Digital Phosphate Checkers

[seth the wine guy]

I'm done trying to measure my PO4 by matching colors. I would like to get a digital tester. Was wondering who has used them, if so, what model? How accurate do you think they are? Any info from people who have OWNED/USED them would be great.

 

[sir_cephalopod]

I have not used a digital meter for testing phosphates, but here is a nice article about one designed by Hanna instruments.

 

[gnashty]

I believe BRS is running a 10% off on them now..

 

[skriz]

I've been using a Hannah phosphate photometer for years now. It's been a great tool to have. It's one of the proper photometers, not the new little checkers. Well worth it if you're seriously into your aquarium.

PO4 tests kits are a pain and pretty much worthless for precise measurements. They're fine for general use, though.

 

[seth the wine guy]

Skriz;696410 wrote: I've been using a Hannah phosphate photometer for years now. It's been a great tool to have. It's one of the proper photometers, not the new little checkers. Well worth it if you're seriously into your aquarium.

PO4 tests kits are a pain and pretty much worthless for precise measurements. They're fine for general use, though.

When I saw Jeremy use a digital one to test my water I knew it was a must have. My Salifert has been telling me my PO4 is zero for months now and I bring my water in to find out it's .14 ppm. I believed my tests when it said zero and I had no livestock in the tank but after adding quite a few fish over the last few months and it still said zero I knew it was too good to be true.

I'll just step up the WC's but I've been using bad info to make decisions. I don't like that.

 

[schwaggs]

I gave up on trying to read the colors years ago, mostly because it was always almost clear. Tried several test kits with the same 0.0 reading. Bought the tiny Hanna checker when it came out and it read 0.0 too which I questioned at the time (I was having an algae problem at the time). I posted a question regarding reference solutions and another club member had some 1.00 calibration solution as well as one of the $3,000 multifunction photometers from a few years back. We met at a club meeting for a calibration showdown. My unit measured .99 and his measured 1.01 so I would say the little units are accurate. The only knock I have on it is the timer programming. When you are waiting for the results (3 mins), the results display for about 10 seconds before turning off so you need to watch it closely. Seth, I can bring it over when let you try it out when I pick up the frags.

 

[rbredding]

+1 the Hanna Checkers are a solid performer considering they're less than $50 (including 25 reagents)

 

[kilo32]

Schwaggs;696511 wrote: I gave up on trying to read the colors years ago, mostly because it was always almost clear. Tried several test kits with the same 0.0 reading. Bought the tiny Hanna checker when it came out and it read 0.0 too which I questioned at the time (I was having an algae problem at the time). I posted a question regarding reference solutions and another club member had some 1.00 calibration solution as well as one of the $3,000 multifunction photometers from a few years back. We met at a club meeting for a calibration showdown. My unit measured .99 and his measured 1.01 so I would say the little units are accurate. The only knock I have on it is the timer programming. When you are waiting for the results (3 mins), the results display for about 10 seconds before turning off so you need to watch it closely. Seth, I can bring it over when let you try it out when I pick up the frags.

I use a kitchen timer to tell me when the 3 minutes are up otherwise you have to start all over again.

 

[rbredding]

on my hanna calcium checker, when I turn the unit on, it still holds/displays the previous test result...

i do not own a phosphate checker..

 

[gregoryleonard]

I use the Hanna checker for PO4. Accurate readings and visibly better tank quality once PO4 is under control with the checker.

 

[seth the wine guy]

Schwaggs;696511 wrote: Seth, I can bring it over when let you try it out when I pick up the frags.

Please do!

Edit:

blakejohn;696528 wrote: From reviews that I have read, the little hanna checkers are not very accurate. Numbers do not come back consistant on the same batch of water. Get what you pay for right?

I have used the Hanna Photometer and it seems to be very consistent. +/- .01, and I think that is due to user error (may not be getting all the powder regent in all the time). I have done three to four test on the same sample water and it reads the same every time.

The Hanna photometer also has a built in timer. I would spend the extra $150 and get the meter that has been proven accurate and reliable over the years.

http://www.eseasongear.com/hahiphphme93.html">http://www.eseasongear.com/hahiphphme93.html</a>[/QUOTE]

Thanks, but I'll probably start with the $50 model. I've already found enough creative ways to spend money on equipment! If the $50 doesn't pan out, I'll sell it for $25 and go for the big boy.

 

[schwaggs]

blakejohn;696528 wrote: From reviews that I have read, the little hanna checkers are not very accurate. Numbers do not come back consistant on the same batch of water.[/URL]

I totally disagree, I get very repeatable results with the cheap unit. Additionally, I have proven mine to be accurate with calibration solution. Of course, your mileage may vary....

 

[skriz]

blakejohn;696528 wrote: From reviews that I have read, the little hanna checkers are not very accurate. Numbers do not come back consistant on the same batch of water. Get what you pay for right?

I have used the Hanna Photometer and it seems to be very consistent. +/- .01, and I think that is due to user error (may not be getting all the powder regent in all the time). I have done three to four test on the same sample water and it reads the same every time.

The Hanna photometer also has a built in timer. I would spend the extra $150 and get the meter that has been proven accurate and reliable over the years.

http://www.eseasongear.com/hahiphphme93.html">http://www.eseasongear.com/hahiphphme93.html</a>[/QUOTE]

That's the one I have!