks you out when its high or low.

 

[Js.Aqua.Project]

Right, they have "paid for it" so they want it installed and want to know what it does and then worry over what the number is.

Like I previously stated in the future I am going to install and attach the probe but hide the widget so it isn't right in front of them.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Right, they have "paid for it" so they want it installed and want to know what it does and then worry over what the number is.

Like I previously stated in the future I am going to install and attach the probe but hide the widget so it isn't right in front of them.

I get that.
But its also being installed by folks who don't know what it does.
Perhaps you should contact the manufacturer.

 

[Js.Aqua.Project]

Maybe @Terence has an opinion?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

@Randy Holmes-Farley do you have another simpler method for trying to describe it? I have read your article a dozen times to come up with my simplification, which may not be wholly accurate. Can you suggest something?

Please understand that the only reason I am looking for a simple answer is that we have installs where someone who is getting their first tank and don't even fully understand the nitrogen cycle have purchased an Apex and want to know what that funny reading is supposed to mean...

The technical explanation is that it measures the relative oxidizing ability of the water. That is impacted by many things that need not concern an ordinary reefer (such as the relative amounts of different forms of trace elements). The idea that it might detect the death and decay of a large organism is a reasonable one.