Your thoughts on testing parameters

[chivermcdar]

For years I have used various test "kits" with varying degrees of success. For the last 2 years I've been happy with the Red Sea Reef pro kit, until recently.
I have had several issues with the Alkalinity refill kits and have decided to pony up for
the colorimeter by Hannah.
I just ordered this from BRS and thought it may be a good idea to get input from someone that has used one while there was still time to cancel the order if I have made a mistake.
Thanks in advance for your ideas.

 

[alyee5]

I have both. Really like the Hannah due to the ease of use and the numerical readout taking the ambiguity out of the deciphering of color changes. A good investment IMHO.

 

[Tautog]

I use both, as a double check, but that's from me second guessing myself. Hanna is easy, but can be with mixed results. With any kit remember to follow instructions to the tee. With Hanna, be sure to keep the test bottles very clean, finger print clean. Always use a towel when handling. Any dirt, or oil, or anything can and will give you bad results. When in doubt, use the Red Sea to double check

 

[Scorpius]

Never trusted the Hanna alk checker after their reagent debacle awhile back. I use Salifert for most stuff. Hanna ULR Phosphorus, HM digital ph meter, Milwaukee digital refractometer.

 

[ndrwater]

Love my Hanna DKH tester. 30-45 seconds and I have a number.
Used Red Sea prior to the Hanna. PIA if you ask me. Always needed a second opinion on when the color changed to the right color. Not any more...

 

[chivermcdar]

I use both, as a double check, but that's from me second guessing myself. Hanna is easy, but can be with mixed results. With any kit remember to follow instructions to the tee. With Hanna, be sure to keep the test bottles very clean, finger print clean. Always use a towel when handling. Any dirt, or oil, or anything can and will give you bad results. When in doubt, use the Red Sea to double check

I am very methodical and borderline anal about consistency and cleanliness with my reef, so no problem there.
I keep a spreadsheet with test results.
The issue I'm having with the Red Sea is I can't find a titration that is accurate. I've gone through 3 this week and returned them from 3 different sources.

 

[chivermcdar]

Never trusted the Hanna alk checker after their reagent debacle awhile back. I use Salifert for most stuff. Hanna ULR Phosphorus, HM digital ph meter, Milwaukee digital refractometer.

I'm not familiar with their debacle. How long ago?

 

[Scorpius]

I'm not familiar with their debacle. How long ago?

They had changed the seal in the cap and the seal which was messing with the reagent. Couple years ago.

 

[justingraham]

I found these syringes which make getting the ten ml consistant everytime it has a notch in it that hits the orange cap so u can not pull it any further since then my test have been consistant with the Hannah and well with Red Sea i couldn't see the color well

 

[jsker]

I switched over to the Hanna Checkers and really like them. I was having the same issue with the alk. As stated above do the test as the instructions/video suggests and you will be happy.

 

[saltyhog]

My Hanna never varies more than 2 ppm and usually will give the exact same number . This graph is the last 10 days or so.

 

[chivermcdar]

My Hanna never varies more than 2 ppm and usually will give the exact same number . This graph is the last 10 days or so.

I will one day have an Apex. I just finished remodeling my house and need to put the breaks on the large purchases for a while.
I'm using the BRS dosing pumps for Alk and Cal with timers for now.
I just set the tank back up a couple of weeks ago after replacing the floors in the living room.

 

[chivermcdar]

They had changed the seal in the cap and the seal which was messing with the reagent. Couple years ago.

Thanks
Have they had any issues since then that you are aware of?

 

[leahfiish]

The issue I'm having with the Red Sea is I can't find a titration that is accurate.

What do you mean by this?

 

[Bronx19]

Hanna for PO4, Salifert for everything else.

 

[Tautog]

I am very methodical and borderline anal about consistency and cleanliness with my reef, so no problem there.
I keep a spreadsheet with test results.
The issue I'm having with the Red Sea is I can't find a titration that is accurate. I've gone through 3 this week and returned them from 3 different sources.

Remember, once your color turns your there, then whatever number your at subtract by 10. If you do things the same each time you will be very close, it's not a perfectly accurate test result, but close enough. If your doing it correctly, there should be a air space between 9 and 10. That air space is liquid in the tip.
Re-read your instructions again. I'm a retired Environmental Chemist. Getting close is half the battle. Most test kits suck, but get you close. Keeping a log, I do too, is your best asset .

 

[XNavyDiver]

I've been very happy with the Hanna for Alk and PO4. I use Salifert for just about every thing else but I'm going to give RS at try for nitrate.

 

[saltyhog]

I've been very happy with the Hanna for Alk and PO4. I use Salifert for just about every thing else but I'm going to give RS at try for nitrate.

That's exactly what I use. RS nitrate takes a little longer to do but I think it's easier to read in the low range. With Salifert if you don't hold the vial tightly against the white part of the card, 0.25 looks like zero. Of course that differentiation isn't that critical.

 

[Bow69]

For years I have used various test "kits" with varying degrees of success. For the last 2 years I've been happy with the Red Sea Reef pro kit, until recently.
I have had several issues with the Alkalinity refill kits and have decided to pony up for
the colorimeter by Hannah.
I just ordered this from BRS and thought it may be a good idea to get input from someone that has used one while there was still time to cancel the order if I have made a mistake.
Thanks in advance for your ideas.

I have been using for a year. Love this tester. Easy, quick and seems to pretty spot on.

 

[chefjpaul]

Hannah stepped up their CA, with more precision.