Eventhough the Hanna checkers have been out for awhile I thought since I just got one at MACNA 2011 I would do a little review on using one.  Unlike some of the other Phosphate test kits out there I've found the Hanna tester to be very easy to use and very easy to read.  Ever since I started this hobby I've never been a fan of the test kits that use a color strip.  Maybe its just me but I've always had a hard time comparing the color of my test results to the color of the card and I think its safe to say using color ranges isn't the most accurate way of getting test results.  Here are the specifications and the information about the checker from Hanna:

Easier to use and more accurate than chemical test kits

Ascorbic acid method
±0.04 ppm ±4% of reading accuracy
Large, easy to read digits
Auto shut off

• Dedicated to a single parameter

Designed to work with HANNA’s reagents
Uses 10 mL glass cuvettes

• Small size, big convenience

Weighing a mere 64 g (2.25 oz.), the Checker®HC easily 
fits into the palm of your hand or pocket
Use for quick and accurate on the spot analysis
Single button operation: zero and measure
Operated by a single AAA battery

• Ideal for:

Aquaculture, natural, waste, drinking waters and agriculture

Orthophosphates are found in natural and wastewaters. They are commonly added to drinking water as a corrosion inhibitor. The instantaneous analysis of orthophosphate by colorimetric determination provides rapid results using a standard analysis technique.

The HANNA HI 713 Checker^®HC bridges the gap between simple chemical test kits and professional instrumentation. Chemical test kits are not very accurate and only give only a few resolution points while professional instrumentation can cost hundreds of dollars and can be time consuming to calibrate and maintain. The HANNA HI 713 Checker^®HC is accurate and affordable.

The HI 713 Checker®HC portable handheld colorimeter features a resolution of 0.01 ppm (250 points) and ±0.04 ppm (mg/L) ±4% of reading accuracy. The HI 713 Checker®HC uses an adaptation of Standard Method 4500-P E, Ascorbic Acid method.

The HI 713 Checker^®HC is extremely simple to use. First, zero the instrument with your water sample. Next, add the reagents. Last, place the vial into the Checker^®HC, press the button and read the results. It’s that easy.

Order Information:
HI 713 Checker®HC is supplied with sample cuvettes with caps (2), powder reagents for phosphate (6), battery and instructions.

Instead of taking a bunch of photos I recorded using the checker to test the water in my reef tank.  As you'll see in the video the process is very easy.  The best part was my test result: 0.00ppm!  Here's the video: