+ludakris Posted October 13, 2011 Share Posted October 13, 2011 i ordered a Hannah calcium and alk checker. anyone have any experience with them? r they pretty accurate? i am having a receding problem in my tank and i think its due to calcium and alk problems. also my pH is low. i tested it today and it was about 7.8 with the API test. plan on using kalk with my auto top off. anyone concur? also got a pinpoint pH monitor coming in.. cant wait. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BBMarlin Posted October 14, 2011 Share Posted October 14, 2011 I own both of these checkers. The ALK checker is very good but I have not had much luck with my Calcium checker. I will be curious to know your results with the calcium checker. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+ludakris Posted October 14, 2011 Author Share Posted October 14, 2011 I'll post when I get them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stoneroller Posted October 19, 2011 Share Posted October 19, 2011 I would verify with a test kit before you count on their accuracy or before you start dosing with Kalk. Do you have current Ca and ALK readings? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wa1tx Posted October 19, 2011 Share Posted October 19, 2011 I have both. The alk tester is dead on. The calcium checker is dead on sometimes and off by 50ppm other. On the calcium checker I think they have an issue with their reagents. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+ludakris Posted October 20, 2011 Author Share Posted October 20, 2011 I don't have any current readings. I got them today and tested my water. My calcium said it was 490 and my all was 6.8 dkh. My ph was 7.8. Seems a little out of whack from where I want it but sure everything is ok. Any suggestions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stoneroller Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 For SPS, I would be trying to get my ALK up to 9 KH slowly. Rapid swings (Alk, temp, etc.) can lead to recession. Once you get ALK up where you want it, then you can dose with whatever works for you and your tank to maintain Ca and ALK. Personally, I think daily dosing with a balanced two part is best (safest) for small tanks, if needed. KALK disasters are not unheard of even on big tanks. Since your pH is low you could use Seachem Reef Buffer to raise both ALK and pH. Your calcium is fine to slightly high IMO. I shoot for 450. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+ludakris Posted October 20, 2011 Author Share Posted October 20, 2011 I have some seachem ph buffer and added the recomended dose. Ph is now 7.99. Will test alk when it gets to 9. If everything is good ill start my kalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
medi Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 I would definitely verify your CA readings before you changed anything. My CA Checker is very sporadic. I did three tests within 20 minutes and got three very different reading. Something like 415, 460, and 495. I followed te directions to the "T" and still didn't get consistent readings. I also tried several time via email and phone to get in contact with Hanna tech support, but have had no luck so far. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BBMarlin Posted October 20, 2011 Share Posted October 20, 2011 I had one test with the CA Checker come out at 420 every test that has followed it blinks 600. I know based on two other tests kits that I have that my CA is somewhere between 420-450. And yes I use RODI water when doing my tests and follow all the instructions. There are some threads on reefcentral talking about ways to improve the results, one being to get an insulin syringe from the drug store and use it to provide a more precise measurement of the .1ml required sample. Personally I'm not willing to spend any more money/time on it to get it to work as advertised. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+ludakris Posted October 21, 2011 Author Share Posted October 21, 2011 i did multiple tests today and got the same reading over and over with the ca tester Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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