What's your favorite Alk test kit??

sweatervest13

sweatervest13

Active Member
Hi all,
I have been on the look out for a different Alk test kit. I have tried the API test, and its okay, but I don't think it is super accurate. Recently I have tried the Red Sea Pro line of test kits and purchased their reef master test kit (Calcium, Alk, Magnesium). They are decent tests (titration style), but I have a lot of trouble with the end point color with the Alkalinity test. It is supposed to start light blue, and move to orange. There is a very large spread from the blue to orange. The other Red Sea Pro tests are much easier to tell when you hit the end point. There is a very distinct color change with the last drop from the titration dropper.
I am currently using Red Sea Pro tests for: Calcium, Magnesium, and nitrate. These are the test kits that I am happy with and will continue to use. For pH I am using the API test, and I just ordered a Hanna checker for Phosphates (super excited to try this baby out). I honestly don't test much for Ammonia or Nitrite (my most recent Nitrate test using a the low range RS pro kit was 0.00 ppm. So, I think that I am fine not testing ammonia or nitrite). My big gap is the Alk test.
What are the preferred alkalinity test kits out there?? Does anyone use the Hanna checker for Alk? Do you recommend it?
I am really trying to stabilize my system and I am about to put some dosing pumps (BRS 1.1ml/min) online and dose two part solution. I have a decent amount of SPS corals in my system, but I want to take this to the next level and start to get some great growth and color.
 
2quills

2quills

Well-Known Member
I hate the api kits for dkh and calcium. I think I'm going to continue using the test that comes in the swimming pool kits that I use for alk. I get a real distinct change with those on the last drop or two. I believe they're the Leslie's brand.
 
bang guy

bang guy

Moderator
I've always used Salifert but there is a lot to be said for the SeaChem tests that can distinguish between Carbonate Alkalinity and Borate Alkalinity.
 
2quills

2quills

Well-Known Member
I've always used Salifert but there is a lot to be said for the SeaChem tests that can distinguish between Carbonate Alkalinity and Borate Alkalinity.
Have you ran into many situations where it was necissary to determine both, individually? I know my pool kits will measure the total alk which I believe is the sum of both parts. I guess it probably wouldn't matter too much unless I ran into a real issue controlling the p.h. would it?
 
sweatervest13

sweatervest13

Active Member
I am reading good things regarding the Hanna Alkalinity checker. Most say its a good test. The Hanna Calcium checker does not however get good reviews.
I am just looking to have a reliable, repeatable test. I am not chasing numbers, I just am looking for stability.
I watched a youtube video on Red Sea Pro alkalinity test and the end point they showed was not anything close to what I get or have to check against on their reference card. The video showed a pink color, and I get an orange color. I wonder if I have a bunk test?? I am going to see if I can contact someone from Red Sea company.
 
marvelfan

marvelfan

Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by sweatervest13 http:///t/396041/whats-your-favorite-alk-test-kit#post_3527832
I am reading good things regarding the Hanna Alkalinity checker. Most say its a good test. The Hanna Calcium checker does not however get good reviews.
I am just looking to have a reliable, repeatable test. I am not chasing numbers, I just am looking for stability.
I watched a youtube video on Red Sea Pro alkalinity test and the end point they showed was not anything close to what I get or have to check against on their reference card. The video showed a pink color, and I get an orange color. I wonder if I have a bunk test?? I am going to see if I can contact someone from Red Sea company.
I'm interested in this too. I use the Reef Pro kit as well. Alk is the most difficult to distinguish. What I have been doing is dripping until I get a the full orange color. There is a time in between blue and orange where it will change color depending on what angle or lighting you hold the sample up against. I go until it is the same red color under all conditions.
The other tests are very clear, especially calcium.
I have the Hanna for phosphate. I think its pretty great, but I'm had issues with calibration failing. I've only used it about a dozen times. I've also tested the same water 3 times in a row and received back very different consecutive results. The last several tests I double checked with API and it seems close. (I think the issues is that it comes with 2 sample vials. I was using one for the control (just water) and one for the testing chemical). Since then I calibrate with the same vial I use the chemical additive with. I think even a slight difference in fraction of the glass vials due to shape could effect the outcomes.
 
sweatervest13

sweatervest13

Active Member
Wow. I sent an email to Red Sea company and just explained my troubles with the Alk test. Here is their response.
Dear Ryan,
I apologize the inconvenience. It seems to me that you have done all the steps that I would recommend so what we can do is sending you a free refill for your Alk test. Kindly provide us with your shipping address.
Thank you very much,
Hannah Huddleston
Customer Service
Red Sea North America
Shoot!! I'll take a free refill of the reagent. Maybe I had a bunk test. The youtube videos that I watched referenced the color change to a pink color. Not orange. I guess we will see how it goes. I am probably going to hold off on the Hanna alkalinity checker until I get in the refill and try it out. Heck, saved me $50.00+ at least for a little while.
That is pretty good customer service in my book.
 
sweatervest13

sweatervest13

Active Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by MarvelFan http:///t/396041/whats-your-favorite-alk-test-kit#post_3527835
I'm interested in this too. I use the Reef Pro kit as well. Alk is the most difficult to distinguish. What I have been doing is dripping until I get a the full orange color. There is a time in between blue and orange where it will change color depending on what angle or lighting you hold the sample up against. I go until it is the same red color under all conditions.
The other tests are very clear, especially calcium.
I have the Hanna for phosphate. I think its pretty great, but I'm had issues with calibration failing. I've only used it about a dozen times. I've also tested the same water 3 times in a row and received back very different consecutive results. The last several tests I double checked with API and it seems close. (I think the issues is that it comes with 2 sample vials. I was using one for the control (just water) and one for the testing chemical). Since then I calibrate with the same vial I use the chemical additive with. I think even a slight difference in fraction of the glass vials due to shape could effect the outcomes.
Yeah, that is exactly what I am talking about. It is nowhere near a distinct color change. I agree the calcium test (and the Mag) is much more distinct.
I will let you know how the phosphate checker goes when I get it. It should be coming in today!!! I am super stoked. I ordered a bunch of fun stuff for the tank. I think I am most excited for the skimmer neck extension.
 
2quills

2quills

Well-Known Member
That was always my issue with the API kits. That inbetween time when the color actually changes. And similarly I've noticed the same with some of the pool kits that I've used in the past when maintaining them was part of my job. I saw similar inconsistancies in brands.
But this last kit that I picked up the alk test is pretty difinitive. One drop the color goes from green to clear and then on the next drop it definitely turns pinkish/red.
I try make sure I rinse the tubes with fresh water after every use. And when I fill the test vile with water I test them right on the mark. An extra drop or two of water or inconsistancies in droplet sizes of reagents could very easily throw the test off a little bit I'd imagine.
Let us know how the new stuff does.
 
marvelfan

marvelfan

Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by sweatervest13 http:///t/396041/whats-your-favorite-alk-test-kit#post_3527842
Shoot!! I'll take a free refill of the reagent. Maybe I had a bunk test. The youtube videos that I watched referenced the color change to a pink color. Not orange. I guess we will see how it goes. I am probably going to hold off on the Hanna alkalinity checker until I get in the refill and try it out. Heck, saved me $50.00+ at least for a little while.
That is pretty good customer service in my book.
I think I may have to write a letter! lol Good deal!
 
bang guy

bang guy

Moderator
Quote:
Originally Posted by 2Quills http:///t/396041/whats-your-favorite-alk-test-kit#post_3527822
Have you ran into many situations where it was necissary to determine both, individually? I know my pool kits will measure the total alk which I believe is the sum of both parts. I guess it probably wouldn't matter too much unless I ran into a real issue controlling the p.h. would it?
The times when I suggested a Carbonate Alkalinity test was always for people using the Seachem PH Booster. Eventually their corals would fail to thrive because most of the Alkalinity was in the form of Borate which isn't usable by coral.
 
2quills

2quills

Well-Known Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bang Guy http:///t/396041/whats-your-favorite-alk-test-kit#post_3527850
The times when I suggested a Carbonate Alkalinity test was always for people using the Seachem PH Booster. Eventually their corals would fail to thrive because most of the Alkalinity was in the form of Borate which isn't usable by coral.
Are you suggesting that the failure was in direct correlation with the concentrations of BO3 in the system?
 
bang guy

bang guy

Moderator
Quote:
Originally Posted by 2Quills http:///t/396041/whats-your-favorite-alk-test-kit#post_3527854
Are you suggesting that the failure was in direct correlation with the concentrations of BO3 in the system?
IMO a threshold was exceeded. It wasn't a gradual decline as the Borate increased. I believe the Borate reached a level high enough that Carbonate was no longer available.
In all cases a 50%+ water change seems to effect a miraculous cure. It could have been some other water parameter of course but Borate was the only thing I saw out of line.
 
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