/ Register

  1. Do you have an old account but can't access it?


    See Accessing your GIRS Account or Contact Us - We are here to help!

Which test kit to trust

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by blackx-runner, Dec 23, 2011.

  1. Dec 23, 2011 #1
    blackx-runner Cedar Rapids, IA

    blackx-runner Administrator Website Team Leadership Team

    6,044
    Cedar Rapids, IA
    Ratings:
    +738 / 5 / -0
    I was testing my water tonight and ran into some issues with my alk testing. I bought a hanna meter a few weeks ago and have been using that to measure and adjust my alk. Right now with the Hanna I am getting 8.68 dKH. I am shooting for 9 so I'm not too far off... or am I? I decided to check the Hanna against my red sea max titration test kit. With the Red Sea test kit I am measuring 10.5dKH. I repeated both tests and got the exact same results - to me that means my methods of testing is consistent each time.
    I'm not really worried about anything. Both measurements are in acceptable ranges, but I would like to know which one I should trust more.
    As far as the rest of the results
     Alk- Red sea 10.5dKH
       - Hanna 8.68dKH
    Calcium- 420
    Magnesium- 1460
    phosphate- .12
    Just changed out my GFO so my phosphates should hopefully come down.
    I have been dosing the alk portion of 2 part for the last couple weeks to maintain alk. My calcium was around 450-480 and has just now dropped to 420. I am doing a water change this weekend. I will test after that to see what my levels are. With the high level of calcium in reef crystals I may be fine for awhile not dosing Ca. As far as magnesium I assume its high because of the reef crystals also. I may try switching to plain IO salt, or mixing IO and reef crystals. Try to get my levels a little more balanced out.
    Any opinions or advice on my parameters? Anything I should watch more closely, or numbers I should shoot for with all my levels.
     
  2. Dec 23, 2011 #2
    AJ

    AJ Inactive User

    5,011
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    I've tested with Hanna and it tests the same as Salifert.

    --AJ
     
  3. Dec 24, 2011 #3
    Sponge Marshalltown, IA

    Sponge Expert Reefkeeper Vendor

    3,347
    Marshalltown, IA
    Ratings:
    +233 / 1 / -0
    +1  I believe Red Sea kits test higher on the elements.  I use the Hanna checkers for alk, ca and phosphate.  I use Salifert for the other tests.  When they aren't in stock, I will use Elos.  I keep my params as close to NSW as possible/DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default/emoticons/smile.gif
     
  4. Dec 25, 2011 #4
    Bud West Des Moines, IA

    Bud Loves Bacon Website Team Board of Directors Leadership Team GIRS Member Vendor

    8,890
    West Des Moines, IA
    Ratings:
    +1,823 / 14 / -0
    I use the Hanna meter for P, and also have a combo Hanna meter for pH and TDS (best purchase every BTW) then I use Salifert for N, Alk, Cal, Mag, occasionally use API for N (above 10 ppm), Ammonia, and Nitrite (if I bother to test for it).

    I have found the Salifert Alk and Cal to be highly accurate. No need for a meter on those IMO. Plus I heard the Hanna Cal meter is a PITA.
     
  5. Dec 25, 2011 #5
    blackx-runner Cedar Rapids, IA

    blackx-runner Administrator Website Team Leadership Team

    6,044
    Cedar Rapids, IA
    Ratings:
    +738 / 5 / -0
    I also have the hanna meter for phosphate. I like the hanna meters, the ALK meter is so much easier and faster to use than the test kits. Anybody local with a salifert kit willing to due some checking for comparison? Would be interesting to see how everything compares.
    I have also heard about the Ca meter being a PITA. That's the reason I haven't bought it yet.
     

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Accept Learn More...