Phosphate Hanna Checker

[90galguy]

I got my new Phosphate Hanna Checker from BRS today and just did my first test and second tests. Both came out 0.00. This might sound extremely stupid, but I was actually expecting some level of phosphates to register. I am running GFO, but took it off line in the last couple days.

While I'm very excited to see 0.00 I want to make sure it's accurate. I followed the instructions to the letter both times.


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[snowmansnow]

my alk checker is pretty close to my elos kit.. I would imagine the PO4 would be pretty reliable too..
haven't used it personally though

 

[kf2008]

I have one and it's fairly accurate. I compared results with Salifert kit and it's pretty consistent.

I noticed the shut-off timer is rather "quick" so make sure you get the reagent mixed (1.5 minutes).

 

[90galguy]

kf2008;815884 wrote: I have one and it's fairly accurate. I compared results with Salifert kit and it's pretty consistent.

I noticed the shut-off timer is rather "quick" so make sure you get the reagent mixed (1.5 minutes).

I mixed the reagent for exactly 2 minutes per the instructions, verified the powder was dissolved and then tested. I'm pretty sure it's accurate. I guess I'm just surprised to have 0.00.


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[kf2008]

Yes, I tried 2-minute mixing my first time and the auto shut-off kicked in.

I tested mine today and I'm at .12, so I would gladly trade positions.

 

[ff337]

Did you try it again?

Test some tap water to make sure its working.

 

[gregoryleonard]

90galguy;815890 wrote: I mixed the reagent for exactly 2 minutes per the instructions, verified the powder was dissolved and then tested. I'm pretty sure it's accurate. I guess I'm just surprised to have 0.00.


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I have been using mine for over a year and found that it's pretty accurate. From the time you take the first reading of aquarium water (C1) to when you have to press and hold for the 3:00 timer to show, you have 3 minutes to add all the powder reagent, cap, and mix thoroughly and wipe with cloth before re-inserting. I usually have the packet cut open, pinched open and ready to go before I take the first reading. Make sure you get all the reagent from the packet in the vial, because that will affect the reading. It took me about 4-6 tests on my part to get it down to where everything appeared to be done correctly. You are propably just better at it than I was.:roll:
Do you have any SPS to guage PO4 visually? If you have good polyp extension on your SPS then I would say it's probably accurate (within 0.003 as they state on the test parameters) Congrats!

 

[falos]

a reading of 0 dusnot seam right even in ulns .02~.05 is normal as all food used has phosphate. im runnng ulns and using kalk and lathanium cloride and still read .02. i wonder how accurate its low range is

 

[ff337]

gregoryleonard;815929 wrote: I have been using mine for over a year and found that it's pretty accurate. From the time you take the first reading of aquarium water (C1) to when you have to press and hold for the 3:00 timer to show, you have 3 minutes to add all the powder reagent, cap, and mix thoroughly and wipe with cloth before re-inserting. I usually have the packet cut open, pinched open and ready to go before I take the first reading. Make sure you get all the reagent from the packet in the vial, because that will affect the reading. It took me about 4-6 tests on my part to get it down to where everything appeared to be done correctly. You are propably just better at it than I was.:roll:
Do you have any SPS to guage PO4 visually? If you have good polyp extension on your SPS then I would say it's probably accurate (within 0.003 as they state on the test parameters) Congrats!

I believe the new type are different. Mine doesn't do a countdown and reads c1 almost instantly. And the c2 is always less than 10 seconds. After several test within several minutes it is with .01 readings.

Try it with known dirty water.

 

[ralph atl]

Hanna has 2 phosphate kits, only one of them is "low range". The HI713 has a precision + or - 0.04 ppm (mg/L) + or - 4% of reading at 25 degrees C.

So if you are striving for below 0.03, your checker could read between -0.01 to 0.07 and still be considered accurate.

I was looking at their more expensive models, and they seem to have the same accuracy deviation.

 

[ff337]

Mine is low range. 0- 2.50

 

[seth the wine guy]

Doesn't pass the smell test IMO. I have the bench top version and have tested it side by side to other bench tops to at least confirm consistency among like units. I'd suggest the same. Find someone with a pocket checker or bench top and compare.

 

[sewer urchin]

What about getting some reference solution, a sample with a known amount of PO4 in it. Some test kits have a small bottle... I think the Seachem kits have it.

 

[90galguy]

I'm going to try a couple of these options this afternoon. I'll post the results later on. Thanks for the suggestions.

 

[spankdog]

FF337 i was reading 0.00 on my tank for almost a year and now after I've been feeding more its finally starting to read .02, .05 etc. On the finaly step of the test are you pressing the button and releasing or pressing and holding till the 3:00 countdown begins? On mine i can press and it will test immediately but hold and i get a timer. I mix the reagent for almost 2:00 before placing it back into the meter.

 

[90galguy]

spankdog;816045 wrote: FF337 i was reading 0.00 on my tank for almost a year and now after I've been feeding more its finally starting to read .02, .05 etc. On the finaly step of the test are you pressing the button and releasing or pressing and holding till the 3:00 countdown begins? On mine i can press and it will test immediately but hold and i get a timer. I mix the reagent for almost 2:00 before placing it back into the meter.

Followed the instructions to the T. :roll: