Hanna Checker Phosphorus Vs Phosphate

[h2pvnus]

Hi. I heard that phosphorus checker is more reliable in term of showing the real phosphate in your tank because phosphate is broken down from phosphorus (correct me if im wrong). So many reefer tend to use phosphorus check and then convert it to the phosphate amount. Help me out with your knowlege before i make a purchase. Thank you so much.

 

[JOKER]

Phosphorus will give you more accurate readings. It will be my next test to order. I have the phosphate and can read .01 and have algae. SOme videos on youtube

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Both checkers check only the inorganic phosphate in the tank. Despite the name, the phosphorus checker does not actually detect phosphorus. The name, and the units it reads in, is just a marketing distinction.

The Hi736 Phosphorus checker does have a somewhat better accuracy, so that would be the one to pick for most reef applications.

You do need to multiply the reading by 0.0032 to get ppm phosphate. So 5 ppb = 0.016 ppm.

Note to that the values have a stated uncertainty of 5 ppb phosphorus (0.016 ppm phosphate), so 000 ppb could really be any value up to 0.016 ppm phosphate.

 

[h2pvnus]

Both checkers check only the inorganic phosphate in the tank. Despite the name, the phosphorus checker does not actually detect phosphorus. The name, and the units it reads in, is just a marketing distinction.

The Hi736 Phosphorus checker does have a somewhat better accuracy, so that would be the one to pick for most reef applications.

You do need to multiply the reading by 0.0032 to get ppm phosphate. So 5 ppb = 0.016 ppm.

Note to that the values have a stated uncertainty of 5 ppb phosphorus (0.016 ppm phosphate), so 000 ppb could really be any value up to 0.016 ppm phosphate.

Thank Randy very helpful. Im gonna get the Hi736 also what is your method of testing nitrate and phosphate?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I've used kits in the past, such as the Hach PO-19 for phosphate, and kits as well as the Pinpoint monitor for nitrate, but I've not measured either one for years. I gauge how the tank is doing by monitoring how it looks, how fast algae grows on the glass, etc.


FWIW, I don't try to keep a very low nutrient tank.

If I were to measure phosphate, I'd probably use the Hanna phosphorus checker.

 

[h2pvnus]

I've used kits in the past, such as the Hach PO-19 for phosphate, and kits as well as the Pinpoint monitor for nitrate, but I've not measured either one for years. I gauge how the tank is doing by monitoring how it looks, how fast algae grows on the glass, etc.


FWIW, I don't try to keep a very low nutrient tank.

If I were to measure phosphate, I'd probably use the Hanna phosphorus checker.

How was the Pinpoint Nitrate?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I thought it seemed OK, but took a fair amount of effort, calibrating it for each use.