Refractometer problem..

[keanetom]

My refractometer is out-of-cal... After adjusting the calibration screw to the maximum (clockwise), the reading still very high (1.035).. Any bro/sis encounter such problem? Pls advise..

[vipermako]

My refractometer is out-of-cal... After adjusting the calibration screw to the maximum (clockwise), the reading still very high (1.035).. Any bro/sis encounter such problem? Pls advise..

use distill water and cal to zero

[BFG]

Do not use distill water to calibrate. Use the American Pinpoint Salinity calibration fluid 53.0mS standardized fluid. Using distill water, you are actually calibrating distill fluid, not for salinity.

[vipermako]

Do not use distill water to calibrate. Use the American Pinpoint Salinity calibration fluid 53.0mS standardized fluid. Using distill water, you are actually calibrating distill fluid, not for salinity.

this is cool !

where to get this in singapore?

was told by LFS to use distilled water :-)

[BFG]

Petmart or Reef Depot should have. Other lfs I do not know.

[kksg2000]

Do not use distill water to calibrate. Use the American Pinpoint Salinity calibration fluid 53.0mS standardized fluid. Using distill water, you are actually calibrating distill fluid, not for salinity.

hm.. why cant use distill water for calibration? The instruction guide instructed to use distill water to calibrate to 0 becuase distill water has 0 salinity.

[BFG]

hm.. why cant use distill water for calibration? The instruction guide instructed to use distill water to calibrate to 0 becuase distill water has 0 salinity.

There is an article about this in RC. That forum is doing the daily maintenence now, will post the article if I find it later.

[BFG]

This is the article. Read up the part under the heading "Commercial Refractometer Standards".

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-12/rhf/index.php

Hope this helps!

[vipermako]

There is an article about this in RC. That forum is doing the daily maintenence now, will post the article if I find it later.

I think this is what you are referring to...

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=1326143

seems that i am getting the right salinity because i always keep my water at 36.5 based on the zero calibration.

[BFG]

There is another thread about this topic too but this may suffice.

[vipermako]

oops sorry, didn't see that BFG has already attached the article.

[vipermako]

thanks to BFG for the enlightening.

[BFG]

Glad to help!

[vipermako]

i must say that salinity is real important. previously using those cheap floating glass hydrometer when i started my nano tank and my nemo [O clown] was so stressed that white spots start appearing on its body. later got a refractometer and discovered that the sal was about 38~39. shocked. Now they are very comfortable at my 36+ refracto reading. [most prob 35 ppt real value]

will get a bottle from RD to rule out any unforeseen manufacturing defects. but i think most likely not as my instant ocean hydrometer reads about the same. but then, think it is better to countercheck. LOL

[BFG]

It's better to have this stuff on hand if you want to rule out any discrepancy. Salinity is VERY important, if this basic parameter is not correct, it would also affect calcium and other parameter too! Reefers might get odd reading when measuring calcium and others and would try to change the level but the problem might not occur had they check their salinity 1st!

[vipermako]

Do not use distill water to calibrate. Use the American Pinpoint Salinity calibration fluid 53.0mS standardized fluid. Using distill water, you are actually calibrating distill fluid, not for salinity.

couldn't agree more!

btw, it should read "American Marine Pinpoint Salinity calibration fluid 53.0mS", just in case other Bro are interested.