Hanna phosphate checker

rtague · 04/20/2014, 11:52 AM

Does anyone else think the Hanna phosphate sucks?.I thought it would be nice to have a number instead of trying to guess what color with other test kits.One day I have 0.00,the next I have .007,today I have 0.12:angry fire:,not possible.I know about keeping the test vile free of finger prints,scratches etc,but these results are just way to inconsistent,anyone using the red sea algae test kit?thinking of switching,any thoughts?.

lanshark · 04/20/2014, 11:58 AM

New set reagents and checker all over the place..... I do not trust Hanna Checker results....

azjohnny · 04/20/2014, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lanshark

New set reagents and checker all over the place..... I do not trust Hanna Checker results....

+1

The good lab grade phosphate testing equipment are very expensive, I rely on how the tank looks

rtague · 04/20/2014, 02:56 PM

Anyone using the Red sea algae test kits?

jgalen0025 · 04/20/2014, 08:10 PM

I use them and they are very accurate but precision will have to be learned. They have the best and most accurate test out on the market(hobby grade)IMO. I have previously owned api, salifert, and ellos. I use very sensitive tests in my environmental chem lab. Simple to read; uses a color wheel like the more expensive hach lab grade tests.

bif24701 · 04/21/2014, 02:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jgalen0025

I use them and they are very accurate but precision will have to be learned. They have the best and most accurate test out on the market(hobby grade)IMO. I have previously owned api, salifert, and ellos. I use very sensitive tests in my environmental chem lab. Simple to read; uses a color wheel like the more expensive hach lab grade tests.

Precision is key, follow the directions and always rinse your equipment with RODI immediately after use. These testers are the most accurate hobby grade testers available. If you really must have accurate results you could purchase a lab grade tester however they are costly.

Be sure there are no particles in your sample and try new reagents if your still having problems. I've never had problems, with any of my phosphate, ALK, or calcium testers. They are all accurate and my readings are alway where I expect them to be.

redwhiteandblue · 04/21/2014, 05:27 AM

there is a .04 variance so that can explain your first two test results in your p04 was .04, you could have as low a 0 or high as .08. i always hold my vial to the light to check for smudges prior to insertion into checker. i get 0.00 every time

shifty51008 · 04/21/2014, 06:55 AM

also make sure you put the vial in facing the same direction each time, that can make a big diffrence

rtague · 04/21/2014, 04:08 PM

Thanks all for replies,I think I'll go with the red sea kits when the Hanna reagents run out.

tkeracer619 · 04/21/2014, 04:14 PM

Nope, every once in a while I will get a bad test but it is usually my error.

I've done a whole lot of testing with a 736 ULR Phosphate checker and I wouldn't bother with any other test kit in the same price range. Might as well not test.

Crusinjimbo · 04/22/2014, 04:51 AM

I have used the Hanna for two years and prefer it to the Red Sea PO4 test because of readability ease. I was never comfortable making the color match with the Red Sea kit. The color graduations on the RS were difficult to call for me. I can also repeat the test with the Hanna (using the two vial method) and get three reads on same sample. The number usually varies by +/- 0.01 at most. I am much better at reading a number than reading a shade of color.

XxRingoxX · 04/22/2014, 07:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rtague

Anyone using the Red sea algae test kits?

Lots of people are having a hard time getting the Red Sea kit to read anything under .08

vic8361 · 10/10/2014, 11:25 AM

My Hanna checker is all over the place.

swk · 10/10/2014, 01:12 PM

I prefer my Red Sea kit. Hanna reads zero all day long, where the Red Sea will actually differentiate between .02 and .04

janes_mw · 10/16/2014, 06:10 PM

My Hanna has been consistent, but I am pretty consistent as to how I use as well. For the reagent, I pour onto aluminum foil patch to make sure I get all out and then use that as my dispenser into the vile. Vile, make sure super clean and wipe down with paper towel both pre reagent and post reagent. I usually do two tests in a row and both are always the same.

JDavis3517 · 10/16/2014, 06:57 PM

I agree, bought mine so I wouldn't have to guess at colors. Money well wasted, IMO.

04/20/2014, 11:52 AM	#1
rtague Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 376	Hanna phosphate checker Does anyone else think the Hanna phosphate sucks?.I thought it would be nice to have a number instead of trying to guess what color with other test kits.One day I have 0.00,the next I have .007,today I have 0.12:angry fire:,not possible.I know about keeping the test vile free of finger prints,scratches etc,but these results are just way to inconsistent,anyone using the red sea algae test kit?thinking of switching,any thoughts?.

04/20/2014, 11:58 AM	#2
lanshark It's Landshark, aka SNL Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: California Posts: 359	New set reagents and checker all over the place..... I do not trust Hanna Checker results.... __________________ "Live for tomorrow, yesterday is forever gone ..." Current Tank Info: Mixed Reef 66"x24"x22", 20g Sump/refugium 20g In-line Grow Out tank

04/21/2014, 05:27 AM	#7
redwhiteandblue Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 259	there is a .04 variance so that can explain your first two test results in your p04 was .04, you could have as low a 0 or high as .08. i always hold my vial to the light to check for smudges prior to insertion into checker. i get 0.00 every time __________________ 180 mixed reef since 2011....work in progress 55 in wall Fowlr

04/21/2014, 06:55 AM	#8
shifty51008 12-5 Chiefs record Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: NW Iowa Posts: 10,134	also make sure you put the vial in facing the same direction each time, that can make a big diffrence __________________ 75 gal. mixed DT, 100 gal. sump, 50 gal. fuge, Clownfish breeder

04/21/2014, 04:14 PM	#10
tkeracer619 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Westminster, CO Posts: 17,289	Nope, every once in a while I will get a bad test but it is usually my error. I've done a whole lot of testing with a 736 ULR Phosphate checker and I wouldn't bother with any other test kit in the same price range. Might as well not test. __________________ Hobby Experience: 9200ish gallons, 26 skimmers, and a handful of Kent Scrapers. Current Tank: Vortech Powered 600G SPS Tank w/ 100gal frag tank & 100g Sump. RK2-RK10 Skimmer. ReefAngel. Radium 20k.

04/20/2014, 02:56 PM	#4
rtague Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 376	Anyone using the Red sea algae test kits?

04/20/2014, 08:10 PM	#5
jgalen0025 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Posts: 246	I use them and they are very accurate but precision will have to be learned. They have the best and most accurate test out on the market(hobby grade)IMO. I have previously owned api, salifert, and ellos. I use very sensitive tests in my environmental chem lab. Simple to read; uses a color wheel like the more expensive hach lab grade tests.

04/21/2014, 04:08 PM	#9
rtague Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 376	Thanks all for replies,I think I'll go with the red sea kits when the Hanna reagents run out.

04/22/2014, 04:51 AM	#11
Crusinjimbo Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Wesley Chapel FL Posts: 751	I have used the Hanna for two years and prefer it to the Red Sea PO4 test because of readability ease. I was never comfortable making the color match with the Red Sea kit. The color graduations on the RS were difficult to call for me. I can also repeat the test with the Hanna (using the two vial method) and get three reads on same sample. The number usually varies by +/- 0.01 at most. I am much better at reading a number than reading a shade of color. __________________ Jimbo 13.5G EVO

10/10/2014, 11:25 AM	#13
vic8361 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Port Saint Lucie FL. Posts: 334	My Hanna checker is all over the place.

10/10/2014, 01:12 PM	#14
swk Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Wine Country CA Posts: 2,593	I prefer my Red Sea kit. Hanna reads zero all day long, where the Red Sea will actually differentiate between .02 and .04 __________________ Member of Wine Country Reefers Current Tank Info: 75 gal SPS dominant reef. Geo calcium reactor with masterflex pump, Deltec 1455 skimmer, 2 mp40QD, mp10wes, lit by a 6x54 dimable ATI sunpower and controlled by Reef Angel

10/16/2014, 06:10 PM	#15
janes_mw Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Largo, FL Posts: 1,526	My Hanna has been consistent, but I am pretty consistent as to how I use as well. For the reagent, I pour onto aluminum foil patch to make sure I get all out and then use that as my dispenser into the vile. Vile, make sure super clean and wipe down with paper towel both pre reagent and post reagent. I usually do two tests in a row and both are always the same. __________________ 300G 96x24x30, BK250 Skimmer with Avast Swabbie, LED/T5, Geo CaRx with Masterflex effluent cntl, Zeovite User - Avast Marine Tumbler, Archon control, Vortech MP60,Tunze 6125, & Jebao RW20 making waves

10/16/2014, 06:57 PM	#16
JDavis3517 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 29	I agree, bought mine so I wouldn't have to guess at colors. Money well wasted, IMO.