Choosing a microscope

[TerraVlog]

I wanted to buy a microscope to see the life in my water from aquarium and my fito and coreopods(i think thats what its called in English) cultures. I want to spend maximum 250$ but at least see something. Till now I use a microscope from a supermarket that is for kids and the only thing I see is occasionally some things I can't even identify(too small to even see what it is) swimming from side to side.

 

[fishyjoes]

I use the AmScope M150 that I got for around $110 that is sufficient for my needs. I do not know if this would be available internationally or not. It is very basic but has enough magnification to identify different cells (dinos, algae, etc) but is missing many "nice to have" features.

I found this video, and a few others on that same youtube channel to be useful

 

[HudsonReefer2.0]

TOMLOV DM602 is the Perfect All-Around Microscope for Reefkeeping | Reef Builders | The Reef and Saltwater Aquarium Blog

Microscopes are cool and have lots of uses for reefkeeping: looking at the critters in the sand, looking at the details of a coral’s surface, trying to ID pests, and more. But picking a microscope can…

reefbuilders.com

 

[TerraVlog]

I use the AmScope M150 that I got for around $110 that is sufficient for my needs. I do not know if this would be available internationally or not. It is very basic but has enough magnification to identify different cells (dinos, algae, etc) but is missing many "nice to have" features.

I found this video, and a few others on that same youtube channel to be useful

Thanks. I watched the video and I think I know more about how to choose one that will suite me best. Also what do you mean by "nice to have"?

 

[TerraVlog]

TOMLOV DM602 is the Perfect All-Around Microscope for Reefkeeping | Reef Builders | The Reef and Saltwater Aquarium Blog

Microscopes are cool and have lots of uses for reefkeeping: looking at the critters in the sand, looking at the details of a coral’s surface, trying to ID pests, and more. But picking a microscope can…

reefbuilders.com

Thanks, I read the article and searched for it. Found it for 125$ (some guy near me sells it from second hand) I will need some time to decide if it's worth it or not but I will give you updates. Any other recommendations? Or do you think if it's even worth it or the article just says it to promote the microscope sales?

 

[HudsonReefer2.0]

I don’t own one. Saw this post and was curious. Found the article. Seems like a good deal for its use and capability. Can’t comment on any marketing. I do appreciate reef builder material. If u do get it pls leave a review.

 

[TerraVlog]

I don’t own one. Saw this post and was curious. Found the article. Seems like a good deal for its use and capability. Can’t comment on any marketing. I do appreciate reef builder material. If u do get it pls leave a review.

Sure and thanks again

 

[magallonbuckinbulls]

I use the OMAX M82E LED - 40X-2000X. Also got the OMAX Digital Camera for documenting.

Ive used OMAX since jr. high lol.
I researched for months and this is the one I decided to go with.
They do have less expensive OMAX models with built in cameras that will do the job for this hobby imo.

 

[fishyjoes]

Thanks. I watched the video and I think I know more about how to choose one that will suite me best. Also what do you mean by "nice to have"?

The main thing I wish I had gotten was the feature where you have knobs that move the slide very precisely. Mine has no such thing so I have to push it around with my fingers. It gets the job done, but it's a hassle.
Mine also has no nice way to connect a camera or PC for taking pictures, so when I want to take a picture I have to hold my phone up to the eye piece - it can be done, but it's a hassle to hold it steady.

 

[TerraVlog]

The main thing I wish I had gotten was the feature where you have knobs that move the slide very precisely. Mine has no such thing so I have to push it around with my fingers. It gets the job done, but it's a hassle.
Mine also has no nice way to connect a camera or PC for taking pictures, so when I want to take a picture I have to hold my phone up to the eye piece - it can be done, but it's a hassle to hold it steady.

Mine is the same. Simple microscope no additional functions. Here are some photos of Lysmata debelius molt I managed to get using it

 

[magallonbuckinbulls]

15% sale. https://omaxmicroscope.com/collections/best-sellers

 

[TerraVlog]

I don’t own one. Saw this post and was curious. Found the article. Seems like a good deal for its use and capability. Can’t comment on any marketing. I do appreciate reef builder material. If u do get it pls leave a review.

I didnt get this one but I got lavenhuk 625 cuz I found it for 100$ instead of almost 400$ and there is a HUGE difference in the quality of image you can get from this one compared to the 20$ one from supermarket. It's worth to upgrade!!