HudsonH

I know, what i'm saying is that if the digital tests are too expensive, you could take a sample to your LFS whenever you go and have them read the tests. Just a suggestion if the Hannas are out of your budget.

if it's too expensive, your LFS should be able to test whenever you go in?

It might be because of plants? Planted tanks are way more popular, and plants are constantly pulling things out of the water. Maybe that - along with water changes - can minimize the issue? Probably best to add an ato (or a lid), but it evidently isn't an issue. edit: I think there might be an influence from the competitive aquascaping world. Scapers will set up their perfect rimless tanks, run them for a few months, get that perfect picture, and take the tank down. maybe we try to emulate that, but don't consider the different timelines. But, there are also many successful, long-term, lidless aquariums, so maybe not