should I trust Api test or Hannah egg tester

[nereefpat]

I'd take those out of the trash because the API was by far closer than that expensive egg tester

Yep

 

[Nano_Man]

I'd take those out of the trash because the API was by far closer than that expensive egg tester

Well that’s good I am open to info found by other reefer. I got false readings all the time on ammonia test but they are less hassle than some salfert tests but it’s all about what works for one person might not be for others . But yes good info from yourself

 

[Garf]

ammonia test

Now you’ve done it, lol.
You’ll find they are not that bad, just misunderstood

 

[MrGisonni]

Try the Hanna this way.....clean the tube well then, measure out 9 mls of deionized water then add the 1ml of liquid reagent. Line the tube up the same way during both steps. Make sure you get all of the powered reagent in the test tube. Use a tiny funnel and open the package completely to get the last grains. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds then swirl for another 15 to insure the bubbles have dissipated.

 

[MrGisonni]

Hanna has calibration kits for all of its testers check them out

 

[MrGisonni]

Ok I mixed up a new batch of slat water, my salt is 450 when mixed. API read somewhere in the 430s and my Hanna tester read 575. Definitely something wrong with my egg tester, I've been running my calcium extremely low not realizing my egg tester was wrong I suspect. Calcium has probably been around 320 for months.

Are you using deionized water???

 

[Auto-pilot]

Well that’s good I am open to info found by other reefer. I got false readings all the time on ammonia test but they are less hassle than some salfert tests but it’s all about what works for one person might not be for others . But yes good info from yourself

For sure the amonia test is very difficult to see and I don't like it. If I use it I often place a sample if water that doesn't have ammonia in it next to a test that I'm testing as a reference

Are you using deionized water???

I am using deionized water, not only that but I bought a gallon from the store because I don't trust my own. I also had a box with new tubes that I used. I don't know about the calibration, I will see if I can go that route in order correct my tester. Not sure how it became so uncalibrated

 

[MrGisonni]

 

[Auto-pilot]

So this is for checking the calibration not for re-calibrating

 

[MrGisonni]

So this is for checking the calibration not for re-calibrating

Yes. So my tester was slightly on the high side but within the range. So assuming I am performing the test correctly my numbers will be slightly on the high side also.

 

[MrGisonni]

Can't tell you how many times I have heard tech people say " user error". I always assume I did something wrong and that the tech is working.

 

[Dan_P]

I have a Hannah calcium tester and I was sceptical about it's test results it is giving me, a reading of 460ppm. I bought an API test and I tested my water and it told me 340ppm. What should I trust more? A new API test kit or my 3 year old Hannah tester. All reagents are not expired.

There is no answer to this question except to submit both to a standard of known concentration. Every other method is worthless.

 

[nereefpat]

There is no answer to this question except to submit both to a standard of known concentration. Every other method is worthless.

I get the theory, but in this case Hanna is reading 575 on a new batch of water. That would only be accurate if the saltwater had 30% too much salt in it.

 

[GARRIGA]

Mix a fresh batch of salt, test with both, see which is closer.

Best is creating or having reference material.

 

[Muffin87]

the Hanna calcium checker is tricky to use properly.
Check out this video, makes the process clearer.

 

[GARRIGA]

BTW, API isn’t garbage. It’s a simple titration test. For calcium it’s a color change based on drops. Little user error. Not trying to match colors. Just change and nothing here’s needs to be specific but expired reagent will give bad results.

Best create a sample reference as suggested and now you know.

 

[Dan_P]

I get the theory, but in this case Hanna is reading 575 on a new batch of water. That would only be accurate if the saltwater had 30% too much salt in it.

That is one way to be wrong. Contamination is another. You simply cannot make headway in resolving this without a standard.

 

[Auto-pilot]

Yeah already solved it the Hanna tester is bad.