Huge difference in test kits

[Dreams92]

Today testing calcium with my new Hanna kit it gave a reading of 525. Shocked at such a high number I ran it again, and it came back 525 again. Still not believing this I broke out the Red Sea test kit and it measured 400 both times. I do have 1 hammer coral who seems to be happy. I am running IO salt which should be reading at about 400 from what I have read. Anyone had issues like this with these test kits being so far off? Any advice on a way to get an accurate reading at home?

 

[tundraguy1106]

Today testing calcium with my new Hanna kit it gave a reading of 525. Shocked at such a high number I ran it again, and it came back 525 again. Still not believing this I broke out the Red Sea test kit and it measured 400 both times. I do have 1 hammer coral who seems to be happy. I am running IO salt which should be reading at about 400 from what I have read. Anyone had issues like this with these test kits being so far off? Any advice on a way to get an accurate reading at home?

I also have the Hanna and it was always way off. I switched to salifert. I’m sure someone will chime in and and tell you you need to use hannas water and use a scientific pipette for accuracy. I used my RODI water as well as deionized water off amazon and both results were off. IMO, get yourself a cheap salifert calcium test and enjoy consistency.

 

[jradishness]

I also have the Hanna and it was always way off. I switched to salifert. I’m sure someone will chime in and and tell you you need to use hannas water and use a scientific pipette for accuracy. I used my RODI water as well as deionized water off amazon and both results were off. IMO, get yourself a cheap salifert calcium test and enjoy consistency.

+1

Used Red Sea, then Hanna, but the Hanna was inconsistent. Now I use Salifert.

 

[Dreams92]

Did y’all see any differences in the Red Sea vs the Salifert tests other than the price?

 

[jradishness]

Did y’all see any differences in the Red Sea vs the Salifert tests other than the price?

Never had reason to compare the two. I have water changes on the reef tonight, so I’ll try to remember to do the test with both RS and Salifert.

 

[Dreams92]

Never had reason to compare the two. I have water changes on the reef tonight, so I’ll try to remember to do the test with both RS and Salifert.

I would appreciate it!

 

[johntdaballa]

I prefer salifert test kits. Easier to use. I heard for the Hanna they produced a bad batch during a certain time. If you bought after that time period your good.

 

[brandon429]

This post brings to light the amazing things posters do regarding param measures. we will discuss and acknowledge test kit differences across brands, but move over into any diagnostics thread and the stated params are taken as accurate and all kinds of plans are made.


literally for pages nobody will even doubt the reading, and massive dosing changes and expenditures are prepared.


I don't believe any param in this hobby is measured correctly per 3 testers reporting, guessing or horse shoes is better. that's concerning lol. ammonia is the #1 misreader of them all.

watch for this in the next troubleshooting thread see if Im far off.

all stated params are taken as fact in some posts and known to vary wildly in others. the #1 way to make sure everyone believes the reading is to put an emergency banner on the post. that's fascinating psych not chem

pull up any post in the chem forum currently, is this not the case

 

[Dreams92]

I’m the kind that if something seems off, what’s it hurt looking at another test. But you are right