Spectrophotometer

[ethans_aquatics]

Does anyone use a spectrophotomer for colorimetric testing?

 

[Dan_P]

Does anyone use a spectrophotomer for colorimetric testing?

Not on a regular basis, but when need arises. @taricha, @Rick Mathew, thoughts?

 

[ethans_aquatics]

Thinking about either getting a spec or the Hanna instruments master test kit... They're the exact same price. The spec I could probably do more with.

 

[taricha]

I love my spectrophotometer. I find a use for it in every project. but, if this is the question....

Thinking about either getting a spec or the Hanna instruments master test kit... They're the exact same price. The spec I could probably do more with.

Then I'd say it depends on what you want to do with it.
If you just want to measure aquarium test parameters - get the hanna.
If making your own calibration curve by mixing known concentrations of the compounds (NO3, PO4 etc) that you want to do tests for sounds like fun - and you think you might want to measure things other than aquarium parameters, then the spectrophotometer I sent you a link to is more flexible.

I think you'd do well to consider the iorodeo open source colorimeter too. It's cheaper and there are others that are sharing some work on calibration curves.
https://blog.iorodeo.com/open-colorimeter-product-guide/

 

[Rick Mathew]

I love my spectrophotometer. I find a use for it in every project. but, if this is the question....

Then I'd say it depends on what you want to do with it.
If you just want to measure aquarium test parameters - get the hanna.
If making your own calibration curve by mixing known concentrations of the compounds (NO3, PO4 etc) that you want to do tests for sounds like fun - and you think you might want to measure things other than aquarium parameters, then the spectrophotometer I sent you a link to is more flexible.

I think you'd do well to consider the iorodeo open source colorimeter too. It's cheaper and there are others that are sharing some work on calibration curves.
https://blog.iorodeo.com/open-colorimeter-product-guide/

Totally agree...Handy for project work...test development...test validation...observing reactions and the effect of reagent levels...etc. otherwise for aquarium test parameters...go with Hanna or other good test kits

Rick