Hanna Colorimeters vs Merck for Phosphates

[Reefflections]

I know there has been some good to say about both of these.for testing our Phosphates levels.I know pricing of these are rather high also.But neither seems to give us and" exact" test.So the problem arises here is to invest big time,or save a few pennies here?Also for either product here,where seems to be the best buy,even both are rather pricey?But need to buy one of these.So like to hear where others might have got their tests kits from.In the mean time I will have to make a choice,and bite the bullet.But need a few leads,so I can max out my credit card again.

 

[Kip]

i have a colorimeter and rarely use it. your eyes are still the best po4 test on the market. testing tank water for po4 is almost useless unless you have a severe problem, and once again, your eyes will tell ya that first.

on my new work tank, i can test po4 all day long and get 0, but still have dark corals and algae. Reason: the corals/aglae are sucking up the po4 as fast as it is being produced leaving no free po4 in the water for the the test to pick up.

i do think po4 testing is good for source water, new batches of saltwater, and reactor effluent because none of these are affected by biological controls of po4... but for testing tank water with coraline, corals, and any algae.... po4 testing is futile.

JMO
-kip

 

[jmcmahon66]

Kip said it very well, so I will just back up his statements. I also have a colorimeter that I rarely use. Coral color and health is best view with the naked eye, and the test kit numbers do not give an exact indicator of what is biologically occuring in the tank. I use my colorimeter when I am trying to diagnose a problem source of excess phosphate (which is rare). HTH

 

[Reefflections]

Thanks guys for your reply.
The reason why I'm asking this is the use of Phosban in the reactor.I'm running around 150/180 gallons of total water Vol.I'm only adding 3 tablespoons at this time.I don't want to shock the system as for as RTN and STN goes.This is a new additive for me using.I thought a test kit could kinda of gives a close range.I just don't know how much to add at once.When if I get at a low level,how do we know when Phos are rising again.Other than just looks of the corals?By then it seems the levels would be up there again.The Phos would build,and it takes time for coral to change back to there old ways.Is there any save way of adding this stuff as for amounts,and how often.More less like we do with carbon?Every 4 weeks new carbon is added 1.5 cups.Just trying to be safe,and add it in a stable way.I hope I didn't confuse all here?But also was told this is a basic Iron base product,will gives us fall out,from to much Iron.Any input for a newbie here goes a long way.

 

[Kip]

i run rowaphos at about 100ml on a TSV of ~500g... i change it out monthly

my suggestion, start with low dose of GFO and work your way up. This should prevent any shock to the corals. Also be sure to rinse the media so no GFO dust gets into your tank.

 

[Reefflections]

Kip,
Yes I do rinse the Phosban before using.So do you feel 150/180 gallons at 3 Tablespoons is to low of a dosage to start out with?Any info is great,not knowing a lot about this product.At least I know now a new replacement is due once a month.Any further instuctions do I need to know?Sorry to ask all these questions here. But it's better to ask now,than having the after effects later.I would think a weekly addition would be safe?
Again thanks.

 

[jmcmahon66]

IMO 3 tablespoons of phosphate remover is low, but as Kip suggested, go slow. I hate to tell you to use more, and shock you corals, but I use much more rowaphos on a 150 system in a reactor, probably about 4X as much. I have never experienced problems with it, but some have. IMO you easily double you amount the next time you change it out. You would probably notice corals darkening before you would get a significant reading on you PO4 kit IME. The PO4 would be used by corals and algae prior to floating in the water column. Unlike other tests that we do, high PO4 numbers would probably mean you are very late in changing the media.

 

[Reefflections]

Yea that's is my goal to get and exact amount being used,and change it out like he said monthly.And not to wait,for the system to go the way it was.Then you waited to long,and have to start over.I know every system runs different,bio load ect.Again I really do like the replys on this,and it all helps me reach my safe levels.If anyone else wants to put there 2 cents in here.More than welcome aboard.I'm all ears on this subject.
:eek1:
Thanks