Hi all,

Just sharing a little "wisdom" I've acquired. I'm sure many if not most of the experienced keepers here will already be doing something simliar but hopefully some newer shrimpists can benefit :-)

Since keeping more sensitive shrimp i thought i would follow others' advice and avoid putting my hands into the aquarium - i realised that i was doing this often by dipping my test tubes into the tank. So anyway it occurred to me to use a small syringe to withdraw the water.. usually the kit states 5ml is required but some may need other amounts anyway it's easy enough to figure out :-)

Another tip I can give is that after knocking over many many test tubes and spilling delicious nutritious testkit agents across tables perhaps I could make holes in something to hold the test tubes in and avoid spilling them! I since discovered this is a common thing to do after seeing pictures of people who had drilled holes in wood etc.

Anyway here is a little pic of how I do it and i'm sure there are better ways again but it's enuogh to give an idea :-)

love n peace

will

 

Good tip, and very creative test tube holder.

 

We need more clever DIY ideas like this on SKF.

C'mon people, share your tips. You know I don't hold back sharing.

Cleaning- when i first started properly testing using tubes i found alot of people advising to rinse the with hot water and then just air dry upside down! FAIL! Ive found that if you then stick a rolled up paper towel in the tube, 50% of the time there is coloured residue on the paper towel so 50% of the time there will be the potential for cross contamination and possible false readings.

The answer- baby teat bottle / straw cleaners http://www.toysrus.com/buy/accessories/babies-r-us-spout-straw-cleaning-brushes-4-pack-5f623d0-31851546