CALCIUM tests

[Zakk]

Rehashing an old tired subject here...

I have 3 calcium tests at home.  A hanna, a salifert that came in a used bulk deal, and a used one that a lfs sold me.  Both salifert tests expire in early 2013. 

Results of my last test (after playing around with the dosers).

Salifert 1 - 350, 360, 350
Salifert 2 - 400, 420, 420
Hanna    - 460, 473, 472

The salifert are tough because you are dealing with drops, but it's pretty apparent when the colour changes.  Still, this is one hell of a discrepency.  I tend to trust the hanna, even though it is totally dependant on having absolutely clean 0TDS water for the test (which may have thrown off the first test, I didn't test the water I used with a TDS meter). 

What do you guys think?  I either have way too much calcium, or not enough.  This is rather frustrating to say the least. 

 

[teebone110]

I am having the same issues with my Red Sea kit. I think the best approach is to stick with one kit and ensure tests are done at the same time, the same way. The results are probably not 100% accurate, but at least it can offer a value that can hopefully be maintained consistently. The key is stability and to avoid any sudden changes in reef chemistry.

I would say if things look good and they are growing, stick with it and keep things going slow and steady. Maybe aim to be at least in the 400 range with the same test kit.