The Milwaukee MW14 is a compact digital iron photometer designed to measure iron concentrations in natural and treated water. With a measurement range of 0.00 to 5.00 ppm, 0.01 ppm resolution and digital results, it provides a convenient alternative to visually comparing traditional colour-based iron test kits.

For aquarium keepers, the MW14 can help monitor iron concentrations in freshwater systems, including planted aquariums where iron is an important plant nutrient. It is also suitable for aquaculture, water conditioning, laboratory and educational applications.

Using an adaptation of the EPA Phenanthroline Method 315B, the MW14 measures the colour reaction produced when iron reacts with the supplied reagent. Its internal photometer evaluates the colour intensity and displays the calculated iron concentration on the digital screen.

Digital iron measurement for aquarium water

Iron is an important trace element in aquatic systems. It is particularly relevant to planted aquariums, where iron contributes to healthy plant growth and is commonly supplied through aquarium fertilisers.

The Milwaukee MW14 can help aquarium keepers:

• Monitor iron concentrations in freshwater aquariums.

• Check iron levels when managing planted aquarium fertilisation.

• Compare iron concentrations before and after dosing.

• Monitor iron in prepared aquarium water.

• Support routine water-quality testing in aquaculture systems.

Regular testing can help identify changes in iron concentration and provide additional information when managing aquarium fertilisation.

Important: The MW14 is a high-range iron photometer. Its accuracy specification should be considered when measuring very low iron concentrations, particularly in planted aquariums where trace-level measurements may be required.

High-range iron measurement: 0.00–5.00 ppm

The MW14 measures iron concentrations from 0.00 to 5.00 ppm, with a resolution of 0.01 ppm.

Its stated accuracy at 25°C is ±0.04 ppm ±2% of the reading.

The digital display provides a numerical result, avoiding the need to visually match a sample against a colour chart.

Photometric measurement using the Phenanthroline method

The MW14 uses an adaptation of the EPA Phenanthroline Method 315B for natural and treated waters.

The testing process uses a dedicated iron reagent that reacts with iron in the sample, producing an orange colour. The instrument measures the intensity of this colour using an LED light source and silicon photocell.

The photometer then calculates and displays the iron concentration in ppm.

This provides a more objective way to interpret the colour reaction than manually comparing a sample against a printed colour scale.

Simple testing procedure

The MW14 is designed to make iron testing straightforward.

The general measurement procedure is:

1. Fill the supplied cuvette with 10 ml of the water sample.

2. Place the cuvette into the instrument and perform the zeroing procedure.

3. Remove the cuvette and add one sachet of the supplied iron reagent.

4. Replace the cap and gently shake for two minutes until the reagent has dissolved.

5. Return the cuvette to the instrument.

6. Allow the specified reaction time of two minutes and thirty seconds.

7. Read the iron concentration directly from the digital display.

Always follow the supplied Milwaukee instructions and use the correct reagent for the MW14.

No calibration required

The MW14 is factory calibrated and does not require routine user calibration.

Testing is carried out using the supplied reagent sachets and glass cuvettes. Keeping the cuvettes clean and free from fingerprints, scratches and water droplets is important for reliable photometric measurements.

Compact and portable design

The MW14 is a small handheld photometer suitable for use in aquarium rooms, laboratories, aquaculture facilities and water-treatment environments.

Features include:

• Digital LCD display.

• Measurement range of 0.00–5.00 ppm.

• 0.01 ppm resolution.

• Accuracy of ±0.04 ppm ±2% of reading at 25°C.

• LED light source at 525 nm.

• Silicon photocell detector.

• No user calibration required.

• Automatic shut-off.

• Powered by one AAA battery.

Technical specifications

Specification	Milwaukee MW14
Measurement parameter	Iron (Fe)
Measurement range	0.00–5.00 ppm
Resolution	0.01 ppm
Accuracy at 25°C	±0.04 ppm ±2% of reading
Typical EMC deviation	±0.01 ppm
Measurement method	Adaptation of EPA Phenanthroline Method 315B
Light source	LED at 525 nm
Light detector	Silicon photocell
Sample volume	10 ml
Calibration	Factory calibrated; no user calibration required
Operating temperature	0–50°C
Maximum relative humidity	95%, non-condensing
Battery	1 × 1.5V AAA
Auto shut-off	After 3 minutes of inactivity and 2 minutes after a reading
Dimensions	87.5 × 63.7 × 35.2 mm
Weight	Approximately 65 g

Supplied with

• Milwaukee MW14 digital iron photometer.

• Two glass sample cuvettes with caps.

• Six iron reagent sachets.

• One 1.5V AAA battery.

• Instruction manual.

Recommended accessories and consumables

• Milwaukee MI528-25 iron reagent – replacement iron reagent set containing 25 sachets for the MW14.

• Milwaukee MI0011 glass cuvettes – replacement sample cuvettes.

• Milwaukee MI0013 cuvette stoppers – replacement stoppers for compatible glass cuvettes.

• Milwaukee cuvette cleaning tissues – useful for keeping optical sample containers clean.

The Milwaukee MW14 is a practical choice for aquarium keepers, aquaculture operators and water-quality professionals who want a compact digital instrument for measuring iron concentrations in natural and treated water.