Hanna Phosphate Checker Questions

So I just recently purchased the Hanna phosphate checker and I can't seem to get consistent readings when testing back to back.

I just tested today about 15 min ago and I got .13ppm and .08ppm phosphate. Sometimes ill get .45ppm and .12ppm.

I have called Hanna and customer service was really no help, they needed to watch the video on their website to figure out how to use it. I have blown through 20 reagent packets in the past month trying to figure out how to get consistent readings.

Here is how I test, maybe someone can tell me what I'm doing wrong.

1. Clean out test vial with tank water
2. Fill vial up to white line with tank water
3. Clean vial with mico-fiber cloth
4. Check for micro bubbles
5. Turn Checker on
6. Wait for C1, then insert vial into checker
7. Press Button & wait for Checker to zero out
8. Start timer
9. Removal vial and insert reagent into vial
10. Invert vial gently over and over again until timer hits 1:30
11. Check for micro bubbles & clean vial with cloth
12. Insert vial into checker @ 1:45
13. Hold black button to initiate 3:00 count down
14. Read Results
15. Clean out vial with RO/DI water


Am I doing something wrong??!! I am sick of needing to test twice to make sure my Phosphate levels are correct.

 

Da bump.....~~~~~~

 

Are you making sure that the vial is positioned the same way for the C1 and C2 readings? Variations in the surface of the glass cound impact your readings.

I always place it so that the "10 ml" text is facing the hinge of the checker. I have the phosphourus checker, but the procedure is the same and my repeat tests usually show very little variation.

If you're already doing that and getting results greater than the +/- 4% variation, then you may have a defective unit.

 

I will try loading the vial the same direction every time going forward.

Thanks

 

So I tested last night and ended up with .13ppm and .08pp
After I tested my Phosphates I did a 5 gallon water change and replaced my PhosBan & Carbon media. I ran the reactor for 11 hours and tested this morning and still am at .13pp,.


If my tester bad or am I doing something wrong?

 

the vial has to be spotless. Dont use tank water to rinse them out with. I keep mine in a glass of RO water. Dust, fingerprints, water spots, etc will cause the results to be off

 

I just called Hanna and they said the Phosphate Checker is not as accurate as the Phosphorus Checker. They are going to send me the Phosphorus in exchange for my Phosphate Checker.

Only downside is it will not read over .6ppm Phosphate, if I am currently sitting at .8-.13ppm all I will see is (---).

I got to do some more research and figure out what will be best for me.