Refractometer woes, advice?

Discussion in 'General Reef Topics' started by MoJoe, Apr 8, 2010.

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  1. Peredhil

    Peredhil Giant Squid

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    FWIW, I don't rinse mine. I wipe it with a clean napkin.


    One thing to point out (and this probably isn't the problem for you) is to make sure you are cleaning out your water collection device (syringe or whatever) between uses.
     
    Peredhil, Apr 8, 2010
    Peredhil, Apr 8, 2010
    #11
    1 person likes this.

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  2. Ultraner

    Ultraner Purple Spiny Lobster

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    I do rinse the syringe every time I use it. Also when I rinse the refractometer I just dip the end of a napkin in ro and wipe it with that, then wipe it dry. Thanks for the tips though. I have often wondered if I needed to get a hydrometer lol.

    Edit: Not trying to hijack your thread mojoe just thought since we have the same refractometer I could back up the fact that its not just you and we could both resolve this issue.
     
    Last edited: Apr 8, 2010
    Ultraner, Apr 8, 2010
    Ultraner, Apr 8, 2010
    #12
  3. pgoodsell

    pgoodsell Horrid Stonefish

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    You can get a bottle of Calibration solution for cheap. Just do that and be sure. Mine needs adjusting some times, but not every time.
     
    pgoodsell, Apr 8, 2010
    pgoodsell, Apr 8, 2010
    #13
  4. gabbagabbawill

    gabbagabbawill Pajama Cardinal

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    I'm not suggesting you get rid of your refractometer, but has anyone seen this:

    SEAWATER Refractometer | The Aquarium Solution ??

    looks like it overcomes some of the problems with measuring saltwater vs. "seawater"

    I'm probably going to pick one up soon...
     
    gabbagabbawill, Apr 8, 2010
    gabbagabbawill, Apr 8, 2010
    #14
  5. rayjay

    rayjay Gigas Clam

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    For marine aquarium applications, do not calibrate refractometers with distilled water or RO water or RO/DI water.
    Calibrate only using calibration solutions for 35ppt..
     
    rayjay, Apr 8, 2010
    rayjay, Apr 8, 2010
    #15
  6. Telgar

    Telgar Snowflake Eel

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    really? even if the manufacturers instructions say to? why?
     
    Telgar, Apr 8, 2010
    Telgar, Apr 8, 2010
    #16

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  7. Takitaj

    Takitaj Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

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    +1

    Cheap & sure way if you already have a refractometer.

    There are tolerances in all measuring devices. If you are calibrating at 0 then measuring at 1.025 then you will likely see the higher end of the tolerance. Calibrate at 1.025 (35ppt) then you remove the tolerance from the equation.

    TJ
     
    Takitaj, Apr 8, 2010
    Takitaj, Apr 8, 2010
    #17
  8. MoJoe

    MoJoe Dragon Wrasse

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    Yes, I'm wondering the same thing, it def mentions distilled in the instructions.
     
    MoJoe, Apr 8, 2010
    MoJoe, Apr 8, 2010
    #18
  9. rayjay

    rayjay Gigas Clam

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    They won't give you true readings at 35ppt.
    See threads on RC and TRT by Randy Holmes Farley and Boomer.
     
    rayjay, Apr 8, 2010
    rayjay, Apr 8, 2010
    #19
  10. rayjay

    rayjay Gigas Clam

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    rayjay, Apr 8, 2010
    rayjay, Apr 8, 2010
    #20
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