Calcium test kits.... stress

[Zechirian]

Evening All!

So i've got the trio of Hanna test kits, PH, ALK and CA. The PH and ALK seem to report just fine and within normal numbers and match (within reason) my API kit results.

The Calcium Hanna kit on the other hand might be possessed. Anyone else experience issues with these things reporting wacky readings?

For instance, i've not added a single drop of CA the last week and my Hanna kit says i'm over 580 now(up from 490 last week), even doing the test again.

My API test kit reads at 380, which to me makes sense since i haven't dosed in a week. I don't see how adding 9ml of CA solution over the last two weeks has raised my CA from 490 to 580. I'm thinking my Hanna is either on the fritz or i've got something contaminated.

either way, tomorrow i'll be on the look out for Salifert kits...

 

[gmastr85]

Does seem wacky... did you do a water change in between?

 

[Zechirian]

Nope no water change, i recently raised mag to about 1600 and then letting it fall naturally for GHA removal.. working like a charm.

 

[mtnrunner]

What are your results if you do two back to back tests with the Hannah? Same number each time? I've had some issues with the Hannah checkers and now just use Salifert tests.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I think a fair number of people have issues with the Hanna calcium checker.

FWIW, calcium certainly did not rise on its own.

 

[Zechirian]

That's what i thought... it's just been too crazy so i went ahead and ordered the salifert three pack. CA, ALK/KH and MAG(again) for backups and will probably retire the hanna CA tester.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Sounds good.

Happy Reefing.