Is it possible to measure oxygen levels?

[sodapopdima]

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Not sure where to post this but I read around the internet that the zebra pleco likes a well oxygenated tank, so i decided here would be best, please move in appropriate forum if I posted in the wrong section.

I added a micro fine bubbler and a small air pump to my 10 gallon, and I will have only one zebra pleco and one algea eater in there.
I was wondering if I could measure oxygen levels in my fish tank. This would help me deduce how long I should leave the air pump on daily if not all the time or just a few hours a day. Or any recommendations would be fine.

Also, any plants suggested would be highly appreciated. I was thinking Java fern, I want something that wont die easily and doesnt grow too large.
I also read about moss rocks although I do not know what they are and where to find them, I know my LFS doesn't sell them, any insight as to those would help me out a lot too.

Thanks everyone [/u]

[Gandalfdgrey]

there are meters to measure oxygen levels in water as well as test kits.

[sodapopdima]

I had a feeling it was possible.

Can you direct me to some kits or bran dnames of kits to look for?

Also, any suggestions ayone on plants? I think I might go with Java fern at this point.

[Caol_ila]

Hi!

You can practically forget the kits imho as they are very inaccurate. Its easier to check the fishes breathing frequency. And the professional meters are too expensive...

[patrickstockton]

i agree with Caol.... I've used the Red Sea brand o2 test. It gave me the same reading on all of my tanks. Curious, i staged a test. I took some water from my roomate's betta bowl that had not seen a water change in over a month. And also tested fresh tap water saturated with o2. They both registered as 7 ppm. which is close to the saturation point(8.3) for their temp of 77F. Considering the two water samples should have been considerably different, i tested again very carefully. same results.
and the test kit was $20! and its fairly complicated. I think the amount of mixing involved effects the level of o2 in the test water.
I would simply use the tried and true methods of ensuring high oxygen levels such as:
- good surace aeration
- good circulation
- water changes!!!! (best method)
- colder temperture (warmer water has a much lower saturation point)
- less fish (if you are over stocked)
- new filter media as needed etc...

as for plants, they (along with algae) produce o2 during the day. and consume it at night. as for what will work in your tank it depends on how bright your lights are. a ten gallon with flourescent or compact fluors, would give enough light for just about anything. With incandescent bulbs you have to stick with low light plant like java moss. Check out my 10 gal. zebra/killifish tank. i have lots of plants in there and the zebra bothers none of them.
http://cichlid-forum.com/tanks/displayt ... ?tank=4601

[fishnut2]

I just picked up a DO meter made by Hanna. Model HI 9142. Very nice! It's portable/waterproof/and comes with a hard plastic carrying case. It's designed with field work in mind. I got it for cost through a friend, that's a distributor...so I won't quote a price. I will say it was several hundred $ (US). If anyone is interested...e-mail me, and I'll hook you up direct with my friend. He also sells R/O units...whole house filters...and is a distributor for Hikari
The DO meter was expensive...but I decided to take breeding to the next level!
Rich