Refractometer

Discussion in 'General Reef Topics' started by crustytheclown, Jun 18, 2011.

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  1. crustytheclown

    crustytheclown Eyelash Blennie

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    so i have a refractometer and i never feel like im getting the right reading. I have kinda went back to using a swing arm hydrometer. Is that weird? I feel like i need to calibrate my refractometer every time i use it.
     
    crustytheclown, Jun 18, 2011
    crustytheclown, Jun 18, 2011
    #1

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  2. 2in10

    2in10 Super Moderator

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    You may need to recalibrate the refractometer every time with the lower cost ones but they are far more accurate than a swing arm hydrometer. You have no way to know if the hydrometer is working properly.
     
    2in10, Jun 18, 2011
    2in10, Jun 18, 2011
    #2
  3. Zoanthids21

    Zoanthids21 McKoscker’s Flasher Wrasse

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    Ehh..I would still use the refractometer...Had someone come in to test water at LFS today, he said the swing are was testing 1.022 and on our refractometer it was at 1.026
     
    Zoanthids21, Jun 18, 2011
    Zoanthids21, Jun 18, 2011
    #3
  4. m2434

    m2434 Giant Squid

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    Are you calibrating it with 35ppt calibration fluid? A calibrated refractometer is sooooo much more accurate than a swing are hydrometer. If you use calibration fluid, and calibrate it, you should get the right reading. This should last a very long time.
    Aquarium Testing Solution: American Marine Inc. 53.0 mS Calibration/Reference Fluid

    Also, if your pharmacist is board some day, it is easy for them to make up a standard, but many are too busy.
     
    m2434, Jun 18, 2011
    m2434, Jun 18, 2011
    #4
  5. crustytheclown

    crustytheclown Eyelash Blennie

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    Rad! I didnt know that they made calibration fluid for refractometers? I thought the only way to calibrate was with DI water.
     
    crustytheclown, Jun 25, 2011
    crustytheclown, Jun 25, 2011
    #5
  6. dowtish

    dowtish Horrid Stonefish

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    I was using calibration fluid, and then it suddenly went missing...so I have been just zeroing it out with RO/DI. Will it not be as accurate this way?
     
    dowtish, Jun 25, 2011
    dowtish, Jun 25, 2011
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  7. m2434

    m2434 Giant Squid

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    No, calibration with RO/DI is not accurate. I've seen lots of people have big problems doing this. Here is one example:
    Refractometer Calibration: the Myth and Risks of using RO/DI Water - Captive Aquatics: An Aquarium and Ecology Blog

    For $8 or $9 or whatever it is, the calibration fluid is soooo worth it. Probably will last a few years too.
     
    m2434, Jun 25, 2011
    m2434, Jun 25, 2011
    #7
  8. dowtish

    dowtish Horrid Stonefish

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    Thanks for the info and the link. I just did a group buy, and my buddy told me not to waste my money, it was $6! what was I thinking!?

    sorry to hijack btw
     
    dowtish, Jun 25, 2011
    dowtish, Jun 25, 2011
    #8
  9. crustytheclown

    crustytheclown Eyelash Blennie

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    no worries. all are welcome. I am buying this calibration fluid asap! I wish the instructions that came with my refractometer would of mentioned this "mystery" fluid. LOL
     
    crustytheclown, Jun 25, 2011
    crustytheclown, Jun 25, 2011
    #9
  10. VitalApparatuz

    VitalApparatuz Feather Duster

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    Not much different but it is less accurate .
     
    VitalApparatuz, Jun 26, 2011
    VitalApparatuz, Jun 26, 2011
    #10
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