hanna alk problem?

[bwrag]

Ok i have been consisting getting low readings from my hanna alk meter i opened up a new reagent and its still low. i tested against redsea and elos both read 2.5 dkh higher than hanna. I ordered salifert today. Is any body else having this problem and which test should i trust?

 

[d2mini]

You can get a Hanna Alk "standard" kit from BRS.
I just received two yesterday... thought I was ordering the reagent.
But it's basically two vials. One has water in it and another has water with reagent in it that should test to a certain number.
This way you can check the accuracy of your tester.

 

[bwrag]

What

You can get a Hanna Alk "standard" kit from BRS.
I just received two yesterday... thought I was ordering the reagent.
But it's basically two vials. One has water in it and another has water with reagent in it that should test to a certain number.
This way you can check the accuracy of your tester.

what do I do if it's innaccurate toss the Hannah I have tried two reagents now

 

[d2mini]

Unless its under warranty you may have to. Might be worth sending them an email and see what's what.

 

[twilliard]

I use all Hannah's for testing every day
The vials must be absolutely clear of all oils, salts and prints
And also no air bubbles
Accurate as can be if used right

 

[NicksMixedReef]

Twilliard hit it right on the head. Literally any smudge on the glass will give an inaccurate reading. I don't touch the glass whatsoever with my skin. Always in a towel any wiped before putting in

 

[hybridazn]

I use all Hannah's for testing every day
The vials must be absolutely clear of all oils, salts and prints
And also no air bubbles
Accurate as can be if used right

Yes, you must make sure the vials are spot free. I always wipe with a microfiber towel. Also make sure that you are using exactly 1ml of the reagent and have the right amount of teat water in the vial as well. I hope you can figure out the problem, I love my hanna alk checker but I do check it by testing with a salifert every couple weeks

 

[saltyhog]

I also use the 10ml mark to orient the vial the same way for each step in the test. Only handle the vial by the lid or with my T shirt after the C1.

 

[hig789]

My advice would be sell it and use this. Never used a Hanna checker but I have the Red Sea pro Alk test. I Prefer this. So easy to do.

https://www.reef2reef.com/blog/a-diy-alkalinity-test-by-randy-holmes-farley/

 

[NicksMixedReef]

I mean I wouldn't sell it lol Hannah takes 20 seconds to do, and never had any problems

 

[bwrag]

I use all Hannah's for testing every day
The vials must be absolutely clear of all oils, salts and prints
And also no air bubbles
Accurate as can be if used right

Twilliard hit it right on the head. Literally any smudge on the glass will give an inaccurate reading. I don't touch the glass whatsoever with my skin. Always in a towel any wiped before putting in

I also use the 10ml mark to orient the vial the same way for each step in the test. Only handle the vial by the lid or with my T shirt after the C1.

How do yall clean yours?

also 10 ml out of a syringe comes up a little high than my 10ml mark on container which should i use?

 

[twilliard]

Use the mark on the vial.
u use a clean cloth and keep spinning it till I see absolutely nothing on the glass.
also try to make sure you get a clean sample from the tank. If there is stuff floating around get another sample

 

[NicksMixedReef]

I soak them in citric acid after each use then rinse with RO before using. It will get rid of the lines but that's okay, you'll get more accurate with s syringe

 

[bwrag]

Thank yall

What about the others that use powder I never feel like I get all powder will this mess with results. I'm referring to cal. And phosphate

 

[NicksMixedReef]

Powder in alkalinity test?

 

[NicksMixedReef]

Oh nvmd I read wrong

 

[NicksMixedReef]

I flick with my fingers and open them in the corner and dump it in a funnel. Never have problems with them either

 

[Paul C.]

I lost a tank full of chalices due to false reading from a Hanna. I'd recommend having a back up. When things don't look right in the tank, re-test with a second test kit.

 

[chefjpaul]

I keep the vials wrapped up in glass cloth, .99¢ on ebay for 10.

I never touch the glass, use the blue lint cloth to wipe down as stated earlier.

I asked hanna about this as well. Maybe change the battery. They get screwy when batteries are dying.

 

[bwrag]

Thanks for everyone's advice. I ordered some new vials the standard and soaking current vials in vinegar over night. I'll clean and give another try in morning with elos to back it up. Hopefully it works because it's nice getting a hard number instead of a color