So who do I believe? (1 Viewer)

[steved350]

I’ve ran my calcium on a Hanna Checker and a new Salifert test kit.
Hanna = 466
Salifert = 540

I’m in the process of bringing down my ALK from 10.7 to 9.5dkh by backing off on my calcium reactor till I get close to 9.5 dkh. My understanding is that calcium reactors should output a balance of calcium and Alkalinity. I’ve been shooting for 450 calcium prior to backing off on the reactor. I find it real hard to believe the Salifert kit. Am I missing something? The tank is a 220 gal mixed reef.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[DaAznGuy]

I would trust the salifert as long as it isn't expired. Heard too many stories of bad batches of Hanna samples. But there is always a chance of either being off. Easiest solution is to go test someone else's water with each kit to see how close you are to their values.

You are correct in your statement about the reactor putting out a balance of alk and calcium. But your calcium could have been way higher prior and that is the reason why your reactor is just maintaining it at that level. Also you need to factor in the salt water changes that could contribute to the variations.

 

[steved350]

The Salifert kit is brand new. I ended up testing again with the Red Sea kit I have and cane a lot closer to the Salifert than I did the Hanna.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[DaAznGuy]

 

[FarmerTy]

Salifert all the way! The Hanna Calcium checker is rubbish.

 

[Reefahholic]

Salifert has been around a long time. I’d probably lean that direction. I do like my Hanna for ALK and PO4 though. I used to test every single day for ALK and PO4 and felt they were very accurate. That was cross checking with Red Sea, Salifert, and Elos.