Hanna phosphate checker

[Capt_Cully]

Love to get one of the lab grade checkers, but @ $200+, it ain't happening. Anyone using the Hanna phosphate checkers? I presume I'd want the 713, low range version. I also heard its better to use the liquid reagent vs powder version.

Any input?

 

[captain7359]

Was reading through a thread that the phosphorus checker was a bit better.
https://hannachecker.com/index.php?...ategory_id=23&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=29
There is a conversion to go from phosphate to phosphorus.

 

[captain7359]

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1899666

http://www.beananimal.com/other/hanna-hi-736-checker-hc-opinion.aspx

 

[Johnny C]

I've used both the Hanna low range phosphate colorimeter as well as the checker and IMO they are both very accurate. Titration or dip phosphate tests are basically worthless but the Hanna checker is a very economical way to get a reliable PO4 reading. They also make other checkers (Calcium, Alk, etc.) but I haven't had a chance to try them out yet.

 

[pascal32]

Consider the phosphorous (736) instead of the phosphate LR (713).

I posted it in the chemistry forum a while back: http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2066574&highlight=hanna

BRS does not carry the unit, TB Aquatics does and they ship fast.

Also if you get one and the reagents are from LOT 006 they are junk - call hanna and get them replaced.

 

[Capt_Cully]

I saw where RHF had made similar comments Pascal, in the chemistry forum. Walter I'll give those a read tonight. Thanks guys!

 

[iamwrasseman]

hey mark i have the high range unit and plenty of reagent packets if you want to mess with it . i dont use it very often so its not at all a problem just let me know .

 

[windyridge]

Darn I just bought the 713. Well it's better than using API. A +- of .04 is kind of a drag though. I have only seen powder reagents which are a PIA. Where do you get the liquid reagents?

 

[iamwrasseman]

actually the powder is pretty easy if you prepare it before the test and just take your time . i know that the clock is spinning but there is plenty of time to do the test .

 

[windyridge]

I do but it's awkward to get it into the cuvette neatly.

 

[iamwrasseman]

yes but if you cut the top and then open it into a square thus bending the sides into a 90 degree bend and then it really becomes easy to pour it into the culvert . hard to explain but if you see it you will know what i mean .

 

[Capt_Cully]

Not a sterling review by beananimal, but I think I might pick up the 736 anyway. Need to dial in my vinegar and vodka dosing. Can't do it with the test kit I have.

 

[pascal32]

To pour in the packets:

-Hold the packet so that one of the corners points up (like a diamond)
- shake a bit so all the stuff settles into the corner facing down
-Now cut the right top edge AND the left top edge (you will have cut off two out of four sides)
- open the packet by pushing the two corners together which are I between the cut and not cut edge
- crease one off the flat panels
- now it is easy to pour

 

[Johnny C]

For those interested, here's a helpful how-to video on using the Hanna Phosphate checker.

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[windyridge]

The video is helpful, the comment under it is also interesting. Lol
Thanks for posting it.

 

[Capt_Cully]

What beananimal said, that struck a cord with me, and gave me anxiety during the video, is that it powers down automatically after 2 minutes. So if you move too slowly, you'll end up wasting a reagent packet and have to start over. I found myself shouting at the woman in the vid. "Get a move on baby cakes!".

It was helpful though JC. I'm going to get one, but perhaps next paycheck. Some DIPSTICK in my house decided getting married 4 days before Valentine's Day was a good idea. My paycheck is getting beat up with that made up corporate "holiday" and my anniversary. Grabbing one next pay cycle....

 

[Conesus_Kid]

I feel your pain, boss. My anniversary is the 13th.

I'm a nitwit.

 

[Capt_Cully]

Way to think it through! I honestly had NO thoughts on it being so close to V-day. We got married out of town, and it's just what worked for my work schedule. I'll be paying for it for the rest of my life on several different levels....