Hanna Checker for Phosphate, ppm

[VisionsOfSalt]

Hey all, used my Hanna Checker/Colormeter for phosphate on my last reef tank but now I'm starting to question my use of it on the new tank.

For example, tonight I filled the vial with tank water baseline, got the go ahead to add reagent, lightly mixed in the reagent for 90 seconds ensuring of no micro bubbles and put back in meter. Held the button for a few seconds and had a 3 minute timer and result came back at .11.

When I pulled the vial out there was reagent "dust" on the vial so I spun/tipped again to clean the vial sides off. I then filled a 2nd vial with just tank water at the same level and used that as the baseline, repeating the same process with the brand new vial then used the totally dissolved (from what I could see) previously used vial and after 3 min. it was .03.

I guess my question is if you peeps that use the meter fill both vials and ensure the reagent vial is totally dissolved or if there is supposed to be some visible evidence, or floaters, of reagent in the tested vial?

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[Crusinjimbo]

I use both vials and insure the powder is fully dissolved. I do occasionally get and eradicate reading but using two vial allows for a second test skipping the 3 minute settling cycle. This instrument isn't perfect but color comparison is not my strong point.

 

[VisionsOfSalt]

Hanna Checker for Phosphate, ppm

Thanks for the answer Crusinjimbo! I think I'll use both vials as I test going forward