What can I do if my Calibration Check Standard fails? How to clean my CyanoFluor if I spill my sample and want to verify the instrument works?
To clean the CyanoFluor, wipe the optical windows in the sample compartment with a clean dry end of a Q-tip to lightly wipe away any debris or residue from moisture that may be interfering with the measurement. Then perform a calibration check to ensure the instrument has not been affected following the steps below or by following along our video demonstration: How to verify calibration using the calibration check standard
Rerun the Calibration Check Standard 5 times while on a flat surface. If the Calibration Check passes 3 out of 5 times, the instrument is ready for use.
If the Calibration Check fails 3 out of 5 times, repeat the cleaning procedure
Rerun the Calibration Check Standard 5 times while on a flat surface. If the Calibration Check passes 3 out of 5 times, the instrument is ready for use.
If the Calibration Check fails 3 out of 5 times, contact our Turner Designs Technical Support Team.
What is the PC:CHL (phycocyanin to chlorophyll ratio) on the CyanoFluor?
The CyanoFluor monitors for cyanobacterial populations, not PC specifically. The ratio provided phycocyanin to chlorophyll ratio (PC:CHL) is actually representing the cyanobacterial fraction of the total population of algae in the sample measured, and therefore in the environment.
Is there any guidance on what values you would expect that could indicate early detection of a bloom?
As an example, if the background readings for your system are 0.2, 0.3, 0.24, 0.25, 0.31, then your normal or background cyanobacterial population is roughly 25%, if we took a mental average. If you see this number start to drift upward, lets say to about 0.35 then 0.45 onto 0.5 or higher, that is a good indication that cyanobacteria in that system are now more productive and headed towards a bloom, which is represented by ratios of 1.0 or higher. When you reach those ratios, that’s full bloom, so you would detect the rise early on and start mitigating techniques to prevent full blooms from occurring.
Is the CyanoFluor ready to use out of the box? Do I need to calibrate it like what I have to do with an AquaFluor?
The CyanoFluor package is ready to use right out of the box, no calibration necessary and all accessories are included so you can start sampling right away. I suggest looking at our online videos for a quick start guide on what to do.
I have trouble understanding the Fluorescence Capability of the CyanoFluor, what exactly is it measuring?
The CyanoFluor fluorometer utilizes fluorescence technology to accurately detect cyanobacteria. The method of detection uses the phycocyanin molecule’s absorption characteristics and ability to shuttle light energy to chlorophyll, which is then emitted as chlorophyll fluorescence. This fluorescence is detected and quantified, and ratioed against total fluorescence to estimate cyanobacterial abundance within mixed algal populations with a high degree of sensitivity and accuracy.