Best Hanna Checkers (must haves)

[Djplus1]

As title says, which ones are the ones that literally night and day make a HUGE difference in testing ease/accuracy without just spending money to spend money? I've historically used Red Sea and have experience with Salifert and obviously API. I just ordered a Hanna HI-772 for dKH because I forgot how annoying the Red Sea test is. I'm pretty comfortable with the Nitrite, Nitrate and Ammonia so unless they are proven to be WAY off, I'd probably stick with those, but I'm adding corals now and will soon be testing for the other stuff (Phosphate, Calcium, Magnesium, etc) Are any of these a Hanna must? I've read elsewhere that the Phosphate tester is a pretty solid one so that is logically my next one, but don't know if I should just go ahead and get the Red Sea Foundation Pro (for the Ca and Mg) as it's cheaper than buying the two separate Ca and Mg, or are those Hanna tests just also a way better investment? Or I'm open to other options for those additional tests if you can sell me on why some other alternate brand is significantly better.

[wildcrazyjoker81]

The must haves for me have always been Alk, Nitrate high range, and Phosphate ULR. The nitrate I guess I could just do a salifert/redsea as I just want to realistically know I'm above 0 and not too high, but I do like knowing a number.The others like calcium/magnesium are a pain to do and that for me makes them not worth while.

I think the tools that have elevated my testing game are a magnetic pill stirrer to mix the reagent/powders and using a measured pippette to get exact amounts of liquid versus trusting the Hanna checker line.

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[Djplus1]

2 minutes ago, wildcrazyjoker81 said:

The must haves for me have always been Alk, Nitrate high range, and Phosphate ULR. The nitrate I guess I could just do a salifert/redsea as I just want to realistically know I'm above 0 and not too high, but I do like knowing a number.The others like calcium/magnesium are a pain to do and that for me makes them not worth while.

I think the tools that have elevated my testing game are a magnetic pill stirrer to mix the reagent/powders and using a measured pippette to get exact amounts of liquid versus trusting the Hanna checker line.

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I was watching a Red Sea video with a guy using one of those and also thought that would be be better than capping and shaking, AND I get to feel like a mad scientist, lol. So you're using this method with Hanna reagents or other tests?

[wildcrazyjoker81]

I was watching a Red Sea video with a guy using one of those and also thought that would be be better than capping and shaking, AND I get to feel like a mad scientist, lol. So you're using this method with Hanna reagents or other tests?

I use it for Hanna and Salifert as it really makes things much easier for both. The titration test are the main reason I got the pill as it can mix it as drops are added so you instantly see the color change as you are adding.

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[Squishie89]

I recently got Hanna Checkers and they are a GAME CHANGER. I am using the same ones wildcrazyjoker is using. I do also have a calcium and mag ones I got second hand. I have heard they can be finicky but I haven't messed with them yet. I'm also not currently don't test cal and mag frequently as I'm not there yet, but I do like the red sea for those. 

[Djplus1]

1 hour ago, Squishie89 said:

I recently got Hanna Checkers and they are a GAME CHANGER. I am using the same ones wildcrazyjoker is using. I do also have a calcium and mag ones I got second hand. I have heard they can be finicky but I haven't messed with them yet. I'm also not currently don't test cal and mag frequently as I'm not there yet, but I do like the red sea for those. 

What kind of readings are you getting on the Nitrate with the Hanna? I'm stil getting basically zero on the Red Sea, so it would be nice to see "something" in number form. 

[Squishie89]

2 minutes ago, Djplus1 said:

What kind of readings are you getting on the Nitrate with the Hanna? I'm stil getting basically zero on the Red Sea, so it would be nice to see "something" in number form. 

Well, my tank parameters aren't great right now lol 

Nitrates were 23.3 the other night. I have not checked the nitrate HC vs any other kit to be honest.