How to measure alkalinity dKH in marine aquariums with Hanna Checkers

Measuring alkalinity levels within your reef or marine aquarium is important for maintaining the health of your plants, corals and fish. The HI-772 Marine Alkalinity Checker offers a practical and precise way to measure alkalinity in dKH in fish tanks, with results displayed on an easy-to-read electronic screen. Read on to learn how to measure alkalinity with a Hanna Checker:

Steps for measuring alkalinity with a Hanna Checker

The HI-772 is designed for easy daily and weekly water measurements in marine tanks. The results of measurement are displayed on an LCD screen, providing accurate information that you can use to effectively dose and manage your tank water.

Here’s how to measure alkalinity with a Checker using the included reagents:

1. Press the button to turn the meter on, fill your vial with a sample of aquarium water and place it in the Checker
2. Press the button to ‘Zero’ the Checker then remove the vial
3. Add 1 mL of S reagent to the sample, replace the cap and gently invert five times to mix
4. Press and hold the button to start the timer and wait for your results in dKH

Why measure alkalinity in reef aquariums?

Alkalinity, or carbonate hardness, is a vital measurement parameter in reef and marine aquariums as it helps to maintain a stable pH within the tank. Fluctuations of alkalinity can lead to swings in pH as acids and carbon dioxide aren’t neutralised, which can be harmful to the plants, fish and corals in aquariums.

Tanks with corals also need to maintain an adequate dKH level to support their healthy growth, alongside the measurement of other key parameters required for these delicate and costly habitats. Digital testing provides the information to make swift changes to your water chemistry, helping to keep your tank healthy.

Using a digital tester like Hanna’s Checker range provides peace of mind when measuring the quality of your aquarium water. The testing process is simple and easy, and results are clearly displayed to allow you to make informed choices about cleaning, dosing and changing your tank water.

Why use an electronic tester for aquariums?

Digital testers like Hanna Checkers are an ideal option for freshwater and marine aquariums of all sizes. You may consider cost one of the reasons you choose test strips vs electronic testers. While Checkers have a larger up-front cost, you don’t need to rely on personal perception to determine the results of measurement, preventing potentially costly mistakes in water dosing.

Choosing to use a digital tester removes the need for guesswork when testing your aquarium water. Results are shown on the LCD screen, providing the precise information needed to determine how to effectively dose your water. This accuracy helps to keep your aquarium life healthy and reduces the potential of over or underdosing.

Buy Hanna Checkers online today

Hanna’s complete range of electronic aquarium Checkers is available online, with free next-day delivery. Our testers cover all key common and niche aquarium parameters, from marine ammonia to magnesium and phosphate.

Buy Hanna fish tank Checkers online here.