Calcium Test Kit

walvis

walvis

New member
I'm looking for a reliable/accurate CA test kit.
Currently using Elos & Salifert(reads to high)
Also, just bought Hanna checker which I will return, too many bad reviews.

TIA, James
 
How do you know these kits you are currently using are not correct? Perhaps you have a known calcium standard to compare them too? Are they old kits?
 
If using Elos, test reading is 450
Can't get a reading with Salifert
Just like to get another test kit to cross reference the reading
Can't seem to get my Ca to go down after turning off CaRx for a week now.
Just running ULNS and want dead on readings..
 
Calcium will drop at about 7.12 ppm per every 1 dKH of alkalinity used. So if your tank uses say 1 dKH of alk a day or 7 dKH per week, then calcium should drop by around 50 ppm in a week provided no other calcium supplements are added (this includes water changes with high calcium level salt mixes).

Has your alkalinity level dropped any over the week with the calcium reactor turned off and no other alk supplementation?

Which salt mix are you using?


You could take a water sample to a trusted LFS and see what they get. ;)
 
HighlandReefer said:
Calcium will drop at about 7.12 ppm per every 1 dKH of alkalinity used. So if your tank uses say 1 dKH of alk a day or 7 dKH per week, then calcium should drop by around 50 ppm in a week provided no other calcium supplements are added (this includes water changes with high calcium level salt mixes).

Has your alkalinity level dropped any over the week with the calcium reactor turned off and no other alk supplementation?

Which salt mix are you using?


You could take a water sample to a trusted LFS and see what they get. ;)
Click to expand...

Kh did drop little bit 0.3 within 3-4days and expect Ca to do the same, but remain kind of high.
I wonder if my strontium dosing have something to do with it, which being dosed @ 20ml/day on net +/- 325g
Last time a checked Sr about 2-3 weeks a go, read +/- 4 Salifert, and been dosing with my Profilux 3-4mnds same amount 20ml
Currently using RedSea(regular) salt, which gives me NSW numbers..
 
I would suggest Red Sea pro test kit. i have it and I haven't had any issues with it. Also if you get the reef foundation pack its relatively inexpensive. $50 for Cal, Alk and mg.

I trust it and have heard other good things about it around.

Also you can buy cheaper refills if you run out of tests or they expire.
 
If your alk (KH) only dropped about 0.3 dKH then calcium would only drop around 2 ppm. You would not be able to see a 2 ppm drop in calcium using hobby grade kits. ;)
 
I was thinking about the RS kit, the only problem is be able to read color chance.
Too bad Hanna has issues with there checker.
 
Check out Hanna sponsor forum, lots of frustrating customers get off the wall #
I do own Kh & Phosphorus checker and love them, that's why I bought Ca blind folded.
 
Ya, I'm holding off on the Hanna calcium checker until they work out the bugs. I'm sure they eventually will, just as with previous checkers.
 
Since the Hanna Calcium checker is probably not a good buy right now, can someone recommend an easy to read calcium test kit? I currently have problems with the Red Sea and Salifert kits given my slight color blindness.

How do you read the Elos results? Is it a color chart just like the rest?
How bout the Seachem calcium kit?
 
AC2020x said:
I would suggest Red Sea pro test kit. i have it and I haven't had any issues with it. Also if you get the reef foundation pack its relatively inexpensive. $50 for Cal, Alk and mg.

I trust it and have heard other good things about it around.

Also you can buy cheaper refills if you run out of tests or they expire.
Click to expand...

+1 I use this too. I like it a lot, very easy to use.
 
GvineReefer said:
Since the Hanna Calcium checker is probably not a good buy right now, can someone recommend an easy to read calcium test kit? I currently have problems with the Red Sea and Salifert kits given my slight color blindness.

How do you read the Elos results? Is it a color chart just like the rest?
How bout the Seachem calcium kit?
Click to expand...

The Elos Calcium test kit does not use a color chart but is based on the number of drops needed to change color; pink to blue if I remember correctly.
 
Ya, the PinPoint is nice, but way too pricey. I'll probably try the Elos and see how that goes. I can see color, it just gets hard when holding up a tube and trying to match it to the exact color on the color chart. My eyes just can't seem to figure that out. I think the Elos will work for me, as I can see color changes. Hopefully the Hanna's will make progress soon as well so there is another solution.

Thanks for your help!
 
I received the Hanna checkers and the Elos Calcium kit. Definitely a good recommendation and it is much easier to use than the others in my opinion. The Elos just requires you to add drops until the color changes and you're done. Easy enough.

I also really like the Hanna kits. So nice to get a digital reading and not have to worry about stupid color charts any more.
 
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