Hannah Nitrate HR False Low Readings

[awokenreefboy]

I'm sure it can't hurt. I'm just lazy and also I've never been in a lab so I'm rolling with ignorance is bliss lol

Trust me… sometimes I’m like, “ F it!” And don’t do it either. I’m guilty of being lazy like everyone else.

 

[Pntbll687]

Am I reading that correctly? You can use API reagents in a hanna tester?

Yeah. I’ve been using api reagents in the Hannah checker for a while now.

It’s not as precise as the Hannah stuff, but works really well when you’re trying to maintain a range, for me it’s 10-20.

If I’m consistently reading in the 10-20 range I’m good. I’m not gonna dose or change anything over a couple ppm of nitrate on a test kit.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Yeah. I’ve been using api reagents in the Hannah checker for a while now.

It’s not as precise as the Hannah stuff, but works really well when you’re trying to maintain a range, for me it’s 10-20.

If I’m consistently reading in the 10-20 range I’m good. I’m not gonna dose or change anything over a couple ppm of nitrate on a test kit.

Did you recalibrate it?

 

[Pntbll687]

Did you recalibrate it?

I did not

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I did not

Then it is potentially a big mistake to assume the numbers will be accurate. Different nitrate kits convert different percentages of nitrate to nitrite for detection, and then they all multiply up by different factors to get a nitrate value.

 

[Pntbll687]

Then it is potentially a big mistake to assume the numbers will be accurate. Different nitrate kits convert different percentages of nitrate to nitrite for detection, and then they all multiply up by different factors to get a nitrate value.

I’m looking for consistency over accuracy.

I don’t really care if my nitrates are 50+ and the checker says 25. I’m using it to keep steady where I’m at.

I’d expect more deviation between using the api reagents and Hanna at the lower end of the readings, in the sub 5ppm range.

 

[08TRDOFFROAD]

I’m having an issue with my HR Nitrate checker.

I know my nitrates are around 8ppm because my tester always tests around that, and I’m not using a nitrate reduction method. It also comes close with my ICP readings.

The other day I tested (emptying the whole packet of reagent, as usual) but while shaking, I noticed the color was very light in comparison to how it usually is.

I got a result of under 1ppm. I immediately tested again and the second time came around 8ppm.

I started feeding heavier lately, and yesterday I tested with a similar outcome: unusually light pink with results around 2ppm, I tested again and results came 9.5ppm.

I use my vials for both the nitrate and phosphate ULR test. I rinse thoroughly with RO/DI and then rinse with saltwater prior to testing.

The whole packet of reagent is added. Anyone else have a similar experience?

The few off readings I had, I noticed the reagent seemed to be clumpy too.

I had this issue recently too. I was using up my last few packets of reagent that came with the checker. I noted the clumpy consistency and it had an almost yellowish color to the powder. I wish I would have kept one of the packets to document the batch number and expiration date...dang it!

I recently ordered a refill and the new reagents with an exp in 2029 have been working fine.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I don’t really care if my nitrates are 50+ and the checker says 25. I’m using it to keep steady where I’m at.

Ok, if that’s the criteria, it may be ok.