Hanna checker

[Hilltopreef90]

I have a HR nitrate checker that I’m concerned that it’s not giving the correct results
I tested 3 aquariums and all three read 75.0
I don’t see how all three (one didn’t even have fish corals or anything that would increase nitrates that high
How do I reset or find out if my reading is wrong and the checker is not working properly

 

[Just John]

I have a HR nitrate checker that I’m concerned that it’s not giving the correct results
I tested 3 aquariums and all three read 75.0
I don’t see how all three (one didn’t even have fish corals or anything that would increase nitrates that high
How do I reset or find out if my reading is wrong and the checker is not working properly

It sounds like it's broken to me too. Have you tried it on RODI?

 

[muzikalmatt]

Check the battery and also make sure the reagent packs aren't expired. I've had issues with other Hanna checkers giving false readings when the reagent goes bad.

Do you have another nitrate test kit to check it against? You could pick up a cheap Salifert or Nyos test kit to verify.

 

[n2585722]

It sounds like you maxed it out 75 is the highest it can read so you my be higher than that. Put in some water and do the zero cal then continue without adding any reagent and see what reading you get.

 

[Just John]

I have had reagents for a different kit go bad long before the expiration date, so if you get zero after doing the above, try again with rodi and add the reagent and see what you get.

 

[G Santana]

As advised, test against a known quantity, a friends tank or LFS and /or against another test kit

 

[Hilltopreef90]

The regrant packets are new and everything was clean before using.
I’ve not tried plain rodi water
Would I run the test and just use the rodi water or just test the water without using the regeant ?
I tested it with the quarantine water since it was just set up and cycled so it shouldn’t have had a high nitrate reading at all and it read 75.0
I did use another test kit but the color strip is hard to determine since none of the colors really matched, all I was able to determine is that my nitrate level is high I’m just not sure how high.
I do weekly water changes with Rodi water, I’ve checked my water and it’s fine, I have a refugium with chaeto growing well but it’s obviously not helping much to lower nitrates so I added some chem pure and they’re still high.
Once I can get an accurate reading on my nitrates I’m not sure what more I can do to lower my nitrates.
Suggestions on buying a new checker if I can’t get the checker to work and advice on ways to lower nitrates and/or why the chaeto isn’t helping ?
my tank is over a year old, all the corals look good except my gsp recently stopped coming out

 

[LiamPM]

Just check it against your water change water on a freshly made batch - If that reads 75ppm you have a faulty unit - If it doesnt then you have high Nitrates in your other tanks.

 

[Hilltopreef90]

Is it worth buying the calibration kit for the checker or can I check it’s accuracy another way without buying the kit

 

[gbroadbridge]

Is it worth buying the calibration kit for the checker or can I check it’s accuracy another way without buying the kit

As said above, run the test with tank water, dont add reagent after C1, and press the button again.

With no reagent it should read zero.

What batch number is the reagent? There is a faulty batch out there at the moment.

 

[Hilltopreef90]

I’ll check and get back to you when I’m home for lunch

 

[gbroadbridge]

I’ll check and get back to you when I’m home for lunch

Batch H017 has had many reports of bad reagent and Hanna are aware of it.

 

[Hilltopreef90]

As said above, run the test with tank water, dont add reagent after C1, and press the button again.

With no reagent it should read zero.

What batch number is the reagent? There is a faulty batch out there at the moment.

It’s reading zero when I used rodi water so I guess it’s working unless it’s the regeant ?