help with Hanna phosphate checker

[lastlight]

Originally Posted by mark

you can compare the vials by doing a "test" using each with ro, no reagent. I've ran it a couple of times, different order and always get zero.

so you zero with one vial and have the other mixed?

why else would they give us two lol?

[mrhasan]

I always use a tissue to grab the vial. Finger prints are enough to throw the whole reading away. Alongside, one tiny floating particle in the vial is also enough to give you false reading. And the worst part is the 3 min shut down time. I don't know what the people at hanna was thinking? I guess according to them, its "cost effective" to throw away a dissolved solution than to change a battery for adding an extra minute to the shut off time, not to mention the dedication to pour the powder in and the two minutes shaking time. I really hate this photometer from the bottom of my heart but well, if I get everything 100% right, I know I am going to get a much more reliable reading than any other test kits. But reaching the 100% takes a lot of work and luck too.

[Wheelman76]

Originally Posted by Reef Pilot

Geez guys, it is really not that hard... I only use one vial, and always get it completely mixed every time. Like I said, just have to do it right as described above, and it is then very accurate and consistent.

+1

[Wheelman76]

Originally Posted by straightrazorguy

Maybe I'm slow, but I cannot fill vial, add ALL the reagent in the pouch, and completely mix it in 3 min. At the end of 3 min I still have solid particles of reagent swirling in the vial. I don't want to measure it unless it's completely dissolved. That's why I use 2 vials.

Yeah I'm not sure if you're doing it right if you are rushing to fill the vial in a certain amount of time.

1. Fill the vial , and wipe the outside to remove finger prints.

2. Turn on meter

3. When it reads C1 add the vial to the meter and press the button.

4. When it reads C2 remove the vial from the meter and dump in the powder , give it a good shake till everything is dissolved and then wipe the vial for fingerprints. Put the vial back into the meter and HOLD the button down till the 3 minute timer starts. (Step 4 must be done within 3 minutes)

As others have said , tear open the reagent prior to step 1 ,so that its all ready to go , I personally cut off 3 sides so it opens up like a butterfly so I can get all the powder in , but the wax paper idea sounds like a great choice as well.

Also do not forget to keep an eye on the 3 minute timer , because after it counts down and shows the reading , it shuts the meter off within about 5 seconds.