What test kit do you guys use?

[ILikeFish!]

I was wondering whats the best test kits for testing parameters besides hanna checkers, i use api right now but I already know its not giving me accurate enough readings.

 

[stoney7713]

Salifert but picked up Hanna for phosphate and nitrates. More exact numbers rather than being "in between" 10 and 25 or whatever.

 

[thatmanMIKEson]

This is a list of the tests in order that I currently use, and rely on with good consistent results for me.

•Alk- Hanna/alkatronic/icp/salifert
•Cal- Hanna/icp/salifert
•Mag-icp
•N03-hanna HR/icp/nyos
•P04-hanna ULR/icp
•Salinity-hanna HI98319/Tropic Marin
High Precision Hydrometer/icp
•Trace/minor elements-icp

I have the Hanna mag test but haven't tried it since receiving the new revised reagents, i also have salifert mag that i have used for a long time and really trust, it's just to easy to look at the icp for magnesium. I run icp once a month being on the moonshiners method for trace elements.

The Hannah's with proper testing procedures and equipment management is top of the class and accurate enough for the hobby. There are plenty of good tests out there for as accurate as we need to be, the key is consistency "cleanliness" and observing a trend with frequent testing.

 

[ScionFRSguy]

Might not be the tester but the testie'

Hahaha, I get it. When it comes to operating systems, it's usually caused by user error but not in the case of Hanna Alk and Cal test kits. It sounds like you haven't done your homework.

 

[olonmv]

Used red sea for a bit but hate color matching and counting drops so I switched to hanna for all my major tests….NO3, P04, ALK, mag, calcium and temp n SG. Don’t regret it, digital readouts are up my alley.

 

[olonmv]

100%. Hanna should improve some of their instructions but most people are not even following the ones included already.

I exclusively use Hanna testers for everything, Alk, Cal, Mag, Phos, Nitrate and Salinity. Not having to be the judge of a shade of pink or when a color changes from purple to slightly less purple is the reason why I like them. If you work as sterile as possible and do the same steps consistently they work perfectly. In fact generally I find them more accurate and consistent then some of the other test kits ive tested them against using the left over trident calibration fluid. I have had an occasional issue with the Alk regent but a quick call to Hanna had that issue resolved.

There was a poll a while back where a massive number of folks were using a syringe incorrectly and pulling liquid not to the rubber stopper but to the fluid level.... How many people complain about "bad" test kits when they are just making mistakes during the test procedure.

+1……..Storing liquid reagents in the fridge helps also. Test consistency is key. I test with bottom of water meniscus to cuvet line, 10ml mark always to the front of the egg and I clean the glass surface of the cuvet with a microfiber every time before it’s put in the egg. I’ve had consistent numbers with adhering to those procedures. Every cuvet gets a double rinsing in RODI after every test and left uncapped in its case to air dry.

 

[thatmanMIKEson]

Hahaha, I get it. When it comes to operating systems, it's usually caused by user error but not in the case of Hanna Alk and Cal test kits. It sounds like you haven't done your homework.

I'm not sure what you mean plenty use these testers with no issue, as far as homework...my dog ate that ;)

 

[larryl]

I prefer Red Sea, much clearer results.

 

[sharkyahd]

What are tests?

Started with Salifert, had consistent results, and now I’m using Red Sea and Hanna. Red Sea as someone said has pretty consistent results minus the mg. They’re always reading slightly higher than Salifert did. API has never been accurate for me unfortunately.

I’m slowly changing over to Hanna so I’ve got their ULR PhosphOROUS (couldn’t pass up the deal and found their numbers can be converted and essentially more accurate? PPB? (Jury is still out)

I’ve also got their Salinity checker, now that has been a game changer for me personally. My salt mix is unfortunately not reliable when it comes to numbers so I have to check my salinity every single mix and dealing with a traditional refractometer was making me crazy. Just one calibration a month roughly and I don’t have to worry about it.

I would repeat as someone also said you have to give these tests regardless of brand the best chance at reading in a sterile environment and follow all the instructions to a T. I picked up this Magnetic Stirrer at the LFS to take human error out of some things such as… mixing and trying not to get bubbles in a solution. Good luck finding one that fits you!

 

[ReeferCO]

- Phosphate - Hannah ulr. I can’t tell the difference in the colors for any other phosphate test.

- Salifert for all of the other parameters

I have only tried Red Sea besides the ones listed above. For me I am most efficient and can do the testing more quickly with Salifert. I have the different tests memorized as far as the steps go and I do it the same way every time. Because I am efficient at it and it goes quickly I don’t mind doing it. This has led me to an enjoyable testing regiment that works well for me.

 

[thatmanMIKEson]

+1……..Storing liquid reagents in the fridge helps also. Test consistency is key. I test with bottom of water meniscus to cuvet line, 10ml mark always to the front of the egg and I clean the glass surface of the cuvet with a microfiber every time before it’s put in the egg. I’ve had consistent numbers with adhering to those procedures. Every cuvet gets a double rinsing in RODI after every test and left uncapped in its case to air dry.

I use almost the same procedure but I store the cuvettes with rodi water and no air gap, this has greatly increased the life of the cuvett before replacement, they need to be replaced when any marks or scratches show up. Most people don't keep their equipment clean which is one main testing error issue, then the tester gets blamed for being inaccurate.

I also check one test sample with two alkalinity checkers and most times both checkers read the same value or a .1 difference from each other.

With all their testers it takes multiple test to get a rhythm and procedure down to preform it the same way every time, then a trend is noticed. This is when they become a great tool.

Some people use the test kit a few times a year and probably don't preform the test the same or let to much time go by since opening the reagents even though the exp. Date hasn't been reached. I like to use the kits on a regular basis and replace the reagents often this keeps everything fresh for more accuracy.

Ultimately use the test kit that works for you, that's why there is so many options not that an alkalinity titration test is difficult and one is better than another but maybe someone can use one test better in their situation over another. So luckily we have options im glad there's not only one brand!

 

[DanyL]

- Phosphate - Hannah ulr. I can’t tell the difference in the colors for any other phosphate test.

- Salifert for all of the other parameters

I have only tried Red Sea besides the ones listed above. For me I am most efficient and can do the testing more quickly with Salifert. I have the different tests memorized as far as the steps go and I do it the same way every time. Because I am efficient at it and it goes quickly I don’t mind doing it. This has led me to an enjoyable testing regiment that works well for me.

Same here for memorizing the required steps.
I do look over the instructions when opening a new kit though, because mistakes have been made in the past where only part of the instructions reflected a new change in the testing method.

 

[DanyL]

I use almost the same procedure but I store the cuvettes with rodi water and no air gap, this has greatly increased the life of the cuvett before replacement, they need to be replaced when any marks or scratches show up. Most people don't keep their equipment clean which is one main testing error issue, then the tester gets blamed for being inaccurate.

I also check one test sample with two alkalinity checkers and most times both checkers read the same value or a .1 difference from each other.

With all their testers it takes multiple test to get a rhythm and procedure down to preform it the same way every time, then a trend is noticed. This is when they become a great tool.

Some people use the test kit a few times a year and probably don't preform the test the same or let to much time go by since opening the reagents even though the exp. Date hasn't been reached. I like to use the kits on a regular basis and replace the reagents often this keeps everything fresh for more accuracy.

Ultimately use the test kit that works for you, that's why there is so many options not that an alkalinity titration test is difficult and one is better than another but maybe someone can use one test better in their situation over another. So luckily we have options im glad there's not only one brand!

+1 for keeping the cuvettes with RODI water, making sure they clean and free of scratches as well as doing the test as consistent as possible with Hanna.
It significantly impacts the accuracy of the test results.

As for Alk test, the most known issue is with the reagent getting bad fast, within a month or so.
Personally I don't see much benefit in using their Alk test compared to Salifert's, but many people do use it and struggle with this very same issue. I wish they at least documented recommended storing conditions.

 

[NormanB]

One company I usually never see in these types of posts is SeaChem. Do they really suck?

 

[billyocean]

Hanna alk, nitrate hr, phosphate ulr
Red sea calcium
Aquaforest mag
Salifert potassium

 

[ScionFRSguy]

I'm not sure what you mean plenty use these testers with no issue, as far as homework...my dog ate that ;)

Hahah gotcha, then maybe it was just me and a few others on and offline that didn't fair well with Hanna. I thought it would help me get a more accurate reading since it shows a digital number to the decimal but I kept getting different readings on the same day of testing. I thought I was being careful with the correct amount of regent and steps needed to complete the test but, then again, I was a new user.

 

[thatmanMIKEson]

Hahah gotcha, then maybe it was just me and a few others on and offline that didn't fair well with Hanna. I thought it would help me get a more accurate reading since it shows a digital number to the decimal but I kept getting different readings on the same day of testing. I thought I was being careful with the correct amount of regent and steps needed to complete the test but, then again, I was a new user.

So you were checking alkalinity at different times in the same day but the readings were different?

 

[ScionFRSguy]

So you were checking alkalinity at different times in the same day but the readings were different?

I was doing the tests back to back. I did about 4 or 5 tests one after the other and the numbers were off by about .5 or .7 if I remember right. My plan was to do a double test to make sure the readings are consistent but kept getting different results.

 

[Daniel@R2R Verified Admin]

I like Hanna for ease of use. Salifert and Red Sea are kind of the gold standard for dependable tests I think. Lately though I prefer the automated testers...what can i say...I'm lazy! :D

 

[vetteguy53081]

Hanna and salifert
I do favor digital units and important that as with trident, the is a color meter doing the calculation and vials - MUST BE CLEAN !!
I like the trident also but not sold on its accuracy which is as dependable as the apex salinity probe

 

[DHill6]

I hear the Hanna's test kit is not accurate for Alk and Cal. Just a heads up.

Have to disagree. My numbers were really close to ISP tests sent in. I also use clean vials and their water for the CA.