Palintest 7100 Photometer used in Aquarium and Herpetology water testing at Lonzon Zoo

In order to ensure optimum water quality for the huge variety of aquatic species they house, ZSL London Zoo makes use of the Palintest Photometer 7100. By monitoring chlorine, alkalinity, phosphate, ammonia, nitrite, potassium and pH in one unit the staff ensure the water is just right for each of the species housed. [caption id="attachment_10795" align="aligncenter" width="346"] The 7100 Photometer in use at the aquariums in ZSL London Zoo[/caption] With one of the largest collections of aquatic life in the UK, including many rare species, ZSL London Zoo needs to ensure the specific water conditions each species needs are met. Even slight changes in conditions can be potentially life-threatening to some species, so regular and accurate testing is critical. The aquarium team uses the 7100 Photometer for testing chlorine, alkalinity, phosphate, ammonia, nitrite, potassium and pH.

Many Parameters create the habitat

The combination of many individual parameters forms a suitable and safe habitat for each species, so the multi-parameter 7100 unit is an ideal choice. The feedwater for both sections is provided by Thames Water and includes chlorine. This has to be removed by reverse osmosis (RO) treatment - the feed water is tested before treatment to protect the RO membranes, as well as testing the finished water for sufficient chlorine removal. Alkalinity is measured to determine how much water will change with the addition of acidic or alkaline substances, which would affect pH. Aquatic life is very sensitive to pH levels, so ensuring suitable alkalinity levels are maintained is crucial to a stable overall environment. Phosphate testing is important for coral, which is mostly formed from Calcium. If phosphate is present in too high levels it prevents the coral taking up calcium, so levels must be monitored and kept below 0.1mg/L. Ammonia is a waste product of aquatic life and is poisonous to fish. Usually this is broken down to nitrite by bacteria in the water, however this is also hazardous so carefully monitoring levels of both is essential.     For more information on the Palintest 7100 photometer, follow the links above or contact us;