Measuring Dissolved Oxygen (DO) ... Any simple methods?

[livinlifeinBKK]

So as some of you are aware, I'm currently carrying out my own independent observational study of certain starfish species and was wondering if there was a simple way of measuring the amount of dissolved oxygen in the water because I think this may be particularly important. I know I can use pH to get a general idea but was just wondering if there's a more precise but relatively simple way to do take this measurement...any ideas guys?

 

[ISpeakForTheSeas]

So as some of you are aware, I'm currently carrying out my own independent observational study of certain starfish species and was wondering if there was a simple way of measuring the amount of dissolved oxygen in the water because I think this may be particularly important. I know I can use pH to get a general idea but was just wondering if there's a more precise but relatively simple way to do take this measurement...any ideas guys?

Well, hopefully someone will have better advice (this is not a topic I've looked into much at all), but this is the simplest way I know:

Dissolved Oxygen Chemical Test Kit

The HI3810 is a chemical test kit for the determination of dissolved oxygen.

www.hannainst.com

 

[DaJMasta]

Salifert also had a DO test kit, and either of those will be your cheapest options, by far. If you want a meter, I would look on the used market for industrial water quality meters, either multi parameter of just DO, and buy a used one and a replacement membrane (or find a use one with some extras).

Generally, industrial measurement equipment is going to be easy to use for the operator and very stable in readings and accuracy, and is likely to be documented and have some possibility of replacement parts and consumables. Companies like YIS make DO meters that I've seen go for less than a hundred bucks, and unlike pH electrodes, DO sensors can be nearly completely refurbished in most cases with a new membrane, a few drops of electrolyte, and potentially a bit of sanding, so if the meter is reading at all, it's likely field-fixable.

Optical measurement is probably the most convenient method for tank monitoring, but it's also the hardest one to find equipment for, and the patches needed as a sensor will start at $50 each (after you have the light source, spectrometer, and software...)

 

[livinlifeinBKK]

Thanks you both for chiming in! I know it's not a very commonly taken measurement so I wasn't sure what my options were. Glad to hear Salifert has a test kit for DO since that'll make things a lot simpler than I was anticipating!