Hanna alk reagent storage? Refrigeration needed?

[Reeferbadness]

The key thing is to limit the reagent’s exposure to air - otherwise u get these weird globulars. I make sure to take the reagent in the syringe then close right away before adding to the tester vile. Hanna has also suggested limiting air time

 

[gbroadbridge]

Can you explain the Hanna 0.1N HCI and pH meter?

Sure.

This article:

https://www.reef2reef.com/ams/a-diy-alkalinity-test.12/

 

[KrisReef]

I agree that no matter what Hanna says, many folks think it helps.

I recommend drinking it all in one sitting.

 

[Dburr1014]

Is this it?


https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/stability-of-hanna-alkalinity-reagent.1069334/

@Lasse was the OG thread starter on regents in the fridge.

 

[Justfebreezeit]

Been using the alk checker for almost a year straight (twice a week) since restarting in the hobby. On the 4th bottle and no issues to report storing at room temp. (75 degrees)

Started a new bottle a couple weeks ago and my Alk testing went from 7.2 to 10.6 from my last bottle to my current one. I wasn't to alarmed because the change would have been slow.

So I have assumed that the alk reagent was slowly reading lower with each test. Causing me to increase dosage. So I have let it drop back down to the mid 8's and so far testing has seemed consistent with what I would expect.

I am refrigerating and limiting air exposure on the new bottle without going to any crazy length to do so. If i remember to do so, when this bottle runs out and switch to a new one, I will report back.

 

[Big E]

I sold my Hanna alk test a few years ago due to inconsistency.

Went back to Salifert for two reasons..........it's less expensive and Craig Bingman had mentioned in a podcast that our eyes are more accurate than those cheap sensors.

 

[Malcontent]

Craig Bingman had mentioned in a podcast that our eyes are more accurate than those cheap sensors.

I'm kind of doubtful about that.

 

[Dburr1014]

I'm kind of doubtful about that.

Me too!

 

[John Neuzil]

I sold my Hanna alk test a few years ago due to inconsistency.

Went back to Salifert for two reasons..........it's less expensive and Craig Bingman had mentioned in a podcast that our eyes are more accurate than those cheap sensors.

Not a chance. Most of us are pretty bad at accurately judging the colors

 

[Dan_P]

I sold my Hanna alk test a few years ago due to inconsistency.

Went back to Salifert for two reasons..........it's less expensive and Craig Bingman had mentioned in a podcast that our eyes are more accurate than those cheap sensors.

Actually, Bingham got this wrong. He apparently did not understand the Hanna method. The accuracy issue, which is real, has nothing to do with a cheap sensor or superior human eyesight. Salifert is a titration method while the Hanna method measures the pH with an indicator and a single dose of acid.

 

[Sophie"s mom]

Does the alk reagent need to be refrigerated to maintain accuracy?

So, this question led me to research it for ALL of Hanna reagents. Does anyone on here have first hand knowledge on this. From what I am reading, they all could be stored in the fridge. When they are on sale, I tend to be a couple of each. Should any/all be stored this way. I can see the liquids, but what about the packets?

 

[Dan_P]

So, this question led me to research it for ALL of Hanna reagents. Does anyone on here have first hand knowledge on this. From what I am reading, they all could be stored in the fridge. When they are on sale, I tend to be a couple of each. Should any/all be stored this way. I can see the liquids, but what about the packets?

No first hand knowledge but lowering the temperature would slow down decomposition and infiltration of oxygen and moisture. Does it matter though? To be super conservative, place the reagent containers in zip lock bags and store them in the freezer.

 

[Dburr1014]

So, this question led me to research it for ALL of Hanna reagents. Does anyone on here have first hand knowledge on this. From what I am reading, they all could be stored in the fridge. When they are on sale, I tend to be a couple of each. Should any/all be stored this way. I can see the liquids, but what about the packets?

A dark cool place should be the go to.

 

[gbroadbridge]

So, this question led me to research it for ALL of Hanna reagents. Does anyone on here have first hand knowledge on this. From what I am reading, they all could be stored in the fridge. When they are on sale, I tend to be a couple of each. Should any/all be stored this way. I can see the liquids, but what about the packets?

It only applies once the Alk reagent has been opened and exposed to oxygen.

The packets are single use so does not apply.

I saw no effect on the Hanna liquid Calcium reagent.

 

[Big E]

Actually, Bingham got this wrong. He apparently did not understand the Hanna method. The accuracy issue, which is real, has nothing to do with a cheap sensor or superior human eyesight. Salifert is a titration method while the Hanna method measures the pH with an indicator and a single dose of acid.

His comment was that the human eye is more discerning of the color change in the titration kit. I think the comment was more a Hanna egg vs the human eye, not specifically an alk test or the Salifert vs Hannah.
If I can find his comment on this I'll share it as my quote may be off. I think it was his last visit with Reef Beef Podcast.

I've never had trouble seeing the color change, this may not be the same with everyone.

I did put in the cheap comment on my own, but these are not professional lab equipment instruments.

I'll still stand by my experience the Hanna was too inconsistent for me.............refrigeration was useless.

 

[Dan_P]

His comment was that the human eye is more discerning of the color change in the titration kit. I think the comment was more a Hanna egg vs the human eye, not specifically an alk test or the Salifert vs Hannah.
If I can find his comment on this I'll share it as my quote may be off. I think it was his last visit with Reef Beef Podcast.

I've never had trouble seeing the color change, this may not be the same with everyone.

I did put in the cheap comment on my own, but these are not professional lab equipment instruments.

I'll still stand by my experience the Hanna was too inconsistent for me.............refrigeration was useless.

If it was a general comment about color intensity he still only gets partial credit. The Hanna Checker is calibrated. The human brain connected to the eye usually is not, giving the less sensitive photometer the edge in accuracy and consistency.

As for the Hanna alkalinity test, titration could be more accurate. The reagent stability is a separate issue.

 

[Big E]

If it was a general comment about color intensity he still only gets partial credit. The Hanna Checker is calibrated. The human brain connected to the eye usually is not, giving the less sensitive photometer the edge in accuracy and consistency.

As for the Hanna alkalinity test, titration could be more accurate. The reagent stability is a separate issue.

Fair enough..........I'm not going to belabor the point. I respect his opinion due to his background and experience.