Hanna PO4 Checker/Milwaukee Refractometer Mini-Review

DFason · 04/23/2010, 07:49 PM

Here's a mini review on a few new pieces of equipment I bought. The first is the new Milwaukee Digital Refractometer and the next is a Hanna PO4 checker. I was able to pick the Milwaukee up for $110 and the Hanna for 39.95 both include shipping. I figured both of these will last my entire reefing hobby so why not spend a little extra?

Milwaukee Refractometer
This is pretty standard to use. You plug a 9v battery in the back and screw the cap back on. This includes and oring to make sure water does not get to the electronics. When you turn it on the percentage of the battery is displayed first, then the method of measurement of the salinity ( PSU, PPT, S.G ) and then the main screen. Calibration was simple, fill the sensor with RO water and press zero, it calibrates and then it shows up as zero. After this you wipe the sensor dry and then add your salt water, press test and bamb you have your salinity. It only takes about 1-2 seconds before it is displayed. The best part about this is it only takes 1-2 drops to cover the sensor. I could have bought a standard refractometer but I figured what the hell!

Hanna PO4 Checker
This is rather new to the reef community. Until recently you had to anty-up $200 to check you PO4 accurately or spend $15 on a PO4 test kit that just sucked. I have always wondered what my PO4 was but did not want to fork out all the cash. Hanna just introduced this to the market in March and has a price tag of only $40! I bit the bullet and purchased this along with the Milwaukee. First you take the screw out of the bottom and install the battery. Press the center button to turn it on and then it will load for 2-3 seconds. After this you take one of the test vials and fill it up with 10mL of tank water( there is a line on the vial). Insert the vial into the checker, press the button and let it scan the water. After this you open the checker back up, pour the regent into the vial and shake the vial for 20 seconds. Load the vial back in and press and hold the center button. This will start a timer for three minutes and then register your PO4. My only gripe is once it is complete you only have ten seconds to read the reading.

Overall I am very happy with my purchase. They both match each other and make my life a whole lot easier!

-Dave

SmithErick · 04/23/2010, 07:54 PM

Great reviews, can't wait to test them on my tank

.

sunnyday · 04/25/2010, 08:01 PM

DFason,

I had read a little about the Hanna PO4 meter but being a chemist I am leary of anything that sounds too good to be true. I have had good results with their pH/temp meter and for $40 I think I will follow suit and buy one.

Thanks so much for taking the plunge & writing an honest review!

Sunny

sjm817 · 04/25/2010, 08:06 PM

Thanks for the review. I ordered a P04 checker for the same reason. The color chart based tests are impossible to read, and I didn't want to spend $200 on a meter. Even if its not on the spot accurate, its should be better than what I have used to date. hopefully I will have it next week.

keto · 04/25/2010, 09:29 PM

I also have the Milwaukee Refractometer and love it !!!

sfboarders · 04/25/2010, 09:51 PM

I have the new Hanna phosphate meter and it's a must buy. Much more accurate than matching colors.

DFason · 04/30/2010, 05:40 PM

Thanks guys! I'm glad I could help you out with this.

Everything has been working great and has become a very useful piece of equipment

-Dave

tegee · 05/02/2010, 07:10 AM

Where is the best place to buy the Hanna Phos meter? I.E.: free shipping, etc? I think it is a must buy to.

Thx......

brbrem · 05/02/2010, 08:26 AM

39.95 both include shipping.

Where?????? Can't find for any less than 40.00 + shipping

dan223 · 05/02/2010, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brbrem

39.95 both include shipping.

Where?????? Can't find for any less than 40.00 + shipping

I found it on ebay for that, it said on the auction page ask about free shipping, and then if you went and bought it direct from their website it was a couple dollars more but ended up 39.99 shipped, also had the 100 pack regent for $25.

DFason · 05/08/2010, 07:26 PM

Sorry guys! eseasongear.com

-Dave

jarrett shark · 05/08/2010, 09:16 PM

how many regements come with the meter?

mark54321 · 05/08/2010, 09:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jarrett shark

how many regements come with the meter?

six comes with ,I bought mine directly from Hanna ,also got a package of 25 reagents to go with it

brbrem · 05/08/2010, 09:52 PM

Just ordered mine from the site listed above. Free shipping with 25 additional reagents for 49.00

iap · 06/05/2010, 06:44 PM

^ you got it from eseasongear.com ? If so have you received it yet? I came across that website but 40$ plus free shipping seemed to good to be true. Plus they only accept paypal, seemed a lil sketchy

AcroporAddict · 06/05/2010, 08:22 PM

I bought mine for $39.99 from tbaquatics. I also have the MI refractometer and love it. So easy to use.

rcpilot44 · 06/05/2010, 10:12 PM

mine came the other day. Bought from eseasongear.com. They are an authorized Hanna seller. Came to VA in a couple of days. Don't forget to order a box of reagents.

iap · 06/06/2010, 09:53 AM

Cool thanks. I was going to order from tbaquatics but Brian said that promo prices was over and it's 50$ now. Guess I will order from eseasongear for 40$ and free shipping, can't beat it.

dmack · 06/06/2010, 02:21 PM

So do you get anything more for spending all the extra cash for the more expensive hanna phosphate meter?

solitude127 · 06/07/2010, 02:58 PM

Just ordered mine today from the website above. I've never had luck matching colors on my Elos test so I'm excited to use this product. And I think someone mentioned that is $10 for 25 reagents, it's actually 8.99 for 25.

DFason · 06/07/2010, 07:24 PM

I'm glad this helped so many people out.

Eseasongear seams really odd/sketchy but they are VERY fast and easy to deal with. I plan on getting a few more Hanna Checkers when they are released through eseasongear.

-Dave

birmjam · 06/08/2010, 07:28 AM

I recently purchased a Milwaukee Refractometer, but its not the digital one. I am wondering if I will regret not getting the digital one. What do you all think?

Toadally · 06/08/2010, 10:27 AM

I also bought the Hanna checker.....very nice! Thanks for the review Dave.

Toadally · 06/08/2010, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by birmjam

I recently purchased a Milwaukee Refractometer, but its not the digital one. I am wondering if I will regret not getting the digital one. What do you all think?

Nah...you'll be ok. It's just not as fancy

birmjam · 06/08/2010, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toadally

Nah...you'll be ok. It's just not as fancy

Im all about the bling in this hobby, but it would be too much of a headache to return it.

04/23/2010, 07:49 PM	#1
DFason Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Greensboro, NC Posts: 766	Hanna PO4 Checker/Milwaukee Refractometer Mini-Review Here's a mini review on a few new pieces of equipment I bought. The first is the new Milwaukee Digital Refractometer and the next is a Hanna PO4 checker. I was able to pick the Milwaukee up for $110 and the Hanna for 39.95 both include shipping. I figured both of these will last my entire reefing hobby so why not spend a little extra? Milwaukee Refractometer This is pretty standard to use. You plug a 9v battery in the back and screw the cap back on. This includes and oring to make sure water does not get to the electronics. When you turn it on the percentage of the battery is displayed first, then the method of measurement of the salinity ( PSU, PPT, S.G ) and then the main screen. Calibration was simple, fill the sensor with RO water and press zero, it calibrates and then it shows up as zero. After this you wipe the sensor dry and then add your salt water, press test and bamb you have your salinity. It only takes about 1-2 seconds before it is displayed. The best part about this is it only takes 1-2 drops to cover the sensor. I could have bought a standard refractometer but I figured what the hell! Hanna PO4 Checker This is rather new to the reef community. Until recently you had to anty-up $200 to check you PO4 accurately or spend $15 on a PO4 test kit that just sucked. I have always wondered what my PO4 was but did not want to fork out all the cash. Hanna just introduced this to the market in March and has a price tag of only $40! I bit the bullet and purchased this along with the Milwaukee. First you take the screw out of the bottom and install the battery. Press the center button to turn it on and then it will load for 2-3 seconds. After this you take one of the test vials and fill it up with 10mL of tank water( there is a line on the vial). Insert the vial into the checker, press the button and let it scan the water. After this you open the checker back up, pour the regent into the vial and shake the vial for 20 seconds. Load the vial back in and press and hold the center button. This will start a timer for three minutes and then register your PO4. My only gripe is once it is complete you only have ten seconds to read the reading. Overall I am very happy with my purchase. They both match each other and make my life a whole lot easier! -Dave __________________ Dave Current Tank Info: 35g Shallow Reef Build/iTech 100/Tunze Osmolator/MP20/Sunpower

04/23/2010, 07:54 PM	#2
SmithErick Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Greensboro, NC Posts: 58	Great reviews, can't wait to test them on my tank . __________________ Erick Smith smith.erick@mac.com Current Tank Info: Mixed Reef 30gal Oceanic Cube, Custom 16gal sump,Lifereef Overflow,Ehiem Return Pump, Vertex IN-180 Skimmer, VorTech MP10-ES Powerhead, Tunze Osmolator, and DIY LED Fixture & Enclosure

04/25/2010, 08:06 PM	#4
sjm817 On Yer left! Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Northern VA Posts: 18,777	Thanks for the review. I ordered a P04 checker for the same reason. The color chart based tests are impossible to read, and I didn't want to spend $200 on a meter. Even if its not on the spot accurate, its should be better than what I have used to date. hopefully I will have it next week. __________________ - Scott

04/25/2010, 09:29 PM	#5
keto Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Decatur, IL Posts: 628	I also have the Milwaukee Refractometer and love it !!! __________________ Inconveniencing marine life since 2002 Current Tank Info: 125 gallon Reef thur wall , 500 watts of T5' HQ, Diy 100 Gallon sump, Octox200 skimmer, Mag 18 , Geo 612 Calcium Reactor with AquariumPlants electronic regulator , two Koralia Evolution 1400"s

04/30/2010, 05:40 PM	#7
DFason Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Greensboro, NC Posts: 766	Thanks guys! I'm glad I could help you out with this. Everything has been working great and has become a very useful piece of equipment -Dave __________________ Dave Current Tank Info: 35g Shallow Reef Build/iTech 100/Tunze Osmolator/MP20/Sunpower

04/25/2010, 08:01 PM	#3
sunnyday Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Maryland Posts: 169	DFason, I had read a little about the Hanna PO4 meter but being a chemist I am leary of anything that sounds too good to be true. I have had good results with their pH/temp meter and for $40 I think I will follow suit and buy one. Thanks so much for taking the plunge & writing an honest review! Sunny

04/25/2010, 09:51 PM	#6
sfboarders Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: 808 State Posts: 1,356	I have the new Hanna phosphate meter and it's a must buy. Much more accurate than matching colors.

05/02/2010, 07:10 AM	#8
tegee Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: NY Posts: 831	Where is the best place to buy the Hanna Phos meter? I.E.: free shipping, etc? I think it is a must buy to. Thx...... __________________ 180-gl. SPS Miracles Tank 60" x 24" x 29". Lighting is Old School...(3) 250w MH Radiums using M80 ballasts w/ VHO Actinics (2) EcoTech MP60's, 75-gl. Sump, Kalk Reactor, MRC CalRx, Hurricone Skimmer

05/02/2010, 08:26 AM	#9
brbrem Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Tucson AZ Posts: 187	39.95 both include shipping. Where?????? Can't find for any less than 40.00 + shipping

05/08/2010, 07:26 PM	#11
DFason Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Greensboro, NC Posts: 766	Sorry guys! eseasongear.com -Dave __________________ Dave Current Tank Info: 35g Shallow Reef Build/iTech 100/Tunze Osmolator/MP20/Sunpower

05/08/2010, 09:16 PM	#12
jarrett shark Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 2,518	how many regements come with the meter? __________________ President of "NY REEF CLUB" OFFICE 300gal SPS reef tank with 400gal sump,150 GAL Frag tank,30gal frag= 890gal total HOUSE 400gal reef tank with 250gal sump = coming soon. 5x3x3 with 1" think acryli

05/08/2010, 09:52 PM	#14
brbrem Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Tucson AZ Posts: 187	Just ordered mine from the site listed above. Free shipping with 25 additional reagents for 49.00

06/05/2010, 06:44 PM	#15
iap BOSS Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Las Vegas Posts: 691	^ you got it from eseasongear.com ? If so have you received it yet? I came across that website but 40$ plus free shipping seemed to good to be true. Plus they only accept paypal, seemed a lil sketchy

06/05/2010, 08:22 PM	#16
AcroporAddict There is no substitute. Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Southeast Posts: 2,269	I bought mine for $39.99 from tbaquatics. I also have the MI refractometer and love it. So easy to use.

06/05/2010, 10:12 PM	#17
rcpilot44 Registered Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Richmond, VA Posts: 91	mine came the other day. Bought from eseasongear.com. They are an authorized Hanna seller. Came to VA in a couple of days. Don't forget to order a box of reagents.

06/06/2010, 09:53 AM	#18
iap BOSS Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Las Vegas Posts: 691	Cool thanks. I was going to order from tbaquatics but Brian said that promo prices was over and it's 50$ now. Guess I will order from eseasongear for 40$ and free shipping, can't beat it.

06/06/2010, 02:21 PM	#19
dmack Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Baltimore Posts: 464	So do you get anything more for spending all the extra cash for the more expensive hanna phosphate meter?

06/07/2010, 02:58 PM	#20
solitude127 Proud user of IO Salt! Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Torrance, CA Posts: 9,136	Just ordered mine today from the website above. I've never had luck matching colors on my Elos test so I'm excited to use this product. And I think someone mentioned that is $10 for 25 reagents, it's actually 8.99 for 25. __________________ Mike <)))>{ <)))>{ <)))>{ <)))>{ ReefKeeping.com TOTM Nov 2012 Socalireefs Featured Reef Oct 2011 Current Tank Info: 603020, 8x54 ATI Powermodule, ReefBrite XHO, ATB Elegance 200, Aquamaxx CTech CaRx, Ecotech Vortechs, Apex Controls, WM Ecobak powered. RedSea Reefer 170, MP10, Apex Jr, Ecotech Radion XR15, Aquamaxx WS-1

06/07/2010, 07:24 PM	#21
DFason Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Greensboro, NC Posts: 766	I'm glad this helped so many people out. Eseasongear seams really odd/sketchy but they are VERY fast and easy to deal with. I plan on getting a few more Hanna Checkers when they are released through eseasongear. -Dave __________________ Dave Current Tank Info: 35g Shallow Reef Build/iTech 100/Tunze Osmolator/MP20/Sunpower

06/08/2010, 07:28 AM	#22
birmjam Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Langhorne, Pa Posts: 159	I recently purchased a Milwaukee Refractometer, but its not the digital one. I am wondering if I will regret not getting the digital one. What do you all think?

06/08/2010, 10:27 AM	#23
Toadally Registered Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: Mount Holly, NC Posts: 986	I also bought the Hanna checker.....very nice! Thanks for the review Dave. __________________ _Michael "Who was the first person to look at a cow and say, "I think I'll squeeze these dangly things here, and drink whatever comes out?" Reef Aquarium Society of Charlotte (RASOC) Treasurer Current Tank Info: 57gal. Illuminata, Bubble Magus Skimmer, Tek Elite 6x39w, 40gal. Breeder, 2x A150w Kessil LED

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