Hanna Phosphate checker

[ckozma]

Ok thanks, I was still wondering.

 

[Reef_Hobbyist]

I really like my hanna checkers and treat their results no different than I did any other test (red sea, elos, etc), I test everything 2-3 times and average the results. They have good products and from past experience any error is due to human error, or scratched, dirty cuvettes. Its very important that the cuvettes stay incredibly clean.

How do you clean your cuvettes to the incredible level?

 

[djbetterly]

If there is any residue in them rinse them with white vinegar and then rinse with RODI water. If there is no residue, then just rinse with RODI water after you finish your tests. Your cuvette's will then be "Incredible"....

 

[Reef_Hobbyist]

If there is any residue in them rinse them with white vinegar and then rinse with RODI water. If there is no residue, then just rinse with RODI water after you finish your tests.

Great, that is what I do as well. Like you, am very happy with my hanna checkers as well. I have not had any concerns. I am very careful about cleaning and testing the exact same way each time and my results seem to be consistent. I also find that plotting results in my Apex is helpful to keep the focus on the trend over just an individual number.

 

[djbetterly]

I spoke with Hanna this morning about their faulty alk reagents and found out the scoop. Not sure anyone posted it, but basically the seal that was under blue cap was reacting with the reagent. They have since changed that part of their packaging and no longer have any issues. Honestly they are incredible with problems and questions and they make a lot of effort to make sure the consumer is pleased with their product, and understands how to use the product properly.

 

[McMullen]

I love the Hannah checkers. Also, I don't believe in targeting a "number," rather a narrow range. There are many many biochemical reactions taking place in our tanks and I'm extrapolating my knowledge of human physiology a bit to support this....bottom line....be diligent not OCD.

 

[djbetterly]

I like you're style @McMullen

 

[saltyhog]

For what it's worth using one vial for th C1 and the other for the C2 is not recommended. Variations in the vials could introduce error
I have no problem getting the reagent to disolve. Rapidly invert the vial back and forth in stead of shaking and no microbubbles and no problem getting to dissolve in the alloted time. I set the timer on my phone for two minutes and when I get all the reagent in start the timer. Results have been very consistent.

I am using the ULR not the low range so that could be some of the difference in my experience.

 

[Trav0023]

Forgot to put a watch on this thread, great discussion and good to hear other experiences with the product.
I'm onto a new 25 pack and am seeing consistency with this one as well, it was only that one 25 pack that was all over the place. Lesson learned was trust your instincts if it doesn't look right return, replace and test again.
I believe it was answered with the screenshot #djbetterly posted but to confirm I am using the log measurements feature within Apex Fusion to keep track of results of the various tests.

 

[Oceansize]

I tested my phosphates 6 times in a row last night with the Checker (using one cuvette as the control, and adding the reagent to the other). My first reading after the 3-minute countdown was 0.04. My subsequent 5 readings taken immediately after the previous ones produced results of 0.00, 0.00, 0.00, 0.02, and 0.00. I'm gonna assume that means my phosphates are actually 0.01 to 0.02. Noteworthy is that all of those reading were within +-0.04 of each other, which indicates the checker is working as expected.

 

[McMullen]

I think readings like this drive some people crazy. That's a great point that that is completely within the margin of error. Not to throw stones in a glass house, but it's just a number. I don't see a need to start adjusting off a single read. Now if you notice a trend from day one to day three to day five to day seven to day........you get the point, then figure out the cause and come up with a plan to stop the process. Otherwise, let it ride!