Testing help

[SkylerCK117]

How come I test calcium using API and get 390 and then when i tested calcium with Hanna Tester it says 550? I’ve read the manual a million times and watched videos on how to use the Hannah tester so I’m confident I’m using it correctly. Any help/ideas?

 

[Billdogg]

It could be that API test kits kinda suck?

I'd consider double checking with Salifert or another more reliable test kit.

 

[dadnjesse]

Neither are very good at testing calcium, the Hanna is very temperamental.

 

[Ippyroy]

Did you rinse the vials out in the tank or with RODI? If you used tank water that will explain why.

 

[PatW]

I have used the API. OK for quick and dirty. Never used the Hanna but. I understand that the sample is diluted and that can magnify small errors. I use Red Sea Pro. And I understand that Salifert is good. If you have questions, Bulk Reef Supply has a video comparing popular calcium tests. Be warned, they do not deign to cover API.

 

[Miller535]

It could be that API test kits kinda suck?

I'd consider double checking with Salifert or another more reliable test kit.

I agree, Salifert is by far the easiest and most reliable. And you can buy it for like $18

 

[brandon429]

when this happens with nitrate: the bacteria have died. buy another round of bottle bac. first one was dead/nitrate was zero after my cycle (and then another tester reads 40 ppm)


:)

test kit drift nearly ruined microbiology in reefing, nearly.

 

[Miller535]

when this happens with nitrate: the bacteria have died. buy another round of bottle bac. first one was dead/nitrate was zero after my cycle (and then another tester reads 40 ppm)


:)

test kit drift nearly ruined microbiology in reefing, nearly.

I'm not following, the op's problem was testing Calcium

 

[brandon429]

it was a comparison how that variance affects reefing across params

most tests like this have such a spread

seneye vs api for ammonia for example, a big spread impacts how we see bac

nitrate etc

test drift is more than just annoying, it greatly affects how we approach cycling, I stated that in relation to how it affected his view on calcium levels. he might've started dosing based on the wrong one.