Over the years we have accumulated some of the best water analysis testing instruments. We have the highest quality colorimeter/Spectrophotometry instruments.
Spectrophotometry involves the use of a spectrophotometer. A spectrophotometer is a photometer (a device for measuring light intensity) that can measure intensity as a function of the color, or more specifically, the wavelength of light. Important features of spectrophotometers are spectral bandwidth and linear range of absorption measurement. So instead of comparing colors to a color chart this instrument will actually measure the color by shooting a beam of light through the water sample of a different color; thus giving a more exact result of an ammonia test or any number of tests that depend on a color comparison chart.  The readout will be digital up to 3 decimal points. The instruments we use are produced by the LaMotte Company out of Chestertown Maryland. They are EPA Accepted instruments.
EPA-Accepted means that the instrument meets the requirements for colorimeters /spectrophotometers as found in test procedures that are approved for the National Primary Drinking Water Regulations (NPDWR) or National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) compliance monitoring programs. EPA-Accepted instruments may be used with approved test procedures with out additional approval.

We also use the most current titration analysis per standard methods for analysis like
Total Hardness, Calcium Hardness, Magnesium Hardness, Alkalinity, Chloride and oxygen to name a few.

But we do not stop there! One of the most common problems for the aquarist that is not known is local water conditions. Without this knowledge he does not know what species of fish would be best suited for him. Most labs just do an analysis and give a print out. We will actually interpret the results make recommendations and suggest fixes for any issues that may arise.

If there is an issue with fish in an aquarium we can also look at that water sample to see if we find the cause, if there is one, and then recommend a fix for the problem. For issues like this it is always important not only to send in a water sample from the aquarium in question but also a sample of your source water whether it be from the tap or reconstituted from a reverse osmosis system.

The complete cost of this service is $35.00 per sample. Water should be collected in a liter glass bottle. A bottle that Lipton Ice Tea comes in or juice drinks that is found at most gas stations or supermarkets. The bottle should be cleaned and rinsed 3 or 4 times with the water to be tested then the bottle should be fill to the to so when a cap is put on the bottles a little water spills out. The cap and bottle can be sealed by wrapping electrical tape around the shoulder and cap of the bottle meet about 3-4 times.  It will take about 5 – 7 days to get back to you with the results and recommendations. These will be emailed as well as a hard copy sent to you.

We will accept Paypal.