I need some automated water testers

[William Chiavetta]

I am wondering what digitalized testers I should get. I know there's like api aquaspin but i'm not looking to sell my car, and i've heard hana checkers aren't super accurate

 

[Oldreefer44]

IMO, having owned several different testers over the years, is that none are foolproof but most will give you enough info to maintain stability which is more important than the actual numbers. If you go with one of the more sophisticated testers suggest you also calculate the cost of reagents etc.

 

[Spare time]

Hanna isn't accurate if you are careless or don't pay attention to the directions when performing it. There aren't any good alternatives for digital tests imo. I am not a fan of the aquaspin.

 

[tzabor10]

I am wondering what digitalized testers I should get. I know there's like api aquaspin but i'm not looking to sell my car, and i've heard hana checkers aren't super accurate

I would disagree about the Hanna checkers. Of course a lot of reefers don’t get an accurate Calcium reading. RHF has some suggestions there. What are you looking to test?

 

[bubbgee]

Neptune Trident but it costs too much and still far from perfect, I use it only for trending so I know I'm within parameters and not out of whack. I dont chase numbers anymore.

 

[William Chiavetta]

I would disagree about the Hanna checkers. Of course a lot of reefers don’t get an accurate Calcium reading. RHF has some suggestions there. What are you looking to test?

Po4, No2, No3, Nh4, Ph, Ca and salinity. Im just tired of drops

 

[tzabor10]

I’d stick with phosphate, do kH instead of pH. Get a refractometer for salinity. Nyos has a good nitrate test. Hannah for PO4 is reliable. Be sure to use the ULR version. BRS frequently reviews these.

 

[William Chiavetta]

I’d stick with phosphate, do kH instead of pH. Get a refractometer for salinity. Nyos has a good nitrate test. Hannah for PO4 is reliable. Be sure to use the ULR version. BRS frequently reviews these.

Thank you!

 

[Project1004]

FYI,

Recently found out that Hanna has “standard solutions” that you can test against your own solution. I have ones for 4 major including the calcium. My calcium tester is within the range as well.


I been using Hanna for last two year and it has been very accurate within given range.

 

[William Chiavetta]

FYI,

Recently found out that Hanna has “standard solutions” that you can test against your own solution. I have ones for 4 major including the calcium. My calcium tester is within the range as well.


I been using Hanna for last two year and it has been very accurate within given range.

Have you found that calcium is accurate? Ive heard some bad things about it

 

[William Chiavetta]

I’d stick with phosphate, do kH instead of pH. Get a refractometer for salinity. Nyos has a good nitrate test. Hannah for PO4 is reliable. Be sure to use the ULR version. BRS frequently reviews these.

a little late response but im wondering, What should I use for calcium and is there a good digital nitrate test?

 

[tzabor10]

a little late response but im wondering, What should I use for calcium and is there a good digital nitrate test?

I recently upgraded to Hannah checkers for both Calcium and Nitrate.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

a little late response but im wondering, What should I use for calcium and is there a good digital nitrate test?

I use red sea test kits for calcium but Hanna is a good alternative (from what I have seen)

 

[William Chiavetta]

I recently upgraded to Hannah checkers for both Calcium and Nitrate.

high range nitrate?

 

[William Chiavetta]

I use red sea test kits for calcium but Hanna is a good alternative (from what I have seen)

Thank you!

 

[dwest]

a little late response but im wondering, What should I use for calcium and is there a good digital nitrate test?

I would use Hanna nitrate HR, but use salifert for calcium. I’ve been reefing a long time and I test alkalinity daily (via alkatronic, but once or twice a week with Hanna was good too for many years). I test nitrates, calcium, and phosphates once a month on my very mature reef tank. No need for ammonium or nitrites on a cycled tank either.

 

[S.SReefer]

I am wondering what digitalized testers I should get. I know there's like api aquaspin but i'm not looking to sell my car, and i've heard hana checkers aren't super accurate

I haven't had any difficulties with my Hannas. However they do take a long time and clean it properly.
I hope you find your awnser.

 

[tzabor10]

high range nitrate?

Yes, it’s the only one I believe. I am using it to check my dosing of Ammonia. It is always low (1-3ppm) and I understand corals might do better with nitrate levels around 10-20.
The Hannah Calcium test is a bit more complicated than others like kH. But from what I understand, Calcium needs to be present, not over abundant and exact parameters aren’t as important as salinity and kH.

 

[exnisstech]

I use salifert for calcium. Hanna ulr pH, HR nitrate and alk. Its all in test for.