How do you test for Calcium

[dreamcatcherr9]

Do you use Hanna tester? Or a chemical / color chart? What is the more common method used?

 

[KSUChemist]

I have a Seachem test test kit which is a titration. It comes with a standard solution so you can make sure your end point is correct when you actually run the test on tank water. A lot of people complain about the Hanna checker since the sample volume is very low at 0.1mL instead of the standard 1mL or more of most test kits. If you can accurately deliver 0.1mL it's probably the best bet.

 

[fishguy242]

i have used seachem since the early 90's anybody remember the pink box ..lol.,.. i'm getting too old

 

[xxkenny90xx]

I use the Hanna checker, you can't beat it. You have to be very careful and sterile but it's so simple and fast to use

 

[Robertellis30]

I use hanna to test almost everything. Super easy and fast. Just wish they had something for nitrates and magnesium.

 

[dreamcatcherr9]

Thanks everyone. From cheap API test kit, to a Hanna, or so much in between it’s hard to choose. I have a Nuvo 20 (I am completely new to corals and dosing, I had a thread under coral recommendations I got good advice from). I was probably going the route of All For Reef (1 additive), but I am aware I will need to adjust individual elements (Alk or Calc) separately later if needed. So I got a Hanna Alk tester to start with, they got good reviews. But I’ve heard mixed reviews for the Hanna Calc tester, and for the infrequency of use, is it worth it?

 

[fishguy242]

yes ,phosphate too,happy reefing

 

[vetteguy53081]

Elos, very user friendly

 

[mike550]

I use Salifert. It’s inexpensive and also titration method. So far so good!

 

[dreamcatcherr9]

I have read that Alk and Calc drop at a close rate (hence all in one products test for Alk for dosing, adjust Alk and Calc individually later as needed ?). So how important is it to have a accurate Calc reading? Is “in the ball park” close enough? Thoughts / opinions?

 

[fl3xlinton]

I use the Red Sea titration kits. After about 5 uses I can do all three alk cal and mag in about 15 minutes.

 

[hans4811]

Thanks everyone. From cheap API test kit, to a Hanna, or so much in between it’s hard to choose. I have a Nuvo 20 (I am completely new to corals and dosing, I had a thread under coral recommendations I got good advice from). I was probably going the route of All For Reef (1 additive), but I am aware I will need to adjust individual elements (Alk or Calc) separately later if needed. So I got a Hanna Alk tester to start with, they got good reviews. But I’ve heard mixed reviews for the Hanna Calc tester, and for the infrequency of use, is it worth it?

I would stay away from the API test kit, not real reliable. I use the Red Sea reef kit for Calc and Mag, the Hanna checker for Alk.