[Timezone Detection]
Create Account - Join in Seconds!

User Name: Email Address:
Human Verification

Please enter the six letters or digits that appear in the image opposite.

GET SCHOOLED, Hanna Photo Checker


Bookmark and Share
Results 1 to 4 of 4
  1. #1
    ReeferRob - Reefkeeper CR Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Location
    CORAL CITY U.S.A
    Posts
    3,367
    First Name
    Rob
    Awards Photo of the Month

    Default GET SCHOOLED, Hanna Photo Checker

    I've been a bit miffed and dissatisfied with the new Hanna Checker phosphate meter that's been all the rage lately. I find the darn thing to be terribly inconsistent in not only the errors is provides but the test results as well. Knowing majority of the errors are of my own, human error, I began doing a little research, looking around here and there and found some info that maybe helpful to my fellow reefers here on Captivereefs.

    First thing I found is that not only myself but others are making the mistake of using BOTH vials per individual test......so don't do it. Stay focused and be quick use only on vial per test, the clock is ticking, pause the TV! Below may better clarify why this is a mistake.

    Make sure both inside and out are completely clean of debris and finger prints.......get yourself some alcohol wipes next time your at the doctor and or a micro fiber clothe to help keep it clean. Simple swipe under your pit isn't enough. Some store there's in RO/DI water, but most certainly do not leave your test solution in the vial as it is said to stain and or contaminate the glass for future readings.

    Something that should have been entered into the directions and was not, god forbid they spent the extra 5 seconds and 3 pennies to do it, is that the vial needs to be placed into the meter in the exact position it was to test for zero. Simply get your self a sharpie and make a line to reference. This is important because there are inconsistencies in the thickness and clarity of the glass used in the vials that can effect the test.

    Also I read that it is important to take water from the tank 30 minutes to 1 hour after the lights have been turned off both in the display and in the refugium/sump. This is important to provide the most accurate test of phosphates in the system not being synthesized and or gobbled up by all that nuisance algae you're trying to rid your tank of.

    Lastly, not critical but helpful get your self a timer. The thing turns off after 1 minute and 30 seconds after zero is registered. Set it to go off in 1 minute 20 seconds to give you enough time to dissolve as much of the reagent powder as possible and get it in the unit before time expires. Once this is complete reset the timer for 3 minutes to help remind you to actually look at your test results once they are displayed. You only have something like 15 seconds to read the results once displayed. I've wasted about 10 tests by performing other test at the same time and not looking back in time.

    Even then you'll still find some inaccurate readings of this tester/meter, much like I have. But hopefully taking these extra precautionary steps will help you get a better more closer idea of where your phates are and or if they have gone up or down.

    Hope this helps others who have been tearing there hair out over this thing, and please don't hesitate to add any other helpful tips you might have directly to this thread.
    "We shouldn't think of an environment where livestock can survive, we should ensure an environment where livestock can thrive."-Rabidgoose
    "If it's gonna be that kinda party, Ima stick my ........ in the mashed potatoes!"-Beastie Boys

  2. #2
    Sir Patrick - Reefkeeper A2 Club Coordinator
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    UofM territory
    Posts
    7,838
    First Name
    Chris
    Awards Monthly Giveaway Winner

    Default

    Great info! Thx for sharing!

  3. #3
    CalmSeasQuest - Reefkeeper
    Join Date
    Jan 2010
    Location
    Brighton, MI
    Posts
    892
    First Name
    Thomas
    Awards Nano Contest Winner - Winner of 2012 Nano Contest

    Default

    I've been following this thread on another forum - I agree Rob, there are many things that could have (should have) been improved on the Hanna. I'm curious to see if Hanna responds to the concerns. Or perhaps a road trip is in order as their labs are in Ann Arbor

    In addition to producing a more consistent result, my pet peeves and needed improvements....

    • A beep at the end of the timer and leave the results on the screen for more than a few seconds (can't tell you how many times I've missed em and had to start over.)
    • Extend the auto-off time, it's sometimes not long enough to get the solution mixed, cuvette cleaned and inserted - especially now that we're supposed to use one cuvette.
    • Better packing for the reagent - Those little packets are a PITA. Even a little spoon (ala Salifert) would be better than the packets.

    Despite these shortcomings, I still believe it's the best solution for detecting low levels of phosphate. I'm trying to decide if I stick with API for ALK (it's just so simple - 9 drops and I'm done ) or move to the Hanna - I think I'll wait a bit and see how they respond the the phosphate meter concerns.

  4. #4
    ReeferRob - Reefkeeper CR Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Location
    CORAL CITY U.S.A
    Posts
    3,367
    First Name
    Rob
    Awards Photo of the Month

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by CalmSeasQuest View Post
    I've been following this thread on another forum - I agree Rob, there are many things that could have (should have) been improved on the Hanna. I'm curious to see if Hanna responds to the concerns. Or perhaps a road trip is in order as their labs are in Ann Arbor

    In addition to producing a more consistent result, my pet peeves and needed improvements....

    • A beep at the end of the timer and leave the results on the screen for more than a few seconds (can't tell you how many times I've missed em and had to start over.)
    • Extend the auto-off time, it's sometimes not long enough to get the solution mixed, cuvette cleaned and inserted - especially now that we're supposed to use one cuvette.
    • Better packing for the reagent - Those little packets are a PITA. Even a little spoon (ala Salifert) would be better than the packets.

    Despite these shortcomings, I still believe it's the best solution for detecting low levels of phosphate. I'm trying to decide if I stick with API for ALK (it's just so simple - 9 drops and I'm done ) or move to the Hanna - I think I'll wait a bit and see how they respond the the phosphate meter concerns.
    Hey, well be in Ann Arbor in just a few weeks for the CR/A2 swap, LOL!!

    I agree with all your point, and I am sure they went into consideration but didn't make the final cut for production to keep the costs affordable for the end user. But really how much does it cost to add a little beep and a line so that we line the cuvette properly?
    Those packets are a huge PITA and have had similar thoughts in regards to an additional cuvette with spoon like the saliferts.

    Im gonna stick with the API test kit here with the ALK for now and ride it out, see if it has similar issues or not.....
    "We shouldn't think of an environment where livestock can survive, we should ensure an environment where livestock can thrive."-Rabidgoose
    "If it's gonna be that kinda party, Ima stick my ........ in the mashed potatoes!"-Beastie Boys

Similar Topics

  1. Nitrogen Cycle & Phosphate Where do you guys order your regents for hanna photometers?
    By Sir Patrick in forum Chemistry
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: 04-30-2012, 11:27 PM
  2. Water Treatment hanna checkers
    By binford4000 in forum Hardware
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: 12-30-2011, 08:00 PM
  3. Hanna po4 checker
    By MizTanks in forum Want to Buy
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 06-06-2011, 10:52 AM
  4. Hanna Phosphate Checker HI 713
    By Bella127 in forum Product & Vendor Reviews
    Replies: 5
    Last Post: 02-14-2011, 07:17 PM
  5. Hanna Phosphate Photometer for sale $150
    By What'sacoral in forum Equipment Sales & Trades
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 12-08-2010, 07:18 PM

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  

About CaptiveReefs

    If you are interested in learning about reefkeeping or have a problem with your reef, our reefkeeping community is here to help. Feel free to ask a question or search our site. We have lots of experienced reefkeepers that are willing to provide free reefkeeping advice!

    Besides being a great resource for all levels of reef aquarium hobbyists, CaptiveReefs is a social experience that will enhance your enjoyment of reefkeeping. CaptiveReefs is committed to connecting reefkeepers with the support and information they need to grow beautiful coral reef aquariums.

Information

Connect with Us