My Tips for Neptune Trident Calibration

[MrWellington]

I'm not buying that a Trident is more accurate than Hanna. Hanna Instruments has decades of experience and a proven track record with the scientific community. In contrast, the Trident is trusted by -- Neptune and those who buy the Trident.

I've been through two Tridents and learned to use those readings as trend analysis only because the measurements are notoriously wrong - even after calibration. I add/subtract what I know to be the difference between Hanna and Trident. I haven't tried to calibrate using Hanna numbers, but that sounds like it would be worthwhile.

This would be a GREAT topic for a "BRS Investigation" video.

 

[Reefer Matt]

I'm not buying that a Trident is more accurate than Hanna. The scientific community trusts Hanna instruments. It has decades of a proven track record. Whereas, Trident is trusted by -- Neptune, and those who buy the Trident.

I've been through two Tridents and learned to use those readings as trend analysis only because the measurements are notoriously wrong - even after calibration. I simply add/subtract what I know to be the difference between Hanna and Trident. I haven't tried to calibrate using Hanna numbers, but that sounds like it would be worth a try.

To each their own. The Trident is very reliable for me, in fact I have two of them. They both consistently read within the margin of error when compared to other hobby grade instruments like Hanna Checkers.

 

[RagnarReef]

I'm curious about using reagents from a different batch than the calibration solution (or using calibration solution from a different batch than reagents). I recently calibrated my Trident but did not change out any reagents before or after and the calibration solution was from a different batch. Shortly thereafter all 3 readings went haywire and did not match manual testing using Hanna checkers. No other explanation for why the results changed so drastically. This from the Neptune webpage...

"With every 2-month reagent package is a calibration standard. In every 2-month package Neptune Systems guarantees the reagents are from the same “batch.” The calibration standard allows your Trident to calibrate to that batch. Generally we recommend that at least 2-3 tests are completed on the new batch of reagents before attempting a calibration."

In other words when calibrating, only use the calibration solution that came with the reagents currently in use?

 

[vision0323]

That is actually not calibrating the Trident. That just normalizes the Trident to the Hanna. I used to do that as well until I learned to properly calibrated the Trident. I have two Tridents which are kept in cal, and are pretty close to the margin of error with the Hanna checkers. The Trident is much more accurate than the Hanna checkers, it's just people like the Hannas better for some reason.

You can also check the calibration fluid before use with any other tester for peace of mind about it's accuracy before calibrating the Trident. Just keep in mind the margin of error of the test kit that you use.

Hi, do you mind share what's the proper way to calibrate trident? My readings are way off even I calibrate it twice.

 

[areefer01]

Hi, do you mind share what's the proper way to calibrate trident? My readings are way off even I calibrate it twice.

There are two ways, both are fine. It depends on the hobbyist.

Option 1. Use the Neptune Trident ACM task to calibrate. It will walk you through the process and recommended to do between 48 and 72 hours after reagent change. The task will walk you through it.

Option 2. Calibrate using manual test results. This one takes a bit more time as it requires the hobbyist to use their favorite manual test kit and run a series of test. In short, do this about 2 hours before the next schedule Alk, Ca, and Mg test. Collect a pint or 2 of tank water as close to the sample line as possible. Run 4 tests back to back for each (Alk, Ca, and Mg). Record each result. Throw out any anomaly. Average out the results. Now move the Trident ACM sample line into the remaining water that you used to do your manual tests. Start the Trident ACM task, say you are using your test results, and proceed.

As noted earlier running the manual tests to calibrate aligns it to those results vs that of Neptunes calibration solution. Seems hobbyist have mixed feelings on it. Jim, who designed the Trident, has done checks on the calibration solution on another forum to counter these talking points. I prefer using their calibration solution and it works well for me but understand others may not.

Hope this makes sense. Using the included task to calibrate with Neptunes calibration fluid is one way. Running a series of manual tests, averaging the results, is the other. Typically calibration is done after replacing all reagents and 48 hours after that so tests get run.

 

[areefer01]

In other words when calibrating, only use the calibration solution that came with the reagents currently in use?

The calibration solution they provide does not match reagent lot numbers. They are independent of one another. So you can use any calibration bottle if that makes sense.

Also worth noting is that Neptune changed shipping so the 6 month reagent kits will have all of the same lot numbers. At least the last two sets I have had this. I think this is great. Previously the Alk had the same lot numbers since they are changed more frequently.

Edit: lol - I replied to a 2024 post. I'm a dummy. Go figure.