I have had a feeling for a number of years that a key piece of the puzzle missing for us hobbyist is the ability to test bacteria levels in our tanks. There have been plenty of studies showing that the best reef tanks usually have bacteria levels that mimic what is found in the ocean. After talking to a biologist at work, I was told there are easy and fairly cheap methods to finding out that information. He showed me a $30 little square plastic slide that had some type of cloth looking material in it that you dipped and then cultured. He said I could find them on Amazon, but I haven't had any luck locating the one he showed me....

But... I did find this article and link on the topic.

http://www.fishchannel.com/saltwater...-bacteria.aspx

http://www.hach.com/bart-test-for-he...?id=7640250869

This last link closely matches the item I was shown at work. Not exact, but gives you the idea.
http://wssproducts.wilhelmsen.com/ma...t-test-10-pcs/

So my plan is to do a little more research and find out which product best fits our needs. I don't see them listed on ESV's website like the first link/article mentions, but I bet if you called them you could order one instead of having to order 9 or 10 like the 2 other links above.

Thoughts?