Testing kits

Shawna Solomon · May 31, 2019

Hello everyone,

I was wondering which test kit has the most accuracy when it comes to alkalinity? I have a Hanna checker and Red Sea and sometimes they are close and sometimes not so much. Also, I can use my Hanna checker three times and get three different results. I have watched several BRS or melevs reef videos on how to use it making sure the cuvettes have no finger prints and what not but my results still vary. Since I’m already struggling on trying to understand dosing because my KH is too low I need an accurate result to make sure my dosing is right. Any advice would be very helpful.

Thank you in advance!

furcifer208 · May 31, 2019

I found this helpful. I've recently been getting disagreement between my Salifert and API test and decided my API test was in error. I also have low alk and am learning to dose.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/b...i-hanna-triton-awt.234660/page-3#post-2754827

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/s...y-below-api-yellow-which-one-is-right.604765/

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/time-for-dosing.596884/

Scotty Buttons · May 31, 2019

Just stick with one, regardless of which is most accurate. I would trust the salifert but it's just a time consuming test.

Orm Embar · Jun 1, 2019

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/b...s-salifert-api-hanna-triton-awt.234660/page-3

I have found Salifert to be accurate, consistent, and easy to read. My exceptions: copper (Hanna high range is the only one I can read). Red Sea is supposed to be good (except for their magnesium test).

Have you checked a tank sample at the LFS against both of your test kits? Also, the fact that you are getting different readings from Hanna isn't reassuring . . . I do struggle with getting all of the powder out of those envelopes, though. How much of a spread is the Hanna giving you?

Shawna Solomon · Jun 1, 2019

Orm Embar said:
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/b...s-salifert-api-hanna-triton-awt.234660/page-3

I have found Salifert to be accurate, consistent, and easy to read. My exceptions: copper (Hanna high range is the only one I can read). Red Sea is supposed to be good (except for their magnesium test).

Have you checked a tank sample at the LFS against both of your test kits? Also, the fact that you are getting different readings from Hanna isn't reassuring . . . I do struggle with getting all of the powder out of those envelopes, though. How much of a spread is the Hanna giving you?

For the Hanna alk checker I have a liquid but it has went from 103 ppm all the way to 150 and then the 3 led test was 130 that’s a pretty large spread especially since I’m trying to find out if what to dose. I’m trying to match my alk to my salt that way there are less swings also so I’m shooting for around 7.5 because I use the neo marine salt.

Shawna Solomon · Jun 1, 2019

My LFS using the API test kit which I have one I just have been using the Hanna because it’s easier and people say not to trust the API and if I was going to be dosing I thought I should upgrade my test kit.

roberthu526 · Jun 1, 2019

I use alcohol to wipe the Hanna vial before running any test. It has been pretty consistent

Orm Embar · Jun 1, 2019

If, with proper cleaning, your Hanna still has a range of 103-150, then something's seriously wrong. I'd take the sample to a LFS and have them run an alkalinity for you (and watch which test kit they use).

vetteguy53081 · Jun 2, 2019

Hanna has the best accuracy that I know and most user friendly for higher end units.
No offense, although very user friendly, API is hard to trust and has let down many aquarists. I used to sell them when I had my store, and back in the day were reliable. Not sure what changed, but many false readings received by hobbyists ending in disasters with chemistry. I like them for quick checks, but that's about it.

radiata · Jun 7, 2019

Also suggest the Hanna. I agree with the accuracy noted above, and I think you'll find it has the fastest test time available today.

radiata · Jun 7, 2019

roberthu526 said:
I use alcohol to wipe the Hanna vial before running any test. It has been pretty consistent

Interesting thought. Are you using rubbing alcohol, ethanol, vodka, gin or ?

TIA...

roberthu526 · Jun 7, 2019

radiata said:
Interesting thought. Are you using rubbing alcohol, ethanol, vodka, gin or ?

TIA...

just rubbing alcohol from grocery store. Damp a paper towel and wipe it down then use a piece of dry paper towel to grab the vial when I pour in the reagent so I don't leave finger prints anywhere. Works pretty well.

radiata · Jun 7, 2019

roberthu526 said:
just rubbing alcohol from grocery store. Damp a paper towel and wipe it down then use a piece of dry paper towel to grab the vial when I pour in the reagent so I don't leave finger prints anywhere. Works pretty well.

Thank you!