Hanna Electronic Alkalinity Test Kit Taking Pre-Orders

[Blueshorts]

These things look pretty cool and refills are only $9 for 25 tests or $.36 each test. I think this might be my new gadget when my current kit runs out.

http://reefbuilders.com/2010/09/14/hanna-checker-marine-alkalinity-hitting-at-49-50/#more-23897

[Funky187]

that looks really nice!

[LegoZ]

Cost per test breakdown.
80 cents per test with the Hanna
43 cents per test with LaMotte
based on 106 tests with Hanna (inital meter $49.50 with 6 tests and 4 - 25 test refills at 8.99 each)
100 LaMotte (initial test kit $29.99 and 1 - 50 test refill $12.99)

If you consider the initial LaMotte Kit and the photometer sunk cost, and remove them from the picture you are looking at:
36 cents per test Hanna
26 cents per test LaMotte

So every 10 tests will cost your a dollar more.
Lets see drip swirl drip swirl drip swirl... Seems worth it to me :D

[LegoZ]

Mine is ordered direct from http://hannachecker.com can't wait!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Blueshorts]

Awesome! Tell us if you like it!

[Fieroguy19]

I got excited when I saw electronic alk testing thinking it was a probe that would continuously monitor alk. Oh well. Maybe some day.

[LegoZ]

but this is a simple regent test which means it could be automated VERY easily with a signal being sent to a compatible capture device. (Apex or RKE come to mind with a simple add on module)
Insert tube into tank to pickup the sample water. have a feed to a gallon jug of RO for post test rinse, and a waste catcher to catch the waste and the rinse water.
Use a drop away bottom flask with magnetic stir bar to mix, and a powder dispenser that can deposit the correct dosage.
Feed digital signal to the RKE/Apex controller for automated logging.
Schedule tests thru the controller.

[paul]

It is probably best it is not a probe I had two American Marine cal monitors with probes that never worked right, I sent several back before I gave up, Pretty bad for a $400.00 instrument. This one looks really nice but, I am sure I would still compare it to a manual test so I would probably end up using both costing more anyway LOL! Great find I need to add one to the tool chest.

[Blueshorts]

Hehe, I want to see that build-up LegoZ!

[Funky187]

that does not sound too easy to me!!!! Louis, Louis Louis, you think too much. Make sure to tell us what you think!

[LegoZ]

Will do as soon as it ships, I can't wait...

[LegoZ]

I WANT NOW!!! lol

[Blueshorts]

Hehe, I had to do an Alk test the old way a couple days ago, it was terrible :).

[LegoZ]

i got mine today.
LaMotte says 156ppm Hanna says 119ppm!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[LegoZ]

in dKH
LaMotte 8.736
Hanna 6.664

[Blueshorts]

Congrats on getting it! Which do you think is more accurate?

[Funky187]

can you check a control solution like they have with the salifert test kits to see who is accurate???

[LegoZ]

yes if i had one to check but i need a lot 15ml total min, more realistically 20ml

[Fieroguy19]

I may be able to make something to check it with. Personally I would trust the Lamotte kit. That is a huge difference in readings.

[davedunbar]

I should get mine today I'll post my results. I have an Elos, LaMotte & Salfert kit so we'll see!! Mark what would you make the standard? Maybe like 8.0 dKH would be a good start?
Dave

[LegoZ]

Anyone in B-N want to come check my alk?

[davedunbar]

Well...out of 4 tests each I'm alittle disappointed!!
Avg of 4 tests
Hanna 111ppm/6.2dKH
LaMotte 152ppm/8.5dKH
Salfert 140ppm/7.8dKH

Maybe when Mark makes a standard it will explain which test is closer!! I've been using LaMotte kits for almost 3 yrs now and really am leaning on their results to be more accurate???
The Hanna says the Accuracy is +/- 5% of reading +/- 5ppm @ 25deg C
Looks like +/-50ppm to me!!
Dave

[paul]

I don't think I even trust the accuracy on my LR Hanna Phosphate meter. I would run about 4 tests for each sample, I would never just trust one. A smudge or speck on the glass test tube has a huge impact. A low battery which is supposed to warn you when exhausted and doesn't throws the reading off. To top things off I compared my unit to Bret's (super) hanna lab, we swapped the tubes back and forth and could never get the same readings, not to mention his directions on handling the exact same regent has different mixing directions. Mine says stir gently don't worry if it doesn't dissolve, his says to stir for several minutes till completely dissolved, then test. Testing is so frustrating for the time and money, not to mention are you really sure the reading you are getting from it is even accurate. So the only time I trust the Hanna unit I have is after 30 min of running the same test with a pile of regents, with a glass tube that has been RO/DI vinegar washed, soaked in DI, blown out with canned air, and only tested with a new battery , how fun does this sound? Maybe bad luck only follows me, HAPPY REEFING!

[7Hogwarts]

This is a good thread. I've been using La Motte for a few years. A difference that I had noticed with them is the difference the time it would take for the tablet to disolve.Last batch 7-8 minutes. new batch 20 seconds. I don't know if it ever made a differeence skewing results. Just an observation.
I'm looking forward to Mark's check. If possible, Mark, could you bring some to Fragtoberfest?

[LegoZ]

I've noticed that as well Ken as your tablets get older they take longer to disolve. A brand new bottle vs one that has been opened 49 times...

[Blueshorts]

Update from reef builders with a short video on how to take a measurement with these units if anyone was wondering:

http://reefbuilders.com/2010/10/13/hanna-alkalinity-checker-video-treatment/

[paul]

I will say of all the test the La Motte alk test has been my favorite, also the most enjoyable to perform. Every time I finish a kit I keep the blue container and test tubes then put Elos mg in one and Salifert tests in the others. This way at least my test kits look consistent whether the results are. You are right about the time it takes the tablets to dissolve over time. Has any one else ever noticed the slight shift in color to a more emerald hue as well?

[Funky187]

i was following a thread on rc about a reefer who was having trouble maintaining alk. he said that he was using the la motte kit and someone had said that la motte kits are designed for fresh not salt. apparently the titration tests for fresh need to go down to a ph of 4.5 where salt needs to go down to 4.2. he said that this could throw off the test as much as 10%. not sure how much truth that is and i am no chemist so, take that for what its worth.

[LegoZ]

Yeah that was Boomer but it would read LOW by 10% as more acid would be needed to drop the pH to 4.2 so if that is the case it would mean the 156ppm reading is already 10% LOW (171.6ppm if that is the case) so the 119ppm is even further off! fun times...

[gqjeff]

Check it against fauna marine multi-reference solution. That's if the reference solution is good also though.

[LegoZ]

you can get a much better deal by ordering refills on the test kit, i think it is like 10 bux less or so...
check out premium aquatics, or post in one of the LFS sponsor forums for a quote...

[LegoZ]

my included 6 packets tested highest at 122ppm when LaMotte was coming out ~156ppm.
Last night i tested with some on the refills Lamotte still 156ppm and Hanna said 145ppm,

Getting ready to check again here in the next 20 minutes or so and will post results.

well i tossed the empty packets so i don't know the batch number of the packets included.
The additional Reagents I orders are H004.

I tested back to back LaMotte tested 152ppm and Hanna tested 147ppm. looks like the first batch was a dud...

[davedunbar]

The 2 refills I ordered are H004 also the packs that came with are 001?? expiry 09-2015???? Nice spelling??
Dave

[Blueshorts]

Apparently there is a new liquid reagent testing a little closer to the salifert kits...

http://www.reef2reef.com/forums/lighting-hardware-diy-discussion/52426-hannah-alk-checker-new-liquid-reagent.html

Hope they solve this I really want one, but don't feel like putting out the money if it isn't accurate.

[davedunbar]

I got the upgrade kit for free yesterday 2 vials of liquid we'll see the difference!!
Dave

[ylchik]

huh - I am trying to understand you boys, but I think this may be more than my brain can take in at the moment....

Louis If you want I have a sailfert test kit here... though Ken and I got VERY different readings....
yeah... uh.... ok stopping typing now....