The Checker Phosphate Photometer from Hanna Instruments

Discussion in '3reef Radar' started by Matt Rogers, Mar 2, 2010.

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  1. Matt Rogers

    Matt Rogers Kingfish

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    In case you missed it, 3reef Sponsor TB Aquatics has been beating the drum about a cool new addition - the Checker Phosphate Photometer from Hanna Instruments. And, looking at it, it is hard not to see why. It is an easy-to-use, fairly accurate photometer for around $40! If you ever have had an algae problem, you may want to get in line for this one. It will be shipping within a couple weeks.

    [​IMG]
    The HI 713 Checker® HC portable handheld colorimeter

    From TB Aquatics:
    More at:
    Hanna Instruments Checker Phosphate Photometer **PREORDER** [PCHECKER] - $39.95 : TB Aquatics - Top Quality Aquarium Products, Aquarium & Drinking Water Filtration, Amazing Service!

    Also official brochure here:
    http://hannainstusa.com/hannachecker.com/manuals/Phosphate.pdf
     
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  3. Otty

    Otty Giant Squid

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    Now that is a pretty cool looking gadget.... :)
     
  4. SimonSKL

    SimonSKL Astrea Snail

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    For those who have been using this meter, what do you think of their accuracy?

    I received mine about 4 days ago. Here are some test readings from the meter:

    RODI - 0.00
    Reef tank water - 0.00 (tested twice, both at 0.00)
    Tap water (soft water) - 0.03
    RODI waste water - 0.02
    Pond water - 0.00

    I expect my RODI waste water reading to be higher than tap water and never expected my pond water to be zero of phosphate.

    The precision statement above is hard to interpret: Accuracy 4% ±0.04 ppm (mg/L) of reading. A Hanna tech support email re to low range reading used the following example to explain their accuracy:

    "If the meter reads .04PPM, The actual reading could be .0416 plus .04 = .0816PPM. Conversely, the reading could also be zero"

    Do you think this meter can replace our good old Salifert or other phosphate test kits? At $40 per meter and $9 for 25 packs of reagents, cost per test is very comparable. May be a little cheaper for the meter in the long run. Let's hear your thoughts.
     
  5. the fisherman

    the fisherman Vlamingii Tang

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    On the waiting list LOL
     
  6. SinCityReef

    SinCityReef Astrea Snail

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    Yea, just don't order it direct from hannachecker.com. I ordered mine 10 days ago, they confirmed the order a week ago, and there's been no contact from them, sign of it, or tracking number. :\ slooooow shipping!
     
  7. SimonSKL

    SimonSKL Astrea Snail

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    TB Aquatics seems to have them in stock and I was able to get one from them.
     
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  9. SinCityReef

    SinCityReef Astrea Snail

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    I'm sure TB Aquatics is awesome. Hanna has my money and I can't seem to get it back or get in contact with them, though :p When I ordered it, I couldn't find it on any other websites and this thread didn't exist, and it was about the only option :p Wasn't even on Ebay.
     
  10. Dobrzemetal

    Dobrzemetal Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

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    So does anyone have one in their possession yet? Whats the word?
     
  11. SinCityReef

    SinCityReef Astrea Snail

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    I finally got one. Marine Depot is selling them for 39. I got a refund from Hanna. They're criminally slow in shipping. So far the phosphate readings seem dead on. My tank reads at 0, two other tanks I took readings on read at .39 and .89. Again, around what I'd expect.

    I'll say prepare both curvets ahead of time, one with reagent and one without. My big complaint (and this one isn't, it's likely just practice) is that the reagent can be hard to get out of the package and into the curvet. The curvet has a small opening, and the package is paper and pretty stiff. Getting ALL the powder out of it and into that small opening is a bit of a challenge, but it'll probably get easier with practice.

    AS far as I can tell though, the accuracy is spot on. I ran the test on some of the samples several times, and it always came up within .01 of itself.... that bodes fairly well for it's accuracy IMO.
     
  12. Dobrzemetal

    Dobrzemetal Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

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    pretty good to hear, I think ill have to order one of these guys, I can learn to deal with the power issue for 40 bucks. Thanks for update!