The Heartbreak of the Flashing '600' - what you need to know about the Hanna Calcium Checker.

I had an issue testing with the Hanna Calcium Checker that was because of incorrect information provided by the manufacturer. The result was a waste of 20% of the reagents that came with the checker - an expensive way to learn about their mistake. I hope this helps anyone using this instrument for the first time. Please note, this isn't intended to be a review of the actual product - more of a hints & tips thing. I do like the checker and I'm confident in the accuracy of the results - now that I've figured out how to get there.

[tonycloseukreef]

Great video nice to get a reply from hanna about your findings ❤

[AndyMahnFL]

I'm quite happy with the Hanna alkalinity checker and was ready to pull the trigger on the calcium checker, but after reading several reviews and determining it seems to be much more complicated and maybe not as easy or as reliable, I opted to stay with Salifert for now. thanks for sharing your experience.

[jeremyb]

Good info! I personally use the Red Sea stuff for Cal, Mag, and Alk...but I hear these Hannah checkers are pretty great. Been thinking about getting one eventually for Phosphates mainly...

[lindasreef]

Very interesting, thanks for sharing.

[StickNate]

Great video. I used mine only 3-4x since my Calcium levels were over 500. Perhaps I will try it again.

[mitchboudreaux]

Thanks for the info, I was doing the same thing my results were in the 500 range did 3 test, order the Hanna deionized water and calibration kit

[mitchboudreaux]

Tested my calcium this morning with the Hanna calcium checker using distilled water results were 445 vs. In the over 500 range using RO/DI water

[nismozx]

Thanks for posting this, I just ran 6 separate tests with all results showing 500+ while my salifert and API kits read 440. I am going to try distilled water and report back tomorrow. Like you I am very careful and tidy in my procedure, I do not even hold the vial without a mf cloth in my hand and use napkins to clean the insides. My RODI has a TDS of 0 and I made a fresh batch before testing, using the flush valve for 3 minutes before collecting. I also have the alk and ulp checker, neither of which gives me an issue.

[mitchboudreaux]

Yes, I only wasted 2 test, just got a gallon of distilled water will check it tomorrow

[bobescher]

I was going to buy the calcium checker I already have the DKH checker and love it. Been using Red Sea test kits and I don't like their syringes and the way you have to double check where the fluid is let a, one the lettering rubbing off

[lawrencemckinney]

Same thing happened to me even using there water distilled I think is the way

[soverjas]

Get a gallon or reagent grade DI water. If you shop around you can find it for as low as $8. Store it cool and keep it out of the light after opening. It will last a long time. Read through some of the comments and didn't see anyone give you the right answer. Also a few people talking about your 2ppm as the issue when distilled water usually runs between 15-35ppm so I promise you thats not the issue. While the Hannah checker is a bit of a pain if done right its by far the most accurate hobby grade kit and will usually get you within 3% +/-. I have tested with both distilled and Reagent grade DI water and there is such a small difference I wouldn't loose sleep.

[gottmituns]

Well that explains why my Ca is reading 560 something.

[nanoaquamania]

I guess hanna is good for alk and po4 (using phosphorous for measuring ultra low po4s) its way too expensive in longer run. however im considering buying hanna alk as redsea alk sucks big time.

[DeAndreEllison]

hmm... i tell ya.. that RODI water.... ...I've learned my lesson about periodically testing the water that comes out of my unit..

[spsdominant]

Sorry you are having frustrations. I have a Hannah calcium checker and I used it once. Didn't have the problem you are having but I did not like diluting with 9 ml of RODI water. Love their Ultra low phosphate and alk checker. I would give the calcium one away. Stick with the salifurt test on cal.

[Davelembo]

You'd think rodi would be 0 cal. When I lived in the country, my well water had a lot of calcium [great for African Cichlids ] and used to clog my rodi to the point where it would almost stop producing water. Have you checked TDs in your rodi? Sucks you blew through 5 tests. Hope you had chocolate on hand

[bobescher]

Hmm I guess I will buy it after all and a gallon of distilled water😔😀