Hanna Phosphate checker question

[Daddy-o]

As we progress from newbie to a real reefer, we are trying to upgrade from the cheap test kits to instruments that are a lot more accurate. But I have to say this unit has made testing so frustrating that we may stray away from Hanna Checkers in the future.
Cheers! Mark

 

[erk]

I've been using the Hanna ULR Phosphorus checker for 1.5 years. I have a set way of running the test due to the 3 minute auto off during the C2 portion. I cut the packet and set it up to easily pour into the vial. Then I clean the vial and insert it into the checker for the C1 cal. I then ready to hit start on a 3 minute timer when I see C2. Then I pour in the reagent and shake for 2 minutes. Usually takes about 30 seconds to get the reagent into the vial. Finishing with 30 seconds left to clean and insert the vial is plenty of time. Then I hold down the button on the checker until the 3 minute timer shows.

I do not walk away because 3 minutes passes faster than you expect. I've had to rerun the test before because I got busy and came back to a powered off checker.

If you are having issues with this checker, then maybe it isn't for you. I personally like it. Takes the guess work out of trying to read the color. For that, I will happily deal with strict timing and such.

Since this checker is giving you grief, I recommend staying away from the calcium checker as well. I use the calcium checker exclusively and like it, but I also had to replace the pipette with a lab grade one. I hate doing titrations.

 

[Timrpn]

I don’t have this issue. I put the sample in the vial and place in the tester, I do not turn it on yet, I then get the Reagent and open it so it is ready to pour. After I am ready, i push the button for C1 to turn to C2, remove it and place the reagent and start a 2 minute time on Alexa. When there is 10 seconds left i start to wipe down the vial for finger prints, and then i place in tester, push and hold the button and bam!