Phosphate test kit: Hanna Phosphate, Hanna Phosphorus or something else?

[BuGG]

hi, i would like to start testing for phosphate on my system. it is a 120 gal mixed reef tank with new sand and mostly established live rocks. it has been running steadily for only about 2 months. i've seen dinos on the sand based on the new tank syndrome. corals and fish all seem to be doing OK.

should i even start testing for phosphates at this point or do it later down the road when the tank is more established? for now i've only tested for ammonia, nitrite and nitrate from API. in a couple of days i will get a hold of the red sea foundation kit that includes Ca, Alk and Mag.

so should i start testing all these in a fairly new tank, or wait a couple of months? which hanna checker do you recommend? phosphate or phosphorus? if not hanna, what do you use to test phosphates? how is ease of use?

thanks in advance!!

jun

 

[TanksNStuff]

First off, if you're buying a hanna meter, you want the phosphate checker. Phosphorus is not something you will need to check for so don't get that one. I believe it's model HI-713 that you will be looking for. I use it and believe it to be very easy to use and very accurate. One thing to watch for when using it is the step after you put the sample with the reagant into the tester... make sure you hold the button in until you see the 3:00 minute timer popup. If you just push and let go, you will not get an accurate reading.

It's never too early to start checking for phosphates, especially if you already have corals in your tank.

I'd also recommend the Hanna meter for Alk. It's much easier than the one in the Red Sea kit, although I use that for my Cal / Mag.