Hanna Nitrate Colorimeter Question

[Lord_Mort]

Hi All,

So I just got a Hanna Nitrate checker and I'm a little confused/concerned about what I'm seeing vs what the instruction book says.

The instructions tell you to do a "zero" function first with just water from your tank. (C1) Next, you're supposed to add the reagent to the sample, shake for 2 minutes, then put it back in the colorimeter and press a button... (C2) Here's where it gets weird. The book says the colorimeter is supposed to start a 7 minute timer and then give you the reading after 7 minutes. Mine is not doing that, it just goes straight to the reading after about 5 seconds. Am I doing something wrong or is it just skipping the timer since my sample (with reagent) is clear and has a reading of 0.0?

 

[Lost in the Sauce]

It's a long press to start the timer after the 2 minute shake. A short press will read immediately. Too long of a press will shut it off.

 

[Miami Reef]

When it shows C2 long press until the timer starts, and then let go of the button.

 

[Reefer Matt Verified Media Partner]

As stated above, when it says "C2" you add reagent, shake for 2 minutes, then put vial in. Hold the button until the 7 minute countdown begins.

 

[Lord_Mort]

As stated above, when it says "C2" you add reagent, shake for 2 minutes, then put vial in. Hold the button until the 7 minute countdown begins.

I did try that... The timer never started, it just turned off.

 

[Snoopy 67]

Time to check with Hanna.

 

[Lost in the Sauce]

I did try that... The timer never started, it just turned off.

May have held it too long. If it's just never starting the timer, there's something wrong with the colorimeter.

 

[Reefer Matt Verified Media Partner]

I did try that... The timer never started, it just turned off.

In that case, you can use the other cuvette for your zero reading, then the one with the reagent after the 7 minutes. The reading won't change after 7 minutes, so if you ever forget, and the checker turns off, you don't have to retest with new reagent.

 

[Lord_Mort]

Is it safe to assume that if the sample is still clear that my reading is 0 or very close to it?

 

[A_Blind_Reefer]

I did try that... The timer never started, it just turned off.

As an alternate method, you can use two vials. One with tank water and another tank water with reagent shaken for two minutes and then left alone for seven minutes. Turn on the checker, at c one insert tank water vial and press, at c two, remove tank water vial and insert vial with reagent and press. Result will be instant. I have to do it this way but you should be able to do it the normal way.

 

[A_Blind_Reefer]

In that case, you can use the other cuvette for your zero reading, then the one with the reagent after the 7 minutes. The reading won't change after 7 minutes, so if you ever forget, and the checker turns off, you don't have to retest with new reagent.

I didn’t see your post before I typed mine! I’m a dummy..ha

 

[kilnakorr]

Is it safe to assume that if the sample is still clear that my reading is 0 or very close to it?

Yes. It gets pink/red the higher the nitrate concentration.
I would advice against using different cuvettes for zero and test.
Any scratch or smudge will scew the results.
You can however just wait 7 minutes, then press the button to read the correct result.

 

[Reefer Matt Verified Media Partner]

Is it safe to assume that if the sample is still clear that my reading is 0 or very close to it?

Yes. It will turn orange. Very similar to API test colors.

 

[kilnakorr]

Yes. It will turn orange. Very similar to API test colors.

Mine is pretty red
Just tested a few minutes ago, and hit 45,7!

 

[A_Blind_Reefer]

Yes. It gets pink/red the higher the nitrate concentration.
I would advice against using different cuvettes for zero and test.
Any scratch or smudge will scew the results.
You can however just wait 7 minutes, then press the button to read the correct result.

Mine shuts off automatically before seven minutes after c one. That’s why I have to use two vials. I’d be interested to know if others stay on longer after c one.

edit. I shouldn’t say before seven minutes. I’m just a little slow sometimes and can’t make it before it does shut off which may be a minute or two later

 

[kilnakorr]

Mine shuts off automatically before seven minutes after c one. That’s why I have to use two vials. I’d be interested to know if others stay on longer after c one.

edit. I shouldn’t say before seven minutes. I’m just a little slow sometimes and can’t make it before it does shut off which may be a minute or two later

I see - makes sense it shuts down to save battery.
I'll test and report back in a few.

 

[kilnakorr]

Mine shuts off automatically before seven minutes after c one. That’s why I have to use two vials. I’d be interested to know if others stay on longer after c one.

edit. I shouldn’t say before seven minutes. I’m just a little slow sometimes and can’t make it before it does shut off which may be a minute or two later

Just reread the posts here.
You press on, and wait for C1
Then you insert the vial with water - press button once andxwait for the C2 to display.
Remove vial and add reagent and shake for 2 min.
Insert vial and long press button. Timer should countdown from 7.00 minutes.

It shuts down quickly after C1, but takes 10+minutes on C2 (just tested and turned it off after 10 minutes)

From what I read, it sounds like you long press at C1 and not C2.

 

[Lord_Mort]

Just reread the posts here.
You press on, and wait for C1
Then you insert the vial with water - press button once andxwait for the C2 to display.
Remove vial and add reagent and shake for 2 min.
Insert vial and long press button. Timer should countdown from 7.00 minutes.

It shuts down quickly after C1, but takes 10+minutes on C2 (just tested and turned it off after 10 minutes)

From what I read, it sounds like you long press at C1 and not C2.

The book does say it has auto off after 10 minutes.
I have no trouble getting from C1 to C2. But once I'm on C2 it either goes right to the reading (short/medium press) or off (long press).
This was my first time with a Hannah instrument so maybe it's just me. I will try again when I get home from work.

 

[kilnakorr]

The book does say it has auto off after 10 minutes.
I have no trouble getting from C1 to C2. But once I'm on C2 it either goes right to the reading (short/medium press) or off (long press).
This was my first time with a Hannah instrument so maybe it's just me. I will try again when I get home from work.

Not sure if it helps, but just made a short video before putting mine back in the box.
Forgive me for the TV in the background, but wanted to keep the sound, so you can hear the button being pressed

 

[Lord_Mort]

Not sure if it helps, but just made a short video before putting mine back in the box.
Forgive me for the TV in the background, but wanted to keep the sound, so you can hear the button being pressed

Thank you for the effort, it is VERY much appreciated!!!