Hach test kits.. first resulsts

cyberchef · 04-30-2002, 12:14 PM

I just got my new Hach test kits...

They are really nice. They come in small plastic containers that seal tight. I got their "saltwater master kit" , $49.95 #2068600, it covers ammonia, nitrites, nitrates and PH. I also got thier Electronic PH tester, $79.00 #2723500, it's waterproof and the test probe is replaceable, I used it after it came in and checked it against their test in the SW master kit and both were right on. Also they have buffers you can get for calibrating and checking the tester, they are $11.25 for 50 "pillows packets" (makes 50 solutions) and they come in 4,7 and 10. I also got the Alkalinity, $29.95 #2444301, now I just need to learn how to interpret it... lol Also with thier kitrs, you can just buy refills of the reagents when you run out. They sell direct, so you have to buy the kits from them. They are also the makers of the "SeaTest" and "fasTest" test kits offered by Aquarium Systems (found out this information from one of the Hach Techs).

http://aquariumsystems.com/frames1.htm

resulsts from first use
------------------------------

PH 8.3 SW master kit
PH 8.3 test meter
Ammonia 0
Nitrites 0
Nitrates 10 ppm
Phenolphthalien Alkalinity: 0
Methyl Orange Alkalinity as calcium carbonate: 400+ mg/L (test is rated for 20-400 (high alk) and 5-100, I went as far as 25 drops = 500 (drops x 20) )... Now I just need to learn how to properly interpret this number. Hopefully one of our more scientific members can help. Otherwise I'll post the findings to RC chemical forum.

cyberchef · 04-30-2002, 07:14 PM

beach bum · 05-01-2002, 12:29 AM

I've never even heard of them. How much do they vary from your old testing products? Noticeably more accurate? Or more user-friendly?

I like the easy tests...lol..."add 5 drops and shake"

cyberchef · 05-01-2002, 01:25 AM

Actually I find them a little easier to use and more user freindly. Add a packet of powder (sometimes 2) and shake, wait a few minutes and then compare to the colors attached to the vial. None of this "hold it 8" away and look through it against a solid white background" crap where the type of light and intensity of light seems to make a big difference. I was never able to get the colors to match exactly with the other kits, it was always a matter of picking the closest color match. I ran the Nitrate test 3 times and got the same results every time, before I would run the same test 2 times and get 2 different results or run 2-3 tests of different brands and get 2-3 different results. The old tests kept giving me results between 25ppm and 80ppm and yet everything in the tank seemed fine and I had tons of Calupera in the refugium. The numbers just didn't seem "right" and the conflicts of results were driving me nuts.

I would say more accurate definately, plus the packets are individually sealed so they are less likely to get contaminated and I would think that the measurements are probably more accurate as well. But for me the Alkalinity test may be a bit much at least until I learn how to interpret the results. I might try getting a different Alk test if I can't find out how to interpret this one. The ones I currently have just give the results in low, good and high and I would really like a more accurate answer.

SteveNichols · 05-01-2002, 06:25 AM

Hach is a professional company for sure, Randy Holmes-Farley (the chemistry guy) likes them a lot, and he is a professional in the field.

Doug1 · 05-01-2002, 09:34 AM

I was just noticing the exp date on my old fast test reagents APR-00 darn now I gotta spend more

beach bum · 05-01-2002, 01:47 PM

Quote:

The numbers just didn't seem "right" and the conflicts of results were driving me nuts.

That is why I refuse to test twice, lol, it drives me nuts too! Slowly but surely I am getting more accurate test kits (Salifert), I just figure if there is ANY measureable ammonia or 'trIte, I need to take action! I'm still mostly a FO guy, so I haven't moved towards the expensive calc, alk, type tests. Good for you on the upgrade.

cyberchef · 05-01-2002, 10:22 PM

I have a salifert nitrate test kit and I still found it to be a pita. Your dealing with 1 ml of tank water, barely enough to cover the bottom of the container they supply. I still found it to be difficult to read. With the Hach kit it has a test "tube/vial" that is attached to the color codes, similair to a pool test kit, so it seems a lot easier to match up. You hold it up and look at the test vial and compare it to the color codes next to the vial just like you would with a pool test kit, nice, simple and easy. I also like the fact that most of the reagents are individually packaged so that they stay fresher with less chance of contamination. So far for me this is working out great.