Hannah Checker 10ml line

[reacclimating 2 the hobby]

Hey all,

Just curious. Do you fill your vials to the 10ml line or actually measure out 10ml? I use a 5ml syringe to fill mine and its always 2-3mm over the line. Which should you use?

 

[BanZI29]

I use a syringe also. I dont trust that fill line.

 

[DanyL]

I’m filling with a 10ml syringe and it always spot on with the line on the vial.

Make sure you don’t “flush” the leftovers in the syringe.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Hey all,

Just curious. Do you fill your vials to the 10ml line or actually measure out 10ml? I use a 5ml syringe to fill mine and its always 2-3mm over the line. Which should you use?

I think if you are in the right ballpark, it shouldn't matter. As long as the light path is fully underwater. there is enough reagent for more phosphate than you have, and more water just gives the same color intensity in a taller volume of water without changing what is in the light path.

 

[BanZI29]

I think if you are in the right ballpark, it shouldn't matter. As long as the light path is fully underwater. there is enough reagent for more phosphate than you have, and more water just gives the same color intensity in a taller volume of water without changing what is in the light path.

you do have to use actual 10 mil to make sure you have the dilution right for the reagent.

 

[Northern Flicker]

I've wondered this too; the water creates a concave shape and I always just try to make sure the bottom of the curve is at the 10ml line.

 

[Dan_P]

Hey all,

Just curious. Do you fill your vials to the 10ml line or actually measure out 10ml? I use a 5ml syringe to fill mine and its always 2-3mm over the line. Which should you use?

Fill until the bottom of the meniscus touches the top of the line. You can also measure 10 mL with two 5 mL adds.

The reason that I think that there is an option is because the amount of chemical in the packets is not exactly the same. I know it does not matter for the phosphate Checker because I tested the idea that it does not matter. Best to be consistent if you cannot be accurate AND consistent.

 

[A_Blind_Reefer]

Whatever you do, do it the same every time. The markings from one vial to the other can be off, so can different syringes. Pulling two five ml samples versus one ten ml adds another chance to be off a smidge. I would recommend getting a larger syringe and use it solely for your Hanna. If you’re visually challenged or just want to simplify things, you can get an automatic pipette that you can set to ten ml and it will pull the same amount time after time.

edit. Also the line wears off the vial after awhile

 

[Miami Reef]

I think if you are in the right ballpark, it shouldn't matter. As long as the light path is fully underwater. there is enough reagent for more phosphate than you have, and more water just gives the same color intensity in a taller volume of water without changing what is in the light path.

That’s very interesting. I never knew the actual science behind how the phosphate checkers work.

I always thought more sample meant more water with more phosphates in it, which will make it seem like there’s more phosphates than what is actually in the tank.

 

[reacclimating 2 the hobby]

Thanks all... i have a hard time believing the tolerance on medical syringes would vary enough to throw it off. That could be catastrophic. I agree consistency is best, but thought about it and figured it would be a good conversation.

Why wouldnt they have the same amount of reagents in each pack? Some of these claims are hard to believe. Is their proof behind them? I'd also think more water would lead to lower results since the reagent is spread over a bigger volume? Very interesting things to learn.

 

[Hats_]

the line is inaccurate, i use a glass pipette to get a consistent amount of water. but i feel like as long as you keep doing it using the same materials it doesnt really matter i think

 

[Saltysav96]

the lines arent accurate. i use a 10ml syringe and get pretty consistant results.

 

[Reefer Matt Verified Media Partner]

I use the line on the vial. All the lines on all my tester vials are the same. These are hobby grade, and have a margin of error, and should be used as a guide to achieve stability, not accuracy.

 

[shadyraro]

the line is inaccurate, i use a glass pipette to get a consistent amount of water. but i feel like as long as you keep doing it using the same materials it doesnt really matter i think

Interesting, you'd think for the price you pay for the Hanna's that they'd at least get the measuring line correct. I rinse the vial a couple of times and fill it to the line, I've also measured 10ml with a syringe and it's always just above the line.
I guess consistency is the key so I do it the same every time.

 

[A_Blind_Reefer]

I think if you are in the right ballpark, it shouldn't matter. As long as the light path is fully underwater. there is enough reagent for more phosphate than you have, and more water just gives the same color intensity in a taller volume of water without changing what is in the light path.

Out of curiosity, is this the same for nitrate and alkalinity?

 

[Rick2024]

I use it the Hanna vial to the fill line. Technically the meniscus line of the liquid. But honestly, as long as you’re consistently measuring one way or another, it likely doesn’t matter.