Bad Hanna Calcium checker?

4ddiction · Apr 26, 2020

So I recently got back my triton lab report and shocking saw that my calcium levels were at 220 ppm.

I Tested the calcium levels when I got the test back. My Hanna checker gave me a reading of 390.

Confused I checked again and the checker read 393.

So do I go by triton ? Or the Hanna?
Any ideas?

monti mike · Apr 26, 2020

I’ve read that the Hanna checker is extremely sensitive to any residual calcium in the cuvette/glass tube. Never use tap water to clean the tubes - only use RODI. Maybe others can add more...

4ddiction · Apr 26, 2020

monti mike said:
I’ve read that the Hanna checker is extremely sensitive to any residual calcium in the cuvette/glass tube. Never use tap water to clean the tubes - only use RODI. Maybe others can add more...

Awesome point. Going to use a freshly cleaned tube.

eric33014 · Apr 26, 2020

Let us know the retest results.

4ddiction · Apr 26, 2020

Did one better and used a brand new tube. Popped the plastic cap and all. Did the test and it came out to 440. Going to do another test tomorrow to see if it’s the same.

robbyg · Apr 26, 2020

I had the same issue with my first Ca tester. It seems like some water got down onto the photodiode and ruined it.

4ddiction · Apr 26, 2020

robbyg said:
I had the same issue with my first Ca tester. It seems like some water got down onto the photodiode and ruined it.

Interesting. Ive never had any issues with my other Hanna checkers. I wonder if CA more finicky.

I want to go with Triton being more accurate since it’s a lab. I’m not sure maybe my calcium checker is incorrect

joe0813 · Apr 26, 2020

Id go by the triton test. I have had HORRIBLE luck with the calcium checkers giving me high results. No matter what I did the tests were always wrong.

Vette67 · Apr 29, 2020

I've been considering getting that Hanna calcium checker, but your post has me questioning that idea. I did notice that Hanna sells a calibration kit. So if I get this checker, I'm also ordering this kit. But I thought I would mention it to you, because you could verify the calibration of your tester if you had this calibration kit. Might be worth it so you know if your tester is functioning or not.

Marine Calcium Checker® HC Calibration Check Set

The Marine Calcium Checker HC® Calibration Check Set - HI758-11 provides a stress-free, straightforward way to ensure your handheld colorimeter is working properly and providing accurate calcium measurements.

www.hannainst.com

Randy Holmes-Farley · Apr 29, 2020

I'd try the Hanna checker on new salt water.

4ddiction · Apr 29, 2020

Randy Holmes-Farley said:
I'd try the Hanna checker on new salt water.

good idea, I’ll test that today.

4ddiction · Apr 29, 2020

Vette67 said:
I've been considering getting that Hanna calcium checker, but your post has me questioning that idea. I did notice that Hanna sells a calibration kit. So if I get this checker, I'm also ordering this kit. But I thought I would mention it to you, because you could verify the calibration of your tester if you had this calibration kit. Might be worth it so you know if your tester is functioning or not.

Marine Calcium Checker® HC Calibration Check Set

The Marine Calcium Checker HC® Calibration Check Set - HI758-11 provides a stress-free, straightforward way to ensure your handheld colorimeter is working properly and providing accurate calcium measurements.

www.hannainst.com

I did see that. I already ordered a different calcium check to compare results. Going to see if what Randy posted works. Will try the test out on fresh saltwater.

robbyg · Apr 29, 2020

4ddiction said:
Interesting. Ive never had any issues with my other Hanna checkers. I wonder if CA more finicky.

I want to go with Triton being more accurate since it’s a lab. I’m not sure maybe my calcium checker is incorrect

I still recommend it. IMHO it's better than most of the other testers, it's just that it can go bad just like anything else.

Mikeltee · Apr 29, 2020

I saw a pretty good video that persuaded me to buy a hanna Ca. It's all about having proper water to start with. The dude did a test and found that CVS distilled water produced the best results. He also goes in depth on how to properly run the test. Search for it on here and you will find it

robbyg · Apr 29, 2020

Mikeltee said:
I saw a pretty good video that persuaded me to buy a hanna Ca. It's all about having proper water to start with. The dude did a test and found that CVS distilled water produced the best results. He also goes in depth on how to properly run the test. Search for it on here and you will find it

Link please, if it's easy for you to find. There are so many post and videos on Hanna checkers.
I would love to see the video. Thanks

Crustaceon · Apr 29, 2020

I think step #2 is a major problem with the hanna calcium checker:

“With the 1mL syringe, add 1mL of reagent Ato the clean cuvette. Then, using the dropper, fill the cuvette to the 10mL mark with ——>>> deionized water. (Distilled water is also acceptable.) <<<——- Once the reagent and water are added, invert the cuvette five times to mix.”

The test is dependent on having pristine ro/di with an emphasis being placed on the DI or distilled water to reference. If your source fresh water has calcium in it, it’ll skew the results, typically higher than what your tank’s calcium level actually is. When in doubt, go get yourself a jug of steam distilled water and retest.

kevin_e · Apr 29, 2020

220 seems awfully low. What is your magnesium on the ICP? Do you do frequently water changes? Dose? Heavy coral demand?

Miller535 · Apr 29, 2020

I believe I have seen the video that @Mikeltee is talking about

Mikeltee · Apr 29, 2020

robbyg said:
Link please, if it's easy for you to find. There are so many post and videos on Hanna checkers.
I would love to see the video. Thanks

Here you go bro. This talked me into at least trying it. I've got a CaRx going to be running in a week. I plan to send off to Triton afterwards and see how close my own tests