Hanna vs. API Nitrates

[Islander722]

My tank has been running for almost a month and I was concerned with the nitrate levels I was seeing with the API test, so I picked up a Hanna HR Nitrate today.

API was around 30ppm by my best estimate with the color.

Hanna showed 13.5ppm

Has anyone else seen this kind of variance? I believe the Hanna honestly, and it has alleviated a ton of my anxiety about the nitrate levels, but holy smokes!

 

[Dan_P]

My tank has been running for almost a month and I was concerned with the nitrate levels I was seeing with the API test, so I picked up a Hanna HR Nitrate today.

API was around 30ppm by my best estimate with the color.

Hanna showed 13.5ppm

Has anyone else seen this kind of variance? I believe the Hanna honestly, and it has alleviated a ton of my anxiety about the nitrate levels, but holy smokes!

30 ppm is no big deal. Is there nitrite in the water? It will throw off the nitrate test.

 

[Islander722]

My tank has been running for almost a month and I was concerned with the nitrate levels I was seeing with the API test, so I picked up a Hanna HR Nitrate today.

API was around 30ppm by my best estimate with the color.

Hanna showed 13.5ppm

Has anyone else seen this kind of variance? I believe the Hanna honestly, and it has alleviated a ton of my anxiety about the nitrate levels, but holy smokes!

I was kind of ok with it being around 30 but wanted to be sure, especially with a new tank and only two clowns in it so far, but I wanted to be sure so I grabbed the Hanna HR.
Nitrites are 0 according to the API test.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Both test results are fine, IMO. :)

 

[Euphylliaphyle]

One may be a closer approximation to the true value (let's just randomly pick one, let's say ... Hanna ) but either value, if reasonably accurate, shouldn't be a problem.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

API doesn't give a number, it gives a range. Hanna gives a number so IMO more accurate than a range of values

 

[CKW]

API doesn't give a number, it gives a range. Hanna gives a number so IMO more accurate than a range of values

Color “guessing “ is never as accurate as a number. Lighting, shadows, natural light vs “bulbs”, time of day etc.
it’s a best guess!!!! A number gives you consistency which is what you’re after.
While API is ok for such measurements as ammonia, PH etc. Hanna seems to provide the consistency you need.

 

[Islander722]

Thank you everyone! I hope y’all have a great week!