Calcium Tester

What is an easy to use calcium tester. Currently I have the API liquid test and its practically impossible to use.

 

Are you looking for a digital tester or a liquid test kit? I use the salifert calcium test kit and I love it.

 

Would a digital be crazy expense? It would be sweet to have a digital if it was under $100 but if not a liquid.

 

Well the Hanna calcium checker is digital. Its somewhere around 50 bucks. Has pretty good reviews. I have a hanna phosphate checker, so I will use the hanna phosphate checker as a reference because I have never used a hanna calcium checker. Maybe someone who has used it can chime in... IMO its just as much work as a liquid test kit. The reason I got the hanna phosphate checker is because liquid phosphate test kits are notably inaccurate (in contrast with liquid calcium test kits, which are generally accurate) However, if I had to choose between using the hanna phosphate tester and using the salifert calcium test kit, I would choose the salifert hands down. In other words, I feel that the hanna checker is more annoying to use then the salifert liquid test kits.

Before buying the digital checkers, most people assume it will be a breeze (no more cleaning test tubes, etc). In reality, with the digital checkers, you still have to collect a water sample, add powder, clean the test tubes, and so on.

 

The test kit I have now you have to add a drop then shake the test tube and so on for up to 15 times until you get to one desired color (there is only one color for reference, a dakr purple). How does the Salifert test kit work?

 

The exact same way. Zero differance at all. Theres only one way to test for calcium, you pay for the relibiliy and accuracy, not the ease of use.

 

i have used both types of test, i like the hanna tester the best, its a little tricky the first time or two but after that it gets easy and it gives you a number that you can see, not a color change, the only thing i believe is you must keep the vial clean after each use in order for the readings to be true.


$55 HANNA HI 713 + 50 Reagents Phosphate Checker Combo

 

Personally I use:
Hanna Alk Checker for Alkalinity
Hanna ULR Phosphorous for Phosphate (Simple math equation for conversion)
Red Sea Foundations for Calcium

Overall I'm very happy with these test kits, Hanna costs a little more but well worth it. Iv read not to great reviews on their Calcium Checker. You need to have calcium free RO/DI water to get "accurate" results.

 

The API kit isnt bad either, there pretty much all the same, and beleive me I've looked for some type of electronic device that I could just dip in the water but I've seen nothing, at least within a $100-400 price span. The API isn't bad though I'm telling you, just figure out what your calcium is per drop for a couple days, I just started up a brand new tank and it took almost 20 droplets, which is roughly around 380-400 c/mg which is what I believe the calcium levels suppose to be at in a reef tank.

Secondly...the next day, day after that just add 12-15 drops, because you know its not going to drop immensely, and that gives you at least a higher base to make it quicker, but more so just monitor it and get a feel for it as time goes on and more corals are added that soak up the calcium allot quicker. I MAY checkout the salifert test kit, but realistically all I care about is accuracy in a kit, the API kit's have always seemed to do it for me; I know theirs mixed reviews on API but like I said I've never had an issue with them unless you leave them sit, i.e. do them quick, and move on. Haven't messed with the Hanna ones but they seem pretty decent, although some sites i've seen selling the little refill liquid packets @ .75-$1.00 which gets pricey over time, especially when you have numerous products that require the same thing, but I may look into the Hanna's eventually.

Opinions on the Sera "Master reef kits"?

 

I won't get into a debate but please stay away from API Calcium test kits. Look into Red Sea, they work great and very consistent.