Hanna Vs API Calcium Test

[thejuice24]

Hello,

Been into the hobby almost a year now. Finally got my hands on a Hanna Checker. For the past year I've been using the API Calcium kit and have been keeping it between 420 and 460. Tonight I ran two test with the Hanna checker and it is coming up at 549 and 551 [emoji37][emoji36]. So now I sit here and ponder which one I should trust? I know 7 out of 10 will say Hanna 2 out of 10 will say go buy the Red Sea kit, and the 1 will say send a sample out triton. But seriously are we all just chasing artificial numbers that are potions and digital devices tell us, either way everything looks happy, should I still be worried? Should I let it drop down 100 ppm and see how things settle in?

 

[reeferfoxx]

Sorry for the frustration. API isn't terrible but is mostly a generalized round about number. As far as the Hanna checker goes, I haven't heard many reviews for calcium. Most reefers here do titration readings via Salifert or Red Sea. Typically the lower cost and most popular would be Salifert. If i could make a suggestion, ditch API and invest $15 in a Salifert Calcium test to verify your Hanna checker.

This thread might help you https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/b...os-elos-salifert-api-hanna-triton-awt.234660/

 

[lou dog420]

I have the Hanna calcium checker, and to me it has always seemed to be high, 500 +. Unfortunately I have never checked it against another test kit.

 

[thejuice24]

Thanks everyone for the feedback much appreciated! I think for now I let it naturally drop down to 500 and then run a retest. Thanks for links about the water test it was really useful. Guess I won't lose a nights sleep over and go with if everything looks happy don't make drastic changes. I will likely pick up a salifert test kit as well

 

[GoVols]

@reeferfoxx
Is right, the API cal is not half bad.

The only two Hanna checkers that I trust and use is the Hanna alk and the Hanna Phos. or ULR checkers.
Been using the Salifert cal kit and it's been matching the new, "My Batch" reports that comes with the Red Sea "Blue Bucket" salt mix.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

FWIW, the Hanna calcium checker seems rather unpopular. Even many people who love their other checkers do not care for that one.

 

[PatW]

I have found that the API calcium test and the Red Sea Pro test pretty much agree with each other.

 

[madweazl]

I hate the Hanna Ca checker! The Salifert is so much easier to perform and has been considerably closer to both Triton results I've sent in. I cant say anything for the API kits but the Hanna kit is garbage in my opinion (I have the Hanna DI water and smaller syringe to help with accuracy as well).

 

[thejuice24]

And luck would have it tonight after work and some down time, it came in at 454 on the Hanna checker... lol [emoji23][emoji12]

 

[thejuice24]

I hate the Hanna Ca checker! The Salifert is so much easier to perform and has been considerably closer to both Triton results I've sent in. I cant say anything for the API kits but the Hanna kit is garbage in my opinion (I have the Hanna DI water and smaller syringe to help with accuracy as well).

Are talking about that special 1mu pipelite?

 

[madweazl]

Are talking about that special 1mu pipelite?

No, just a smaller syringe that they'll send out to help with accuracy. I can get decent results with the test, it's just tedious to use and get consistent results out of compared to something like the Salifert kit. I started using a syringe to fill the cuvette with 10ml of water and the results seem to be closer to other test kits than using the line on the cuvette. I still use their Alkalinity and ULR phosphorus kits frequently (though the ULR seems to consistently read 3x higher than Triton so I've just started using .1 as my target for phosphates on the Hanna now) but I just don't find any redeeming qualities for the Ca kit.

Edit: their customer support has been fantastic though; I've emailed them a number of times and they have always responded quickly and professionally.

 

[John Stuckey]

I just used the Hanna Calcium checker for the first time. I was extremely careful about all measurements and the process. First test result was 367, second was 442. That is a complete and total fail in my book and certainly not in the +/- 6% range that they tout. I'm very disappointed.

 

[thejuice24]

Yea it's a real bummer, I m really disappointed as well. Especially after buying it used and buying a set of reagents for it... $50 bucks down the drain...

 

[randy4083]

I was told that there calcium checker isn't that great at all and I have the phosphorus checker and the alkalinity checker and there really nice to have for sure

 

[thejuice24]

As a follow up:

Salifert = 340ppm
Hanna = 463ppm