Test Kit Problems (Salifert vs. Hanna Checker)

[Rickyrooz]

I purchased a new set of Salifert test kits from Drs. Foster and Smith last week to test against my Hanna Checker's because I felt there were off based on the color of my corals. This morning the Salifert alkalinity tested at 8.3 (expiration date 9/2018) and the Salifert calcium tested at 405 (expiration date 12/2018). The Hanna Checker for alkalinity tested at 7.62 (expiration date 8/2014) and the calcium registered at 489 (expiration date 11/2014). Which test kit should I believe is giving me the correct results?

 

[Dan_P]

Your Salifert alkalinity kit comes with an alkalinity reference standard. Test that with both kits and compare the results. Using half drops and paying close attention to the indicator color change, I am able to get within 10ppm of the reference standard value. Of course, I am assuming the reference standard is good.

 

[ssdawood]

Following along, sometimes it also hard for me to trust my Hanna checker. But then again I am using the cheap 50 dollar one.

 

[Rickyrooz]

The Salifert solution is 6.5 dKH and with the color change (from green to pink, orange, or red) it read 6.7 dKH. Much closer than the Hanna Checker to the reference solution.

 

[beastium]

What brand has the most accurate test kits...

 

[Boomer]

Salifert. I still have issues with Hanna. Just because it is a meter does not make it more accurate.