Refractometer

[darock73]

Hi all, I purchased a refractometer at the swap.
it did not come w/calibrating solution.
Q: Can I use my RO/DI water to calibrate it & if
temp is below 68 Does it throw calibration off.

Thanks

 

[nikkibabee]

You can use ro water, and the temp does not throw it off...the refractometer measures salinity not temp :biggrin:

 

[lindsay]

I use RO,when it comes to the temperature when calibrating,ime not sure how much of an effect it has,this link may help

http://www.theaquariumsolution.com/seawater-refractometer

 

[SevTT]

You can use ro water, and the temp does not throw it off...the refractometer measures salinity not temp :biggrin:

Actually, temperature does alter the refractive index of saltwater, so it can throw off readings. -However-, that's mostly why you calibrate it, because of changing room temps, and, thus, changing refractometer temps. Within a few seconds, the drop or two of cold water has reached whatever temp the refractometer's at.

 

[Will]

I thought you could use distilled water to calibrate or dionized...

 

[Master Shake]

put ro water on the lens and adjust the screw on top until the line where the white and blue meet are at zero

 

[darock73]

Thanks,

Another Q: My SG is 1.029 Can I just add RO
Water to bring it down too 1.026 without shocking
My system?

Thanks again for your help

 

[scarf_ace1981]

Thanks,

Another Q: My SG is 1.029 Can I just add RO
Water to bring it down too 1.026 without shocking
My system?

Thanks again for your help

of course. just make sure you do it slowly.

i'm gettting mine today. i use NSW so i have no idea what my salinity is @

 

[SevTT]

I thought you could use distilled water to calibrate or dionized...

Distilled or RODI. Plain DI is probably fine too. Anything that reads 0 TDS should read as 0 SG, barring some kinda freakish unusual contamination.

 

[prattreef]

Here ya go everything you ever wanted ( or needed) to know about measuring salinity in your system including making your own reference standard.

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-06/rhf/index.php

 

[darock73]

Great thanks, I also purchased an DM-1 TDS monitor. Seems too be working properly,
water going into my RO/DI is 47ppm, coming out 0ppm.
With my two new purchases, the Refractometer & TDS Monitor makes guess work a little easier. Very happy with these new toys.

 

[JimmyR1rider]

Shhh... in case the other half reads it theyre INSTRUMENTS, not toys. Instruments are needed, toys are wanted. LOL

 

[motortrendz]

i cant wait to get mine.. should be here tomorow.. to actually see how far off my hydrometer is.. i have a feeling its pretty far off!!!... well see!
where did you get the tds meter, was it expensive?.. i could use some new TOYS lol right jimmy?

 

[JimmyR1rider]

LOL yeah every man can

 

[darock73]

Got them from Saltwatercritters, they were at the frag.

 

[motortrendz]

just got mine today... so my hydrometer was reading .019... i had a vfeeling it was wrong so i didnt adjust the salinity.. i waited till i got the refractometer.. thang got bc it was actually.033.. man what a difference...an awsome investment!!! and i will never ever use a plastic float level hydrometer again!!!!!! im impressed..lol i know doesnt take much!