Should I be cleaning them with DI water?Hanna Checkers are tricky to use. The glass container must be clean, with no bubbles or smudges on the outside of the glass. They are accurate, but only if performed correctly. If the glass is dirty or there a bubble they can read incorrectly.
I know this isn't a great option but I do have an API kit laying around, do you think I could get a decent reading from that to compare with?Alk result from hanna alkalinity checker at 7.1 and 7.45 are basically the same as the technology behind this checker is less accurate than titration method which used by all other major rest kit manufacturers, including all automated alk testers
The calcium result is out of wack.
hmm yea I guess 7.1 to 7.4 isn't a crazy difference it is the calcium that's concerning meIn reviews i have seen and read the alk hana tester is very accurate BUT the calcium one is not accurate.
would the API be any better?The calcium different is a lot
ill have to look into thoseAPI test kits can be used as a rough estimate.
For dosing, you need something like a salifert or redsea alk test kit.
will do. thank you for all the advice dongThe good thing about this hobby is that there is no real difference if you keep your tank at 8 or 9 dkh. As long as your Alk is within the window from 7.5 to 10, you don’t have to chase the number.
Even if your Hanna test kit is off by 1 dkh, as long as you keep your test reading around 8.5 dkh, you should be fine because your actual Alk value is still within the good range. But if your reading from Hanna tester is closer to 7 or 10, I would get the water tested with a titration test kit such as Salifert or Redsea.