Testing help

[SkylerCK117]

How come I test calcium using API and get 390 and then when i tested calcium with Hanna Tester it says 550? I’ve read the manual a million times and watched videos on how to use the Hannah tester so I’m confident I’m using it correctly. Any help/ideas?

 

[Billdogg]

It could be that API test kits kinda suck?

I'd consider double checking with Salifert or another more reliable test kit.

 

[dadnjesse]

Neither are very good at testing calcium, the Hanna is very temperamental.

 

[Ippyroy]

Did you rinse the vials out in the tank or with RODI? If you used tank water that will explain why.

 

[PatW]

I have used the API. OK for quick and dirty. Never used the Hanna but. I understand that the sample is diluted and that can magnify small errors. I use Red Sea Pro. And I understand that Salifert is good. If you have questions, Bulk Reef Supply has a video comparing popular calcium tests. Be warned, they do not deign to cover API.

 

[Miller535]

It could be that API test kits kinda suck?

I'd consider double checking with Salifert or another more reliable test kit.

I agree, Salifert is by far the easiest and most reliable. And you can buy it for like $18

 

[brandon429]

when this happens with nitrate: the bacteria have died. buy another round of bottle bac. first one was dead/nitrate was zero after my cycle (and then another tester reads 40 ppm)




test kit drift nearly ruined microbiology in reefing, nearly.

 

[Miller535]

when this happens with nitrate: the bacteria have died. buy another round of bottle bac. first one was dead/nitrate was zero after my cycle (and then another tester reads 40 ppm)




test kit drift nearly ruined microbiology in reefing, nearly.

I'm not following, the op's problem was testing Calcium

 

[brandon429]

it was a comparison how that variance affects reefing across params

most tests like this have such a spread

seneye vs api for ammonia for example, a big spread impacts how we see bac

nitrate etc

test drift is more than just annoying, it greatly affects how we approach cycling, I stated that in relation to how it affected his view on calcium levels. he might've started dosing based on the wrong one.