How many Hanna Phosphate Packets have you wasted

[Travis Stewart]

Why not just make a funnel shaped packet? what are we thinking? The spills are paying their light bill!

 

[jsker]

I made a cuvette holder

And order a spatula to get all of the powder out of the packet.

 

[jsker]

I actually made a cuvette holder with some pvc and acrylic. Works very well

I like your OCD on this one, great job

 

[jsker]

I found my biggest issue was keeping the cuvettes upright. I also use a magnetic stirrer for the phosphorous test.

 

[Larry L]

DIY Post-It note funnel works pretty well.

This is exactly what I do, works great.

 

[mcarroll]

I found my biggest issue was keeping the cuvettes upright. I also use a magnetic stirrer for the phosphorous test.

How do you fit a stirring nodule (technical word for it!) down into one of those tiny cuvettes???

 

[jsker]

How do you fit a stirring nodule (technical word for it!) down into one of those tiny cuvettes???

The cuvettes have a 9 mm opening, and I have been using a 10mm stir bar and use the magnetic effect of the stir bar after removing the cuvette from the stirrer, the bar sticks to tweezers and I pull the bar out of the cuvette.

I ordered and now have 5mm stir bars that almost look like large BB's and I am going to see how the 5mm work

 

[saltyhog]

I am amazed at all the problems are having with this test. It's not really difficult at all. I can't remember the last time I spilled reagent and I've never had the unit shut off. A few tips I've learned.

#1 never use both cuvettes for the test. Hanna is very specific about that.

#2 prepare the reagent packet as the very first step in the procedure.

#3 set a timer for 2 minutes and hit it as soon as you screw the cap back on the cuvette after adding reagent.

#4 simply invert the cuvette back and forth fairly quickly. I can't imagine the need for a mechanical stirring device.

#5 don't fret a small amount of reagent powder staying in the pouch (like a film over the liner). The reagent is in significant excess for the test. It won't impact the result unless you spill a significant amount.

 

[paphater]

I had a new one today. Cracked the one of my cuvettes screwing the cap on. Pretty frustrating since I really wasn't cranking on it. And of course it was my last packet of reagent on hand.

 

[mcarroll]

Cracked the one of my cuvettes screwing the cap on. Pretty frustrating since I really wasn't cranking on it.

Easy there, Popeye!!

 

[Goslugsgo]

I am amazed at all the problems are having with this test. It's not really difficult at all.

Right? I tear one side of the packet, open it making sure there's a crease all the way to the bottom, and pour.

 

[jd371]

I am amazed at all the problems are having with this test. It's not really difficult at all. I can't remember the last time I spilled reagent and I've never had the unit shut off. A few tips I've learned.

#1 never use both cuvettes for the test. Hanna is very specific about that.

#2 prepare the reagent packet as the very first step in the procedure.

#3 set a timer for 2 minutes and hit it as soon as you screw the cap back on the cuvette after adding reagent.

#4 simply invert the cuvette back and forth fairly quickly. I can't imagine the need for a mechanical stirring device.

#5 don't fret a small amount of reagent powder staying in the pouch (like a film over the liner). The reagent is in significant excess for the test. It won't impact the result unless you spill a significant amount.

This. The only problem I ran into was twice I didn't push the button long enough to set the timer and wasted the reagent. It's a lot easier if you have everything ready beforehand.