Magnetic Stirrer For Gh/kh Testing?

The API GH/KH tests both work by adding a drop of reagent to the tube to give color to the water, agitating the tube, and continuing to add drops until the water color changes again, capping and agitating between each drop. This is annoyingly time consuming, and calls out for a lab stirrer. I have one intended for swimming pool testing, bit it's big for the small 5ml samples used with API tests.
Anybody doing this, and know of a good stirrer for 5ml samples? I'm not finding one small enough on Amazon. Or, has someone addressed this issue in another way?

 

Hmm, interesting idea assuming it would be acceptable to “stir” vs agitate... nitrate test specifically needs agitation, not sure on gH....

When I test mine I use my past values as a baseline (tap gH is 11) so I will usually add drops by the grouping, 4and shake, 4 and shake, then individually. I also just use my thumb as a stopper vs capping and uncapping.... cut my time in about half if not more... (happily my kH is 5 so no need for longer testing)

 

The API GH/KH tests both work by adding a drop of reagent to the tube to give color to the water, agitating the tube, and continuing to add drops until the water color changes again, capping and agitating between each drop. This is annoyingly time consuming, and calls out for a lab stirrer. I have one intended for swimming pool testing, bit it's big for the small 5ml samples used with API tests.
Anybody doing this, and know of a good stirrer for 5ml samples? I'm not finding one small enough on Amazon. Or, has someone addressed this issue in another way?

Speed Test Portable Magnetic Aquarium Test Kit Stirrer SR Aquaristik

 

Mr. Potter. I was just posting a link to that item on Amazon. So someone is making one, but it's very pricey! The larger SpeedStir for pools is $15 with an embedded light! It also is made to use vials sized for what I guess is a popular saltwater kit (Red Sea?). But I guess that doesn't matter when the GH and KH tests are showing a big change in color, and not a gradation to match.

 

Mr. Potter. I was just posting a link to that item on Amazon. So someone is making one, but it's very pricey! The larger SpeedStir for pools is $15 with an embedded light! It also is made to use vials sized for what I guess is a popular saltwater kit (Red Sea?). But I guess that doesn't matter when the GH and KH tests are showing a big change in color, and not a gradation to match.

Yeah, it is pricy for the stirrer. I only test Alkalinity and Phosphate, and use Hanna Colorimeters for that. Just add 1ml of their solution to your water, and click the button.

Alkalinity DKH Colorimeter HI772 Hanna Checker - Marine Water