Test Kit Problems (Salifert vs. Hanna Checker)

Rickyrooz1

Acropora Nut
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?
 
Using test kits that require titration to a visible color shift can be somewhat problematic. Any two analysts can get consistently different results based on each individual's interpretation of where the endpoint is. From the reefkeeping perspective, that's not usually a problem so long as the reefkeeper performs the test consistently.

However, the best way to estimate accuracy (as opposed to precision, which has to do with getting the same, but not necessarily correct, answer repeatedly) is by testing a standard solution. In the case of the Salifert alkalinity test, a standard solution is provided with a known value, so you might choose to test this and see how close you are.

Calcium is a bit more problematic. If you've an accurate scale (down to the gram) and a way to make accurate volume measurements, you can prepare a standard solution by means of serial dilution that will be accurate to +/- 10 ppm.

But without the equipment, perhaps the second best way to compare two test methods for calcium would be to make a batch of seawater with a consistent salt mix. For example, Instant Ocean when freshly mixed to a specific gravity of 1.026 should test at about 400 ppm Calcium. Reef Central members consistently report that Reef Crystals, when freshly mixed to 1.026 specific gravity, has a calcium concentration of about 490 ppm.
 
I have both the Salifert Alk test and a Hanna Alk Checker also. I used the standard solution that comes with the Salifert Kit to test the Hanna Checker. The standard is 6.7 dkh

I got a reading of 120 ppm which is just about 6.7 dkh I wasn't sure that the standard would work in the Hanna but it appears it does. You could give that a try.

As far as the Hanna Calcium Checker, I didn't like it and found it hard to get consistent readings. I use the Salifert for Calcium and have always found it pretty reliable.
 
I have given up on the hanna calcium & alkalinity checkers. I found it very hard to get a accurate reading . I still use the Hanna Phos checker though.
I use sailifert now and find them very easy to use and accurate. I took all my readings (sailifert & hanna) to my local LFS and they tested with red sea test kits for all parameters and the sailfert were the closest, hanna cal and alk was miles away.
 
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.
 
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