alkalinity test kit

[Squadir]

Trying to figure out which is better to test for alkalinity: API, Red Sea or Salifert?
I know it was prob asked but can't seem to find a thread on it

 

[hybridazn]

Of those 3 salifert. But hands down my hanna alk checker blows them all away.

 

[trio91]

Of those 3 salifert. But hands down my hanna alk checker blows them all away.

agree...the HC makes things idiot-proof for me....

 

[BryanS4]

Agree, Hanna checker worth every penny. Before getting the Hanna I used RedSea. I found it to be a little off vs. Hanna.

 

[Squadir]

I will eventually get to hanna but for now salifert will suffice
thank you guys

 

[Clownman727]

Salifert over RedSea for sure.

 

[Opus]

I use API because I can do a test in under 30 seconds. I compare it to my Hanna alk checker every few months just to make sure the API is still accurate. It really just depends how accurate you are looking to get. The API can get you within .5 whereas the Hanna is going to get you a very specific amount. I haven't used the other 2 kits you list so I don't know how specific they get with their readings.

 

[Squadir]

I actually currently use API tests but have heard bad things about their inaccuracy so was contemplating a switch as my test is running out.

 

[Squadir]

I use API because I can do a test in under 30 seconds. I compare it to my Hanna alk checker every few months just to make sure the API is still accurate. It really just depends how accurate you are looking to get. The API can get you within .5 whereas the Hanna is going to get you a very specific amount. I haven't used the other 2 kits you list so I don't know how specific they get with their readings.

interesting.... makes me wonder if I should just stick to API.....

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Agree, Hanna checker worth every penny. Before getting the Hanna I used RedSea. I found it to be a little off vs. Hanna.

How do you know which was accurate (if either)?

 

[shred5]

I have had nothing but problems with Salifert... From one kit to another reading completely different. Salifert is easiest too use though but not worth the inconsistency from batch to batch. I always test the old kit to the new one to be safe.
I use Redsea and Hanna to check now. I use two and check twice.

 

[BryanS4]

How do you know which was accurate (if either)?

I checked it against two other Hanna checkers in my area. All within a ppm or two. I guess they all could be wrong, but not likley, at least I hope.

 

[veselym]

I like the Red Sea but their Alk kit is super hard to read...Salifert is better for ALK in my opinion

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I checked it against two other Hanna checkers in my area. All within a ppm or two. I guess they all could be wrong, but not likley, at least I hope.

Well, random errors would not all be in one direction, but systematic issues would be.

FWIW, Dana seemed to find it read a bit high (assuming this is still the same model):

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2011/8/review

 

[BryanS4]

Thanks for that link, will give it a read.

 

[Russ265]

i will never go salifert. just a simple amazon review or any other place will show what kits are decent and which are garbage. (salifert po4 is awful).

i prefer red sea pro.
red sea regular is off by +1 dkh.

careful on alkalinity tests with hanna. they go off more than 1+ in a lot of instances. (which for me is unacceptable)

hanna po4 is superb.

 

[chaoha]

I've been using API for about 5 years with no problems

 

[Russ265]

I've been using API for about 5 years with no problems

as accurate as rs pro ime

 

[joeyhatch11]

With the API when i get to 9 drops its completely yellow. Using a buddies Hanna i get a 8.6. I run a constant 9 using my API and dont think its worth switching out at this point.

 

[chaoha]

Russ256 I never compared it to any other test. My LFS uses API and all their tanks are beautiful. They have always given me good advice, they sell products they use the condition and health of their tanks is proof enough for me