Hanna Checkers Shake Time

[taricha]

Seems at doesn't really matter, if shaking or stirred.

Right. PO4 test doesn't care how you shake it. Just get rid of bubbles by the end.

 

[kilnakorr]

How did you test linearity over the devices stated measurement range?

Please explain like I'm nine.
To technical for me to understand.

 

[gbroadbridge]

Please explain like I'm nine.
To technical for me to understand.

I mean you tested at 30ppb - but does the agitation method affect results at 10ppb or 175ppb.

To be honest I'm being a bit of a smartalec

 

[Mikeltee]

I took the time to do a little testing today. What I learned is that you need to shake until all of the reagents are in solution, and it doesn't matter how long or how hard you shake. The most important factor is time. The reading slowly climbs up until it reaches a plateau, holds for a few minutes, and then falls. Phosphate needs 5 minutes after adding reagents and Nitrate needs 9 minutes after adding reagents. I followed the instructions for one test by shaking with my hand. For Phosphate, I gently shook. Both were for a timed 2 minutes. For the sped up version, I used my Vortex Genie for 30 seconds which was plenty of time for the reagents to become part of the solution. No noticeable bubbles were apparent after doing this.


Here is the Nitrate done by hand with one curvette.

This was after shaking for 30 seconds and then immediately testing. A different curvette was used for C1.

The result of C2 after 9 minutes.

Here is the NYOS test.

For Phosphates, I didn't detect anything with the Salifert and the NYOS. The API was the closest to the Hanna.

 

[Justdrew]

Wait, y'all actually shake it for 2 minutes?

Every time. Use a timer.

 

[Patx]

I took the time to do a little testing today. What I learned is that you need to shake until all of the reagents are in solution, and it doesn't matter how long or how hard you shake. The most important factor is time. The reading slowly climbs up until it reaches a plateau, holds for a few minutes, and then falls. Phosphate needs 5 minutes after adding reagents and Nitrate needs 9 minutes after adding reagents. I followed the instructions for one test by shaking with my hand. For Phosphate, I gently shook. Both were for a timed 2 minutes. For the sped up version, I used my Vortex Genie for 30 seconds which was plenty of time for the reagents to become part of the solution. No noticeable bubbles were apparent after doing this.


Here is the Nitrate done by hand with one curvette.

This was after shaking for 30 seconds and then immediately testing. A different curvette was used for C1.

The result of C2 after 9 minutes.

Here is the NYOS test.

For Phosphates, I didn't detect anything with the Salifert and the NYOS. The API was the closest to the Hanna.

 

[slingfox]

I took the time to do a little testing today. What I learned is that you need to shake until all of the reagents are in solution, and it doesn't matter how long or how hard you shake. The most important factor is time. The reading slowly climbs up until it reaches a plateau, holds for a few minutes, and then falls. Phosphate needs 5 minutes after adding reagents and Nitrate needs 9 minutes after adding reagents. I followed the instructions for one test by shaking with my hand. For Phosphate, I gently shook. Both were for a timed 2 minutes. For the sped up version, I used my Vortex Genie for 30 seconds which was plenty of time for the reagents to become part of the solution. No noticeable bubbles were apparent after doing this.


Here is the Nitrate done by hand with one curvette.

This was after shaking for 30 seconds and then immediately testing. A different curvette was used for C1.

The result of C2 after 9 minutes.

Here is the NYOS test.

For Phosphates, I didn't detect anything with the Salifert and the NYOS. The API was the closest to the Hanna.

For nitrate, did you consider comparing the 30 seconds of vigorous shaking via the machine then waiting another 90 seconds? That way you have 2 minutes of reagent development time. Why wait 9 minutes when the first nitrate test you showed was 2 minutes of hand shaking? Seems like it would make sense to try to make the various test runs more closely comparable.

 

[marinesnow]

I took the time to do a little testing today. What I learned is that you need to shake until all of the reagents are in solution, and it doesn't matter how long or how hard you shake. The most important factor is time. The reading slowly climbs up until it reaches a plateau, holds for a few minutes, and then falls. Phosphate needs 5 minutes after adding reagents and Nitrate needs 9 minutes after adding reagents. I followed the instructions for one test by shaking with my hand. For Phosphate, I gently shook. Both were for a timed 2 minutes. For the sped up version, I used my Vortex Genie for 30 seconds which was plenty of time for the reagents to become part of the solution. No noticeable bubbles were apparent after doing this.


Here is the Nitrate done by hand with one curvette.

This was after shaking for 30 seconds and then immediately testing. A different curvette was used for C1.

The result of C2 after 9 minutes.

Here is the NYOS test.

For Phosphates, I didn't detect anything with the Salifert and the NYOS. The API was the closest to the Hanna.

A gentlemen and a scholar. Thank you for putting this to rest.

 

[crabgrass]

I use an AutoAqua Smart Stirrer with a custom printed insert from Etsy which fits the Hanna checker vials perfectly. The Stirrer can be bought off of AliExpress for $9.45 with free shipping and the 3D printed insert costs $7.99 on Etsy. I believe this is the cleanest and nicest looking solution out there.

Both BRS and Saltwateraquarium.com sell the stirrer for $32.99 if you don't like AliExpress but I have had zero issues with retailers selling on there:

Smart Magnetic Stirir for Testing - AutoAqua

Shop The Best Saltwater Aquarium Equipment & Supplies at Saltwater Aquarium. We Carry Everything you will Need for your Fish Tank.

www.saltwateraquarium.com

Adapter Compatible With Hanna Checker Cuvette and Autoaqua Smart Stirrer - Etsy

This Aquariums & Tank Decor item by PrintedOasisShop has 14 favorites from Etsy shoppers. Ships from Hinckley, OH. Listed on Apr 2, 2024

www.etsy.com

Spare stir bars can be bought in bulk on Amazon. I lost one of these during my first week but have not had any losses since:

https://a.co/d/hz5SXKY

I have a 3D printed tray which I use to store my three most used Hanna tests: Alkalinity, Nitrate, and Phosphorus. The tray also has slots for 4 vials. For the Nitrate and Phosphorous vials I keep a mini stir bar in each:

https://fishofhex.com/products/multi-hanna-checker-storage-v3?_pos=1&_sid=7f81b8812&_ss=r&variant=40004314824758

Lastly, I use a mid-priced pipettor:

https://a.co/d/8KDJSpC

The combination of tray + pipettor + magnetic stirrer makes testing super efficient. The labor saving equipment also increases the consistency of testing.

This is one of the most useful and prescriptive posts I have seen on this site recently. Thank you!

 

[crabgrass]

I took the time to do a little testing today. What I learned is that you need to shake until all of the reagents are in solution, and it doesn't matter how long or how hard you shake. The most important factor is time. The reading slowly climbs up until it reaches a plateau, holds for a few minutes, and then falls. Phosphate needs 5 minutes after adding reagents and Nitrate needs 9 minutes after adding reagents. I followed the instructions for one test by shaking with my hand. For Phosphate, I gently shook. Both were for a timed 2 minutes. For the sped up version, I used my Vortex Genie for 30 seconds which was plenty of time for the reagents to become part of the solution. No noticeable bubbles were apparent after doing this.


Here is the Nitrate done by hand with one curvette.

This was after shaking for 30 seconds and then immediately testing. A different curvette was used for C1.

The result of C2 after 9 minutes.

Here is the NYOS test.

For Phosphates, I didn't detect anything with the Salifert and the NYOS. The API was the closest to the Hanna.

This is also super helpful. Thank you!

 

[ryshark]

So I did two tests with my hanna phosphorus ULR. I used a timer to unsure 2 minutes mix time.

1. Inverting vial: 31 ppb
2. Shaking like Michael J. Fox on ritalin: 32 ppb

Seems at doesn't really matter, if shaking or stirred.

That’s what I figured. Thanks for testing it.

 

[Mikeltee]

For nitrate, did you consider comparing the 30 seconds of vigorous shaking via the machine then waiting another 90 seconds? That way you have 2 minutes of reagent development time. Why wait 9 minutes when the first nitrate test you showed was 2 minutes of hand shaking? Seems like it would make sense to try to make the various test runs more closely comparable.

Yes. I test immediately and every minute after.

After 12 minutes, it started to decend

 

[Mikeltee]

I tested the following 3 minutes and it didn't change. After 4 minutes it started to lower. For Phosphate, the same thing occurred after the 5min plateau, but instead of lowering, I got an UDS error which may mean undetectable. I also got a couple of 0.0.

 

[crabgrass]

I tested the following 3 minutes and it didn't change. After 4 minutes it started to lower. For Phosphate, the same thing occurred after the 5min plateau, but instead of lowering, I got an UDS error which may mean undetectable. I also got a couple of 0.0.

I’ve hit the 0.0 a few times on the Phosphate tester and MIs-interpreter as bottoming out. In hind sight, I think I probably spent too long letting it sit in the vial.

 

[Mikeltee]

I’ve hit the 0.0 a few times on the Phosphate tester and MIs-interpreter as bottoming out. In hind sight, I think I probably spent too long letting it sit in the vial.

With what I learned today, you have about 7min after adding the reagent and you will get your best number between 5 and 7 minutes after adding.

 

[slingfox]

Yes. I test immediately and every minute after.

After 12 minutes, it started to decend

Very intriguing results. I have been testing after 2 minutes of shaking but your tests suggests we should wait longer for the mixture to settle? Maybe my Nitrates are higher than I expect so I don't need to dose nitrates every week . . .

 

[Mikeltee]

Very intriguing results. I have been testing after 2 minutes of shaking but your tests suggests we should wait longer for the mixture to settle? Maybe my Nitrates are higher than I expect so I don't need to dose nitrates every week . . .

Are you not holding the button in after C2 to start the timer? Phospate and Silicates also requires this. Alk and Ca are immediate.
Nitrates is a 7min timer
Phosphate and Silicates are a 3min timer

Holding the button in is the way its supposed to be tested. I bypassed the timer to run this test.

 

[slingfox]

Are you not holding the button in after C2 to start the timer? Phospate and Silicates also requires this. Alk and Ca are immediate.
Nitrates is a 7min timer
Phosphate and Silicates are a 3min timer

Holding the button in is the way it's supposed to be tested. I bypassed the timer to run this test.

When the display says C2 I put in the mixed vial and press the button again. I have never tried to hold the button. There is some lag time from pressing the button and seeing the reading. Looks like I may need to read the directions again and see if holding the button is the right way to do it. Needless to say I am glad you started this thread since I may have been using my Hanna checkers wrong!

 

[Mikeltee]

When the display says C2 I put in the mixed vial and press the button again. I have never tried to hold the button. There is some lag time from pressing the button and seeing the reading. Looks like I may need to read the directions again and see if holding the button is the right way to do it. Needless to say I am glad you started this thread since I may have been using my Hanna checkers wrong!

Lol yeah bro FTFM. You hold the button in until the timer appears. When the timer expires, it takes the reading. It will automatically shut off a few minutes after taking the reading so set an alarm or pay attention. I always set an alarm because i forget. LOL

Well it looks like this thread did some good!

While we are at it, let's discuss a proper testing protocol. First rinse your curvette in tank water before filling it. When filling it, you will notice that the liquid is not a straight line. You want the bottom of that U-shaped line to be touching the 10ml line.

Before inserting the curvette into the Hanna, wipe the glass with a microfiber cloth or your shirt at minimum. Fingerprints throw off the reading. You should do this for both measurments.

Your instrument should sit on a flat surface when taking a measurement. You do not want to be holding it in your hand.

There are small imperfections in the glass. You want to take reading C1 and C2 at the same spot on the curvette. I align the curvette so that the 10ml mark is pointing towards me. When I insert it again for the C2 reading, I align the curvette the same way aith the 10ml mark towards me.

Finally, you do not want to interfere with the reagents. Do your best to not touch the inside of the packet when making your funnel. Oils in your fingertip will skew the results. This is easier said than done. It takes some practice to get a method down.

Also, Immediately rinse the curvette in RODI after testing as the reagents will stain the curvette.

If you follow these procedures, you will get accurate, repeatable results that have been shown to be more accurate than a $60 ICP test. Hanna makes a fine instrument and not one person here will argue that notion.

 

[slingfox]

Lol yeah bro FTFM. You hold the button in until the timer appears. When the timer expires, it takes the reading. It will automatically shut off a few minutes after taking the reading so set an alarm or pay attention. I always set an alarm because i forget. LOL

Well it looks like this thread did some good!

While we are at it, let's discuss a proper testing protocol. First rinse your curvette in tank water before filling it. When filling it, you will notice that the liquid is not a straight line. You want the bottom of that U-shaped line to be touching the 10ml line.

Before inserting the curvette into the Hanna, wipe the glass with a microfiber cloth or your shirt at minimum. Fingerprints throw off the reading. You should do this for both measurments.

Your instrument should sit on a flat surface when taking a measurement. You do not want to be holding it in your hand.

There are small imperfections in the glass. You want to take reading C1 and C2 at the same spot on the curvette. I align the curvette so that the 10ml mark is pointing towards me. When I insert it again for the C2 reading, I align the curvette the same way aith the 10ml mark towards me.

Finally, you do not want to interfere with the reagents. Do your best to not touch the inside of the packet when making your funnel. Oils in your fingertip will skew the results. This is easier said than done. It takes some practice to get a method down.

Also, Immediately rinse the curvette in RODI after testing as the reagents will stain the curvette.

If you follow these procedures, you will get accurate, repeatable results that have been shown to be more accurate than a $60 ICP test. Hanna makes a fine instrument and not one person here will argue that notion.

Thank you @Mikeltee ! I just retested my tank and discovered I have been using my Hanna checkers completely wrong for a little over half a year! Alkalinity has no C2 timer so no issues there but the readings for nitrate and phosphorous were very different when using the instrument correctly.

Nitrate HR two days ago when not using C2 timer: 3.8ppm vs. when done right: 8.7ppm

Phosphorus two days ago when not using C2 timer: 47 ppm (1.44 ppm phosphate) vs. when done right: 60 ppm (1.84 ppm phosphate)

I hope others can be helped by this thread in some way too!