How about this tester?

[Pedro]

Check this out, this might be like a tester come true. Figuring that the phosphate tester is $180 and this one is only $750 it might be a worthwhile investment. It does 36 major tests, including phosphate lr/hr, magnesium, calcium and such. Check it out!

http://www.hannainst.com/products/ion/photometers.cfm?ProdCode=HI 83200

 

[meschaefer]

I looked at that when I was researching the Phohpate meter, and even gave it some consideration. Most of the tests, are not things that I am concerne with, but then again mabybe I should be concerned with them.

The other thing is that I looked into the Phospate meter because there was no good alterantive. I trust (maybe I shouldn't) the salifert test kits for calacium, alkalinity and a magenesium, where I new that their phosphate kits where giving me false negatives.

 

[Pedro]

You know the thing is that it tests iodine, copper, etc. These are things that we don't test often, but there are times when we wish we can test for them. So if we buy a copper meter just to test once, there goes money down the drain. Or iodine when we are dosing, it's nice to have the option. To tell you the truth, i think i am putting this in my future wishlist.

Hey, btw, i need you to test my water with your meter, don't worry i'll take care of the reagent. :biggrin: I just want to see how accurate it is, and where my tank stands in regards to phosphate. So let a brother know! Thanks.

 

[jhale]

Pedro, I looked at that one also. I could not justify the price at the time.
there are a few other models around the same price as well that looked good. and one for 1,500 , but where do we stop spending for our "hobby"
I decided to buy the hanna po4 meter and walk away from the table while I could still pay my rent lol

 

[Pedro]

I decided to buy the hanna po4 meter and walk away from the table while I could still pay my rent lol

LMAO, that was funny. I know what you mean, but i think it's the initial sticker price that shocks us. When we think long term, this i think would pay for itself. I am sure though, that people with large tanks and such would find it more beneficial. It's sort of like when the streams and aquacontrollers came out. People were like i'm not paying that much for that, then the next thing you know everyone has them. How's that tester holding out for ya?

 

[fritz]

wow, that's on the wishlist for sure.

 

[Deanos]

What are the price ranges on the reagents?

 

[bergerd]

Batteries Included

Well you can't beat that price if the batteries are included! So I propose finding 10 MR members to come up with $75.00 and be willing to put up more for reagents, as needed. Then, since you really do not need to perform all or any of the test too often, each subscriber gets to use the tester 1-2 weeks then rotates it to the next user who should live close by (someone can work on the geographics later). Also, to help defray the costs, you can offer to do a complete analysis of non-participant's water for say $20.00 a pop. Before you know it, the machine has paid for itself! How can you beat that. As for me, I plan to continue to rely on the old and reliable finger licking test.

 

[meschaefer]

A package of 100 reagents for the phosphate meter costs about $20, I assume that the reagents for the other test would cost similar.

It is expensive, that being said I initially balked at the price of the Phosphate meter, but after a couple of weeks of using it I have come to the conclusion that IT IS WORTH EVERY PENNY. I couldn't imagine trying to get your phosphate under control without having one.

 

[regal]

Well you can't beat that price if the batteries are included! So I propose finding 10 MR members to come up with $75.00 and be willing to put up more for reagents, as needed. Then, since you really do not need to perform all or any of the test too often, each subscriber gets to use the tester 1-2 weeks then rotates it to the next user who should live close by (someone can work on the geographics later). Also, to help defray the costs, you can offer to do a complete analysis of non-participant's water for say $20.00 a pop. Before you know it, the machine has paid for itself! How can you beat that. As for me, I plan to continue to rely on the old and reliable finger licking test.

It is not a bad idea. The problem is there are some of us out there who are compulsive about testing their water and want the meter readily available. It would work if I could get the neighbors around me to chip in then I could get my hands on the meter anytime. But none of them have a SW tank.:smash: