Reading Hanna alk meter help.

BigFeesh · Jul 17, 2011

How do you convert the number given to you to alk my meter says 91. I just don't know how to get it to dkh

gar732 · Jul 17, 2011

I'm sure that there is some mathematical equation or a chart somewhere but I just use this SaltyZoo's Alkalinity Reading Conversion (meq/l / dKH / ppm CaCO3) Utility

Aquaph8 · Jul 17, 2011

Multiply by .056 for DKH. I think thats right, Ill double check for you.

Aquaph8 · Jul 17, 2011

Yes multiply
.056 for DKH
.02 for meq

Ostentum · Jul 18, 2011

5.09 is pretty low. But yes the above are correct. You have to read the small writing at the very bottom of the card. It is written there. I missed it the first time also.

BigFeesh · Jul 18, 2011

Yes but my API reads about 8.5 and my tank doesn't look like it's that low. I'm pretty sure I would see changes with corals.

nixer · Jul 18, 2011

when i got mine it was that low. id try the test again just to be sure. if it reads that again i would slowly bring it up.

BigFeesh · Jul 18, 2011

I tested 3 times in a row. Ive read on rc about alot of people having the same problem

nixer · Jul 18, 2011

api tests are hardly reliable nor accurate.
try a different test.
as i tossed a salfret for the hanna and even that was better than the api

BigFeesh · Jul 18, 2011

I would not agree with that statement. If you mess up the slightest they are way off. But I know people that use API for alk and their tanks are perfect! Sps look the best and have crazy growth.

nixer · Jul 18, 2011

whats your other parameters?

BigFeesh · Jul 18, 2011

Mag 1300-1350 calcium 390- 400 ph 8.1-8.3

Aquaph8 · Jul 18, 2011

Something is wrong with your meter. Mine is pretty close to my api kit. Not exact but pretty close.

BigFeesh · Jul 19, 2011

Well darn.

HighlandReef · Jul 21, 2011

I know people have had some issues with the Hannah testers so take the reading with a grane of salt

I use API all the time for more of a daily tester and use my lamotte test kits to verify my API test kits are still reading correctly. So I have found the API kits are pretty close as long as they are not old, I replace my API kits yearly. I have had more problems with salifert test kits than API, so far 2 bad salifert alk kits so salifert no more, maybe just a run of bad luck but I can't risk some of my corals on a bad run.
Others have had good luck with salifert and swear by them but I just don't trust it anymore.