Alkalinity Test Kits

[Gareth elliott]

So almost out of my alkalinity tests.

Now I have had no issue with salifert tests but since i will have to buy new ones figured id ask what kits everyone else uses.

My selection has 4 criteria.
-Value
The definition i will use is number of tests per kit/price x speed to do test.
Ie my time ordering new or preforming the test is also part of expense.
-Precision
tests 1,2 and 3 are with margin of error
-Accuracy
actionable results are delivered.
-Ease of use.
Fewer steps, colors easily discernible.
The furthest from an api nitrate test lol.

If responses could be written as experience to each of the criteria would be much appreciated.

Looking forward to responses :)

 

[derek yoonie]

try alk hanna , i just got it ran 2 tests , seems to be .1 of it it self accuracy , would get 7.4 7.3 7.5

 

[JoshH]

I love my Red Sea Pro Alk test, very easy to use and I believe I watched a BRS video showing the refills are the cheapest long term. Colour is pretty good as well. I do have a Hanna checker on it's way, I believe they are the most expensive when it comes to refills but they take the guess out if colours for you which is always a bonus.

 

[SPR1968]

I’ve tried Red Sea and the Hanna dKH checker and settled and currently use the Hanna HI 772.

It’s not cheap to buy in the first place, but not to bad, and does 25 tests but you just buy refills which aren’t expensive
It’s accurtae to +/- 0.3dKH
Results are simple digital read out so no need for colour comparison

The tests are very simple and quick. 1ml test water, press button to calibrate, add reagent liquid, press button, wait a few seconds, done. It’s that easy.

Never tried API so can’t answer that !

 

[Finhead]

I have the Hanna, it's very repeatable and ok for accuracy but it's far more expensive than others.

I have Red Sea, it's accurate and pretty good price but the color change is very subtle and until you get the hang of it can be hard to repeat.

I currently use Aquaforest, it's accurate very repeatable the color change is far better than the RS and it's the cheapeast out of the 3.