Need help picking out a microscope!

[Sashaka]

My mind is swimming. I tried to go through all the posts at R2R that I could find recommending a microscope, but I am more lost now than when I first started reading!

Here's what I want to do with it...in order of importance:
1) identify parasitic life that attack my fish or corals so I can pick the safest/best treatment plans
2) identify bacteria or algae that enter my tanks
3) take pictures and post at R2R to confirm identification
4) enjoy looking at the biodiversity of my tanks such as copepods, worms, etc.

I don't have a big budget. I'd like to spend under $400, including supplies if possible. A kit would be nice. I would prefer a digital camera on board, 3x led, and a stable or well built model. Wish list is to have phase contrast, but I don't think I can afford it..at least I couldn't find one in my price range. That's the extent of what I understood from my research. ;Wideyed

Below are the links to the microscope recommendations found on past R2R threads: If you know of another microscope that would fit my needs, let me know; Please help me make a decision. I know NOTHING about microscopes, so ease of use is also necessary. I really like the 1st option, but I'm not sure it's strong enough or will take good enough pictures to do what I want it to do, and the reviews were not that great on that model. What do you guys think?

https://www.amazon.com/Celestron-44...T3M9WFJ&th=1#HLCXComparisonWidget_feature_div

https://www.amazon.com/Microscope-O...06MX03Q0/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_sims?ie=UTF8

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006BGVIMQ/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01BPJJ70I?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00

http://www.amscope.com/compound-mic...biological-compound-microscope-40x-2500x.html

http://www.amscope.com/40x-2500x-le...MIxIyV7OKZ2gIVh2x-Ch0THwCGEAQYAiABEgKztfD_BwE

 

[Humblefish]

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/microscope-suggestions-for-algae-bacteria-parasites.312923/

 

[Sashaka]

@Humblefish : Yes, that was one of the threads where I got several of the microscope choices listed in my post. The problem is I don't know enough about what I'm reading to make a good decision. Your suggestion of the Celestron microscope is my first choice. I really like the setup. The reviews were not great on it compared to the other scopes though. Do you still like and use that model?

When you wrote "40x for flukes, 50x for ich, 100-400x for velvet depending on life stage, >1000x for bacteria," did you mean the Celestron microscope you mentioned could identify both bacteria and fish disease?

Thanks for responding! I don't want to buy a microscope only to want a better one in a year. I also don't want to buy an expensive one and rarely or never use most of it's features. @jason2459 @twilliard @Myka 1st and 2nd choices on the microscopes I've linked to? Any and all guidance is greatly appreciated!