Hanna DKH vs Salifert

[ibob991]

Hello,
I recently purchased a salifert test kit to cross check my hanna and I have come to the startling realization that the kit shows a 1.4 dkh difference. Hanna is currently testing at 7.3 dkh while the salifert is showing 8.7.

 

[Duffer]

I trust my hanna more than Salifert as i have done both...

 

[jack220]

I would rely on the salifert. Hanna is quick and convenient, but I would trust the salifert readings. I have read many posts, and had many personal experiences where the Hanna has been less accurate.

 

[ibob991]

two responses and two completely different answers lol

 

[Smprc]

The consistency is more important the the actual reading. Yes I understand that 1.4 is a relatively larger delta, but again, pick a test you feel you trust based on how your tank is performing and maintain that reading.

 

[Mikedawg]

Interesting and I'll add a third answer because my Hanna and Salifert results are almost identical.

 

[jack220]

I wanted the Hanna to be better, it is easier and has fewer steps. If you have any doubts about such an important topic, cross check them both at your local fish store.

 

[jack220]

I run two 220 gal reefs, and a 300 gal fish only. This is not something I want to be less than accurate. Technique can mess up any test. Double check them both.

 

[CoralNerd]

I just switched to Hanna as I got sick of Saliferts plunge on the syringe not pulling back the same reagent. If you know how to use Salifert nothing wrong with it however. I noticed my Hanna reading is a tiny bit lower than Salifert readings.

 

[Whipples]

Clean the Hanna syringe with rodi water and test again. If you aren’t cleaning that between testings I’ve seen mine read about that compared to salifert. When it’s clean mine will read about .3-1dkh difference which is in the margin of testing error for both I think.

 

[ibob991]

Clean the Hanna syringe with rodi water and test again. If you aren’t cleaning that between testings I’ve seen mine read about that compared to salifert. When it’s clean mine will read about .3-1dkh difference which is in the margin of testing error for both I think.

I will try this when I get home, curious to see what happens.

The consistency is more important the the actual reading. Yes I understand that 1.4 is a relatively larger delta, but again, pick a test you feel you trust based on how your tank is performing and maintain that reading.

If the number is not important why does everyone not run 1 dkh in their tanks? This has my curious as I see multiple recommendations for different levels depending on stock. As an example 11 to 12 dkh for sps vs 7.5 to 8. 5 for mixed reef.

 

[Whipples]

I think what he means is that hobby kits are not precise enough to give you anything specific, but rather if your tank is healthy and your test kit says 8, just be consistent in testing method so you can reproduce a comparable result. That 8 may be 7, or 9, but as long as you test the same way, every time, the results will be comparable.

 

[ibob991]

I think what he means is that hobby kits are not precise enough to give you anything specific, but rather if your tank is healthy and your test kit says 8, just be consistent in testing method so you can reproduce a comparable result. That 8 may be 7, or 9, but as long as you test the same way, every time, the results will be comparable.

Understandable, but as someone who is trying to adjust alk in tank before addition of corals to prepare for dosing, I need to make sure the tank is in range before I add so I can calculate uptake for dosing.

 

[gcarroll]

I use Lamotte. Probably the most reliable, accurate, easy to perform alk tests on the market.

 

[Whipples]

Right, but don’t be too focused on 7, 7.4, 8, etc., just get alk to stay put to your measured amount because you will never be inch-perfect based on hobby grade kits. So if your salifert says 6.7, and your Hanna says 8, clean and let it all dry and test again. You can take it to an LFS but their testing may be inconsistent because they don’t use the same methods.

For what it’s worth, I use a 10ml syringe for my Hanna kit because the 10ml line on the cuvete is useless. The Hanna kit is great, but you need to be very consistent in how you use it otherwise your readings will be all over the place.

 

[Smprc]

Understandable, but as someone who is trying to adjust alk in tank before addition of corals to prepare for dosing, I need to make sure the tank is in range before I add so I can calculate uptake for dosing.

Just wanted to say that whipples is correct as to what I meant. My apologies, I clearly wasn't crystal enough. However with that said, I agree with Whipples, very difficult to get accuracy on these hobby grade kits. Just remember that your tank should be very close to what salt mix you are using. If you don't have any corals yet then the salt you use should give you a very close approximation. Why don't you mix some salt and test the water with your kits and see what you get. Use the kit that best gives you what your salt mix is expected to yield.

 

[ibob991]

Just wanted to say that whipples is correct as to what I meant. My apologies, I clearly wasn't crystal enough. However with that said, I agree with Whipples, very difficult to get accuracy on these hobby grade kits. Just remember that your tank should be very close to what salt mix you are using. If you don't have any corals yet then the salt you use should give you a very close approximation. Why don't you mix some salt and test the water with your kits and see what you get. Use the kit that best gives you what your salt mix is expected to yield.

good idea, I am in the process of mixing up a new batch for a water change so I will test and report back with what I find.

 

[KrisReef]

two responses and two completely different answers lol

Yup, they agree completely so you can rely on these tests to be both accurate and precise at the same time, without any doubt. I hope I've cleared up any doubt you had on your test results and how to interpret them with absolute confidence.

 

[Dlealrious]

I just cross check mine to nsw. Salifert way off compared to aqua forrest

 

[ibob991]

Just wanted to say that whipples is correct as to what I meant. My apologies, I clearly wasn't crystal enough. However with that said, I agree with Whipples, very difficult to get accuracy on these hobby grade kits. Just remember that your tank should be very close to what salt mix you are using. If you don't have any corals yet then the salt you use should give you a very close approximation. Why don't you mix some salt and test the water with your kits and see what you get. Use the kit that best gives you what your salt mix is expected to yield.

after looking at the aquaforest salt, dkh is not a specific number only guaranteed a range so this idea is bust. I am picking up a box of fritz blue which is supposed to mix at 8.5 so once I start using that I will update.