Hanna phosphate meter reading help

[Carabelli]

I purchased a low range phosphate meter (green electric version) and received a reading of 5 .. Ignoring my ignorance what is a good target and what does the 5 mean ... Thanks

 

[Mike R]

I'm pretty sure the low range meter reads in PPB (parts per billionth)

 

[Mike M]

Phosphorus ULR checker? If so, the reading is ppb. Multiply by 3.066 and divide by 1000 to convert to ppm = 0.0153 ppm

Generally, you want to see less than 0.03 ppm but things like algae growth can give you a false reading as things are taking up phosphate as it becomes available. If you don't have any nuisance algae, cyano, etc. and are getting that range I would say you are in good shape.

 

[Carabelli]

yes ... it states it is parts per billion ... I was having issues reading it in numbers I am used to seeing ... thanks for the formula Mike ... so, that is a good reading ... thanks - I do have some valonia but for the most part not too much in the way of algae

 

[Mike M]

I've been meaning to try one of those ULR testers if my regular range one ever dies as it seems like it is a better fit for the levels we are typically concerned with. Assuming you are happy with it so far?

 

[Carabelli]

not sure just yet - my first test was last night .. I don't like the powder packets ... too hard to tell if I got all of the powder in there

 

[Mike M]

At least for the regular checker I've found tapping the packet to get all the powder to a corner and then cutting two sides makes it easier. The other thing I do is tap the curvette multiple times a few minutes after shaking and mixing the powder in and then holding the tube up to some strong light as microbubbles can give you false high readings.

 

[Mitch9192]

If this is the one you are talking about it is ppm.

http://hannainst.com/usa/prods2.cfm?id=045001&ProdCode=HI%20713

Range 0.00 to 2.50 ppm (mg/L)
Resolution 0.01 ppm (mg/L)
Accuracy @ 25°C ±0.04 ppm (mg/L) ±4% of reading

Mitch

 

[Carabelli]

no, I went with this one ... http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/phosphorus-ultra-low-range-colorimeter-hi736-hanna-checker-hc-marine-water.html

 

[Jochoa]

So what yall are saying is that if there is alittle cyano the hanna phosphate checker will read 0.00 thats what my new cheker keeps reading but i have alittle cyano. I know i have phosphates because of cyano and i was thinking of returning the meter i thought it didnt work.

 

[Mitch9192]

That kind of makes sense. If you have a strong amount of Algae I could see it throwing off your results. You might try checking just before the lights come on. I noticed that when I had Cyano it would almost disappear during the night and pop back up when the lights come back on. Maybe a trick with the lights, but it would make sense to test when it is during a transition phase. ie. between respiration and photosynthesis.

Mitch