Hanna Nitrate HR Checker

[jr60]

I really like this HR nitrate checker, simply to use. I go through a lot of steps in wiping down the cuvettes with isopropyl alcohol, wear latex gloves. I used to first vial for control and the second I use for test as C2, multiple readings but only two for the nitrate due to the 7 minute countdown. I have been using micro funnels to add reagent since my hands are not very steady. Then after I'm done I clean the vials with distilled water shaking for 20 seconds then dump out and refill again with distilled water and store filled. I got used to this procedure after testing for copper. I use both the high range and low range test for copper and can accurately test below 0.1 PPM. I always felt that the color charts were too vague and subjective, not my bag and frankly inconclusive at such low levels. I like the solid number that you get from the Hannah test but the variations I was getting exceeded the margin of error for the copper tests, so consequently I take four readings and average the results. So for the most part Hannah specifies a margin of error of plus or minus 10 parts per billion for the low range and 50 parts per billion or .05 parts for million for the higher range test, I greatly exceeded this on the low range. But I learned to eliminate error factors like bubbles on side, particles of reagent that may not dissolve or junk that may precipitate and appear in the test solution, it is good idea to let settle before taking any readings. But now I need to see an iodine test since Hanna does not support these test kits for aquarium use where required levels are below 0.1 ppms. Perhaps some people use them and supply stores sell them claiming they are accurate to 0.01 ppms however buyer beware since the Hannah specs are only good for 0.1 ppm, then I think it defaults to zero.