Personally I specifically didn't buy the Hanna Ca checker because of the large number of reviews that mimic your experience with it. There are certain tests that each brand seems to be better at due to the different tests being performed. In this case I'd be hard pressed to trust the result.

First bucket....420ppm...1.023

Second....360ppm...1.025

Third...490ppm....1.040 or so. Three cups of salt versus two.

All Salifert. They have no calcium added. Usually I add a teaspoon. They do have 3 tablespoons of magnesium.

No rolling of bucket. so perhaps different later. This was from the top.

My last 3 batches ( to finish the bucket off ), and it was rolled before opened

All tested @ 79f and 1.025 after approx 18hrs of mixing

11 dKH and 410 Ca
10.5 and 420
10 and 450

I'm curious to find out what the next bucket will give me

Really Greg, those are great numbers. I will test mine tonight.

Great numbers, but too high for what we would expect from IO...

That's what I thought too:question: Great if it is but doubtful, I will have to test my water to confirm..

Mixed with RO, you should see about 360 to 380, allowing for testing error..

Rich, next time you're out and about, bring your 3 kits to my place as I still have a few gallons of the last batch left

Plus something else that explains why my algae battle has been going so well -
At the end of this bucket, it would appear I'm getting 1550 Mg :surprise:

Like I said, I'll report when I mix a batch from the new bucket

1550mg....and thats why I roll my bucket:mrgreen:

I rolled that bucket around the recroom so much it looked like someone had a monster truck event :surprise: