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View Poll Results: What Alk test kit do you use?
Salifert 17 44.74%
Red Sea 2 5.26%
NYOS 0 0%
API 3 7.89%
Other 16 42.11%
Voters: 38. You may not vote on this poll

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Unread 02/14/2019, 11:34 AM   #1
ReefsandGeeks
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What Alk test do you use?

As the title says, what Alk kit do you use and trust for your reef tank? I've always used API simply because it's cheap and easy to use, but am running low and looking to see if there's a better option.


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Unread 02/14/2019, 06:09 PM   #2
outssider
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I would add the hanna checker to the list....it's pretty popular


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Unread 02/14/2019, 10:54 PM   #3
billwill
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I’ve used api for many years and also have a Hanna checker. The api is always spot on with the Hanna, so I only use the Hanna checker on occasion to confirm the api.


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Unread 02/15/2019, 01:42 AM   #4
Tastee
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Red Sea Pro


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Unread 02/15/2019, 03:33 AM   #5
homer1475
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Hanna


If not for the accuracy, then for the ease of use.


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Unread 02/15/2019, 09:27 AM   #6
ReefsandGeeks
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At this point, I think I'll go with either Salifert, or Red Sea Pro. I currently have the red sea pro test kit for Mag. Would I be able to resuse the components from that and just buy the reagent refill kit for the Alk test, or would I need to buy the whole kit?

I tried adding the Hanna checker to the pole, but cant seem to update it.


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Unread 02/15/2019, 01:49 PM   #7
murphreef
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Hanna is the absolute best for Alk.....

I use Salifer for CA and MG but for ALK you gotta use Hanna


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Unread 02/15/2019, 02:27 PM   #8
hkgar
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Quote:
Originally Posted by outssider View Post
i would add the hanna checker to the list....it's pretty popular
+1


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Unread 02/15/2019, 05:49 PM   #9
Silly clownfish
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Quote:
Originally Posted by billwill View Post
I’ve used api for many years and also have a Hanna checker. The api is always spot on with the Hanna, so I only use the Hanna checker on occasion to confirm the api.


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+1 on API and Hanna


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Unread 02/15/2019, 06:02 PM   #10
skip0211
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Salifert for many years... always consistent..


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Unread 02/15/2019, 09:06 PM   #11
Nanook
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Hanna


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Unread 02/15/2019, 09:42 PM   #12
LIreefguy
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i use hanna as well.


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Unread 02/16/2019, 08:32 AM   #13
MondoBongo
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Hanna, can't beat the ease of operation.


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Unread 02/16/2019, 11:57 AM   #14
biecacka
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Hanna here as well.


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Unread 02/17/2019, 12:31 AM   #15
FoxFace Fish
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Hanna


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Unread 02/17/2019, 01:43 PM   #16
billdogg
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Salifert for me. I find it, like all the rest of their kits, to be easy to use with very repeatable results. Is it as accurate as a Hanna? probably not, but at least IMO, consistency is way more important than an exact number.


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Unread 02/18/2019, 08:51 AM   #17
ReefsandGeeks
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Great replies so far! Wish I could add Hanna checker to the poll. Seems either the Salifert or the Hanna checker are the two the bulk of people use. I've decided to order a salifert alk test simply due to cost. $12 for the Salifert vs $50 for the Hanna, I can't justify the Hanna right now as my hobby budget is a bit short. I'll see how I like the Salifert, and possibly do hanna next time.


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Unread 02/18/2019, 09:58 AM   #18
Nanook
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Before Hanna, I used Lamotte for years and still use it occasionally. Hanna is nice because you get an exact number instead of a best guess.


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Unread 02/18/2019, 06:47 PM   #19
gsiegel
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Hands down Hanna checker


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Unread 02/18/2019, 07:05 PM   #20
fijisrfr
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Hanna for ALK, Salifert for the rest!


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Unread 02/18/2019, 08:23 PM   #21
Formulator
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The cheapo API kits from persmart work fine for Alk, nitrate, and pH. I have compared to salifert and gotten the same result. The only thing a hannah checker is good for is phosphate and nitrate if you are carbon dosing and going for a super low nutrient environment. In that case, hannah is the way to go because you will be below the LOQ of most other kits.


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Unread 02/19/2019, 10:27 AM   #22
cincyjim
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Hanna.


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Unread 02/19/2019, 01:03 PM   #23
ReefsandGeeks
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I ended up buying the Salifert kit for Alk, just got it yesterday and I like it alot more than the API test kit. A bit more cumbersome to use, but seems to have better resolution. API is accurate to only 1 DKH, which isn't great if you're trying to push your alk up beyond the middle range. With everything I've read, I'm thinking the Hanna checker may be a better choice, but I didn't like the $50 cost to get one, so that will have to wait.

I think it's pretty safe to assume at this point that most of the "other" votes are for the Hanna Checker. Pretty well split between Hanna and Salifert, with a few votes for the others.


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Unread 02/19/2019, 06:45 PM   #24
fijisrfr
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The reason I like the Hanna over others is simply that you get a digital readout instead of an ambiguous color change. Admit it, I would guess that we have all added a drop or two more to get the color we want!


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Unread 02/20/2019, 12:59 PM   #25
hkgar
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Quote:
Originally Posted by devastator007 View Post
I ended up buying the Salifert kit for Alk, just got it yesterday and I like it alot more than the API test kit. A bit more cumbersome to use, but seems to have better resolution. API is accurate to only 1 DKH, which isn't great if you're trying to push your alk up beyond the middle range. With everything I've read, I'm thinking the Hanna checker may be a better choice, but I didn't like the $50 cost to get one, so that will have to wait.

I think it's pretty safe to assume at this point that most of the "other" votes are for the Hanna Checker. Pretty well split between Hanna and Salifert, with a few votes for the others.
The $50 is the up front cost to get the meter. Replacement reagent is about $8-9 per bottle for about 25 tests


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