In need of assistance with test kits and hannas.

Discussion in 'Water Chemistry' started by Corailline, Mar 26, 2015.

to remove this notice and enjoy 3reef content with less ads. 3reef membership is free.

  1. mdbostwick

    mdbostwick Vlamingii Tang

    Joined:
    Feb 21, 2013
    Messages:
    1,899
    Location:
    Canton OH
    My hydrometer i believe got tossed when I got the refractometer and noticed it was way off. So I calibrate it before I use it every time, takes me about 20 seconds longer to test the sg
     
  2. Click Here!

  3. APC

    APC Gigas Clam

    Joined:
    May 23, 2005
    Messages:
    850
    Location:
    Atlanta, GA
    Realize this is not the kit you have...but I have become a big fan of the Salifert test kits....they use a titration method for testing - and I have found that its easier for me to ensure an accurate test that way - and by accurate I mean repeatable - ie - I do it the same way every time - I guess technically the result could be wrong every time - but I consistently get to that same right/wrong answer with the salifert kit because of the method employed in the kit....and hey...there is something to be said for consistency.
     
  4. Corailline

    Corailline Super Moderator

    Joined:
    Sep 8, 2010
    Messages:
    19,652
    Location:
    It is a dry heat, yeah right !
    Can you tell me a little more about the tritration method please?

    TIA
     
  5. chris adams

    chris adams Purple Tang

    Joined:
    Oct 4, 2008
    Messages:
    1,828
    Location:
    Port Charlotte, FL
    So what are your actual ALK and CAL readings with the hannah now that you have correct syringe?
     
  6. Corailline

    Corailline Super Moderator

    Joined:
    Sep 8, 2010
    Messages:
    19,652
    Location:
    It is a dry heat, yeah right !
    Alk 8.8 and Ca 407. I need to run my alk lower since I run such a low bio-load. My corals do better at 7-8 alk and burn at 9.

    I expected with the addition of 4 clams over 2 inches each, the development of coralline algae all over I needed to increase my dosing, this was incorrect. The tank is not yet old enough to require or need an increase in alk or calcium to the degree I anticipated. Not chasing the numbers and trying to dial it in has turned into a conundrum for sure.
     
  7. Reefbuilder

    Reefbuilder Scooter Blennie

    Joined:
    Dec 17, 2013
    Messages:
    1,248
    Location:
    Long Island, NY
    I am saving the above message.... :biggrinbounce: especially so I can show my wife that some women CAN admit when they are wrong! HA HA

    I use it as well. Works fine but yes need EXACT measurements. Also the container I use for my RO when I am testing, I have kept - STRICTLY RO for the Hanna.
     
    Corailline likes this.
  8. Click Here!

  9. Corailline

    Corailline Super Moderator

    Joined:
    Sep 8, 2010
    Messages:
    19,652
    Location:
    It is a dry heat, yeah right !
    Men!!!!!!Oh I am wrong a lot more than I like to think.


    Yes I use a designated RO container for testing and cleaning all testing syringes, tubes.. blah blah blah. My BF last night "Chery you've been testing for almost an hour" oh well, I need to be precise or else.

    Looking at controllers, Apex has a much better reputation then all others, like Reefkeepers. I know this is an expensive hobby because lord I spend a ton of money but dang they ding you on everything when it comes to controllers.
     
    zesty likes this.
  10. Newreef15

    Newreef15 Horrid Stonefish

    Joined:
    Jul 21, 2009
    Messages:
    2,052
    Location:
    Tallahassee Florida
    Have you looked into the reefangles? Takes a bit more work to get set up, but you get a lot of controllability for your money IMO
     
    mdbostwick likes this.
  11. Reefbuilder

    Reefbuilder Scooter Blennie

    Joined:
    Dec 17, 2013
    Messages:
    1,248
    Location:
    Long Island, NY
    Yes they do - I know there are the - I don't need a controller and the I couldn't live without a controller group. I am the latter. I could not live with out it. I cant tell you how many times a day I check it - not that I am worried but the fact that I can. I even went as far as running a line to my freshwater tank and adding an EB8, temp probe in there. Each tank has an ALS, and having the extra float switches in my overflows if I ever get a clog to shut the Return pump - that's enough for me to have that piece of mind.
     
    Corailline likes this.
  12. APC

    APC Gigas Clam

    Joined:
    May 23, 2005
    Messages:
    850
    Location:
    Atlanta, GA
    So I took a lot of chemistry like 20 years ago in college - but that was...well like I said 20 years ago....so this is my aged recollection of the description of the titration method - Titration is basically adding a measured amount of a known solution into an unknown solution to try and identify the unknown - so with salifert - you add a known reagent drop wise into your water to try and figure out the level - and you do so until it changes color - quickly and drastically (Like from blue to pink). As long as you pay attention, and apply your drops carefully, you can get a predictable result - there is much less room for error and interpretation. As opposed to a color change test - where you compare the color change to a series of other colors for known results and look for a match - which is open to broad interpretation, and things like ambient light have a greater impact on your reading.