Are Hanna Checkers for Your Reef Tank Worth It?
1. Are They Worth It?
Most reef tank owners would agree that Hanna Checker Colorimeters are well worth the cost because they are easier to use and more reliable than traditional aquarium water test kits ...when it comes to select parameters.
Not ALL the Hanna Checkers are created equal in that some are much harder to use than others. This is referring specifically to the Calcium and Low Range Nitrate test kits which have a more involved testing procedure that negates the "easy to use" part of the equation. We would only suggest hobbyists choose the Calcium and Nitrate LR Checkers over an analog-style kit if you have trouble with color charts or performing titration procedures accurately.
2. What Hanna Checkers Do I Need?
We recommend the use of the Alkalinity dKH, High-Range Nitrate, and Ultra-Low Range Phosphate because they use a single reagent and you can get your results in under 2 minutes. When used correctly they are one of the most accurate, consistent, and reliable ways to monitor dKH, nitrates, and phosphates in your home aquarium.
3. Are The Hanna Checkers Accurate?
Yes, they are accurate and precise when the test is performed correctly and consistently. They also have a small window of expected variance and great resolution for the particular parameter your testing.
4. How Do You Wash The Vials?
Just rinse the vial very thoroughly in RO/DI water, shake out any excess water, and let them dry completely before using them again.
5. How Do You Get All of the Powdered Reagent Out of the Packet?.
This is a pretty common question because it is important that you use the appropriate amount of reagent. With that in mind, a very small amount of reagent leftover in the packet should not cause a problem because Hanna Instruments does account for this when filling the reagents; any variance in your results will be well within the expected accuracy window if any variance occurs at all.
- Grab the packet by the corner, and shake it a few times so the powder collects together inside the packet.
- Using a pair of scissors, cut along the dotted line on the packet.
- Push the corners together to open the packet and create a funnel.
- Crease the funnel so you can easily pour the reagent into the vial without spilling it.
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