Hanna phosphate checker question

[JOKER]

Ok so I use the hanna checker weekly with my 2 tanks. The other day I tested the 90 and got a .34 reading and I was like wow!!! Just tested 6 days ago and had .03 so I decided to check again the next day. Broke out the API test kit and 2 hanna reagents. Tested all within a few minutes apart. API was almost yellow (yellow being 0) first test with hanna was .34 next test with the other vial was .03. Both test vial cleaned with same cloth. Have a little hair algae in the tank but very little, also some cyano. Just wondering if others have tested odd with hanna. I don't think I have a phosphate problem with the tank everything looks good. Also the test were right after a water change, which my test showed .08 so I decided to do a water change. Did about 25 gallons on a total volume of 100 gallons (90 tank with 30 sump with live rock in sump). Test was with lights out ( does the test work better with lights out or on) Have read to dim lights when testing.

 

[pickupman66]

ya know..

they are accurate most of the time. I personally feel that a 10ML syringe is more acurate than the glass tube. at least its easier for me to read. I test in my kitchen, lights on . FWIW ive been testing at .03 or below for the last several weeks and I am fighting Cyano like a MOther! fortunately it stays on my sand for the time being. I need a sand sifting fish but i have never been able to keep them alive.

 

[Velodog2]

Lots and lots written on the vagaries of the Hanna phosphate and phosphorous checkers. Do a search. I often think to myself they should have fine print saying "For entertainment purposes only". I judge my phosphates by algae growth rates.

 

[Dowtish]

The vials are different, the glass is different. Should you get that different of a reading? No. But if you are going to do back to back tests, use the same vial.

Also, how long do you turn it up and down before setting it in the checker?

 

[JOKER]

I Shake the heck out of it mixing like they say for about 2 minutes. In between the two test I turned the meter off so it was reset before using the different vials. I used the api in between. Just curious if anyone had any trouble. I wonder if there powder is consistent, maybe I will look into that. I wish they would get away from the packets and give us a scoop.lol

 

[Dowtish]

I hear you. Best way to do it is to cut the packet on the dotted line, then cut it again on another edge. That way you can bend it open like a funnel.

Notice at 0:37 in this video how it is open
HI 770 Silica Checker HC - YouTube