Equipment to make better mead

List of equipment and ingredients to make better mead:

1. Oxygen tank and diffuser

Used during fermentation to make sure yeast is in a healthy environment.

2. Temperature controller, to turn on/off cooling system during fermention.

I am going to use a old dehumidifier for my cooling system and this controller:

RANCO ETC-111000 Digital Cold Temperature Control NEW

Cost is less then 60 new.

3. PH test strips and/or testing.  

PH drops significantly during first few days of fermentation.   This can lower the PH to levels that stress the yeast.    Then you must add either.

4. Potassium Carbonate ((KCO3) - safest.

This can leave CO3 in must. Not as good.

or 

5. Potassium Hydroxide (KOH) - careful!  Use in small quantities.

5A.  You can also use Potassium Bicarbonate as well to raise PH.

5B.  Potassium Metabisulfate is used to kill yeast. 

5C. Potassium Sorbate?
Will leave OH in must, OK

6. Hydrometer or better way to measure specific gravity (Refractometer?)

What the the detriments/benifits to each of these?

7. Oxygen tank and diffuser for aeration of must during fermentation.

Need a "breathable" oxygen tank and stainless diffuser.