Alkalinity/KH test kit

[dib]

Looking for a decent test kit for alk. And is kh the same thing.

 

[stunreefer Verified Sponsor]

KH = Carbonate Hardness, which is a measurement of alkalinity.

I really like the elos Alkalinity test kit. Super simple, accurate, fast, repeatable... what more can you ask for

 

[jeremy]

I have always used red sea test kits.

 

[ritter6788]

I use the Hanna checker but I've also used Salifert and API with good results.

 

[Reefing Madness]

Ive always used API for dKH

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

Tropic Marin has been good for me.

 

[Daniel@R2R Verified Admin]

Hanna has been awesome! Very easy to use!

 

[mike007]

Hanna checker Is what I use.

 

[AL1]

Using API currently but looking into getting some Hanna Checkers

 

[dib]

Using API currently but looking into getting some Hanna Checkers

That's what I'm going to do.
Thanks for the input everyone

 

[mcarroll]

Tropic Marin has been good for me.

I've never heard a bad thing about the TM kits, but I've never had a chance to use one...maybe some day.


From what I have used, I don't think it gets easier or better than Salifert's alkalinity (KH - same thing, just an archaic term) kit. Same for calcium and magnesium.

If you are color-blind (Salifert's all change from pink to blue or grey, or vis versa) or otherwise have issues with drip tests, then definitely consider Hanna's Checkers. Alk is nice and easy. Calcium has a learning curve. They both cost a little more per test than Salifert's drip-tests.

-Matt

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

Tropic Marin is sooooo easy to use.

5ml of water in the tube and add drops till you go from neon green to orange. Usually about 7-10 drops.

 

[mrred]

Hanna checker. Anything digital !

 

[cope413]

What are the important factors for these testing kits? Does temp affect readings? SG?

Hanna seems to be the most popular. Is that because it's digital?

And not to hijack the thread, but I've always had <30g tanks, and have always done lots of WC so I've never tested alk/calc/mag.

I just moved up to a 40g with 20g sump. Is alk/calc/mag something I should start testing and then dosing if necessary or are WC adequate for my size system?

LPS mostly - 2-3 small SPS pieces.

 

[omargro]

Im using salifert, very good test

 

[Chris@CoralVue]

I only use Elos test kits!

 

[StikHedRon]

Red Sea Pro test kits!

 

[mcarroll]

Tropic Marin is sooooo easy to use.

5ml of water in the tube and add drops till you go from neon green to orange. Usually about 7-10 drops.

Green to orange - interesting!

I'm not an expert on color-blindness, but I think that may be a different category of colors making the TM kit another good option for those who are color blind! (correct me if anyone knows for sure on the colors)

-Matt

 

[kingb4c0]

Don't trust just in the Hanna Checker, I have 2 giving false readings after one year of use. Salifert or Red Sea both are easy to use and more reliable IMO.