Hanna phosphate checker

[MnFish1]

I am following the process you later out. I made the change to 100 seconds due to the checker shutting off. I will check again tomorrow. But the checker has turned off on me 3 times during the 2 min gentle shake process.
Thanks for your advice. I’ll let you know how it works out.

The reason I asked is that you wrote that the instructions say it shuts off after 2 minutes - which is correct - but the 2 minutes is AFTER the reading is taken. One hint - have the powder ready to go - before you start the timing process. I would also recommend you call hanna directly - they are great to deal with - and may be able to trouble shoot with you. On the other thread - multiple people had the issue describe - and in the end most (i.e. 95%) were error in technique as compared to a problem with the device (if I recall correctly) - so I'm not trying to offend you at all (when I re-read the instructions today - I found them confusing). Key message - if its really not working - replace it - don't change the method. You may likely get errant results

 

[LilElroyJetson]

All of the advice @MnFish1 gave is spot on. Make sure you just cut the packet open before starting and follow the instructions to the T. The time limits imposed in these instructions are not arbitrary, Hanna has determined how long it takes for the reagent to react with the sample in order to provide the reading within the accuracy range they advertise.

Now as for your climbing phosphates, after performing the tests as the instructions say, you may need to do some detective work with your tank to see if you discover the source (i.e. a detritus build up somewhere in the tank/sump/filter socks or floss/sponges/etc., overfeeding, decaying organics on rockwork, whatever it may be), and then try to address it. Your phosphate removal may just be masking an underlying issue.

 

[lion king]

It is very important to have a precise testing method of course. I found these helped me out with adding the reagents, any spillage of powder will throw you off, and is easy to do. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009CZEQ36/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

There are also alot of things people add to their tanks that can raise the phosphate very quickly. Foods, pellet food is very high, coral foods and additives like reef energy, many things; so what do you feed and add to your tank. I tested one dose of reef energy raised the phosphate by .02

 

[Scorpius]

I like to use a hard water remover to clean the inside of the vial before every test. Think CLR, Works cleaner etc.

 

[sghera64]

As I said above - first you need to follow the instructions exactly - sorry the explanation got lost in my first post @sghera64 - is this what you meant?.

Since you didn't exactly say what was happening with the timer - its hard to give you a suggestion about what to do differently. No offense to the others recommending differences from the protocol ie use 2 vials, 2 different water samples - though it may seem that you're getting accurate results - you may not be - this is directly from the company (not my advice).

But if you're following the instructions exactly - this should not happen. There was a lengthy thread a while ago where we went through this - and during that I called Hanna - the results:

1. You should use the same cuvette for the zeroing and the testing (every time)
2. You should not shake the vial - as bubbles will cause problems (this is in the instructions as well
3. If you have the powder open - first - it helps.
4. Make sure you empty/clean the vial immediately or you can stain the glass and get false readings.

You nailed it.

 

[Lefty McWaterbox]

The reason I asked is that you wrote that the instructions say it shuts off after 2 minutes - which is correct - but the 2 minutes is AFTER the reading is taken. One hint - have the powder ready to go - before you start the timing process. I would also recommend you call hanna directly - they are great to deal with - and may be able to trouble shoot with you. On the other thread - multiple people had the issue describe - and in the end most (i.e. 95%) were error in technique as compared to a problem with the device (if I recall correctly) - so I'm not trying to offend you at all (when I re-read the instructions today - I found them confusing). Key message - if its really not working - replace it - don't change the method. You may likely get errant results

Sooo. Tester not faulty. But the test taker was. . It will stay on for more than two minutes allowing you to gently shake for a full two. But as you said you better be on your game to get the powder in and shook, there is no time for dilly dally! Thanks for the advise, I’ve got it now!