Should I get the Phosphurous Checker? - Page 2

Craigdillman · #11 02-09-2015, 05:34 AM

I have the hanma one with ppb love it seems to get fairly constituent reading but mostly I use it to test before after after GFO so I know when to replace it test before WC and once a week I can see p04 rising and sometime I need to change out gfo between WC others not. Honestly I couldn't handle trying to read what color off hue blue was which so opted for it

Just my 2 cents

Wheelman76 · #12 02-09-2015, 06:27 AM

I use the ULR phosphorous checker , works great and I can do two tests back to back and get very consistent results. Usually within 2 or 3 ppb. I think getting all of the powder out each time makes a big difference. I cut the edges of the packet off on two sides and then fold the packet into a V shape and pour. Seems to work well to get all of the powder out everytime.

tytown · #13 02-09-2015, 03:00 PM

Agree on the Elos PO4 kit, that thing is a total waste of money.
So Wheelman and Craig, what are some typical values your phosphorus checker reads? And what do you expect it to read when you test?
Running GFO I would hope to see 10 and below but going by their rated accuracy there's no way I guy can even rely on that.
Just trying to gauge peoples phosphates and their expected reading from their ULR phos checker....
Thanks for all the replys so far

Craigdillman · #14 02-09-2015, 03:17 PM

Well for example last week my reading was 0.06 and this week (water change week and GFO change time) it was 0.09 so it just started to rise

lastlight · #15 02-09-2015, 04:52 PM

i previously owned the regular tester and always got zero which i never believed. i certainly had algae which apparently IS possible with real zero readings lol. i now use the ULR and for a while i couldn't get back-to-back consistent readings.

now i do a few things that seemed to have made testing reliable and i now like the device:

- only use one of the glass containers. zero the unit and add reagent to same one. avoid differences in glass/scratches etc between containers.

- store ro/di in container between uses then rinse well before use

- made a decent paper funnel to ensure i can more accurately get all or almost all the reagent into the container

- always rotate the glass to the same orientation in the device

mikellini · #16 02-09-2015, 05:02 PM

This thread is making me feel better about getting the phosphate checker vs phosphorus. As it is, I think there's too much number-chasing going on in this hobby.

lastlight · #17 02-09-2015, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikellini

This thread is making me feel better about getting the phosphate checker vs phosphorus. As it is, I think there's too much number-chasing going on in this hobby.

if you like zero readings i highly recommend the phosphate checker =)