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need your thoughts on Refractometer calibration


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  1. #1
    CR Member
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    Leonard, MI
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    Jarrod

    Default need your thoughts on Refractometer calibration

    ok need your opinion.

    I have 35 ppt calibration fluid i use for my refractometer. works great for the reef. However I am treating my fish with hypo salinity. If i check my meter with RO water it is a little ways below 0. so my thought was to calibrate it for the RO water since it is closer to the 1.008 i am shooting to get my salt to for my fish, rather than 1.026 (35)ppt that my calibration solution is for. What are your thoughts. My reads about a .003 difference between the two calibration points. so should I leave it calibrated with the solution at 35 ppt or calibrate it with RO water at 0 to get the most accurate measure at 1.008

    Thanks

    Jarrod

  2. #2

    Default

    Use the fluid and then mix the salt to the level that you want it. The refractometer will still be calibrated and accurate.

  3. #3
    MizTanks - Reefkeeper
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    Jamie
    Awards Photo of the Month - October 2012 Photo of the Month Post and Reply Award - Winner of the first PAR Contest. Monthly Giveaway Winner

    Default

    Not hitchhiking but this is good for a question I have. I have no fluid to calibrate refractormeter , lfs doesn't sell it. Is there any other way to do it? I'm back to using my hydrometer :/


    There is nothing like being a REEFER!
    There's nothing like being a Reefer! www.upmmas.com

  4. #4
    handlevandal - Reefkeeper CR Member
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    Jacki
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  5. #5
    BeakerBob - Reefkeeper
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    Default

    Most of the refractometers sold for this hobby are not linear in their measurement from 1.000 to 1.040. Because of that, they should be calibrated at or near their point of use.

    If you want an accurate and consistent (precise) measurement at 1.008, I would calibrate with RO water.

    Alternatively, you could purchase a laboratory grade refractometer that is linear from 1.000 to 1.040 or get a calibration fluid that measures 1.010 and use the current refractometer.

    You can always dilute the current calibration fluid in half to get a 1.013 fluid.
    BeakerBob - Past MMMC Club President, current Board Member
    imagephp?u1&amptypesigpic&ampdateline1261894023 - need your thoughts on Refractometer calibration

  6. #6
    rmalone - Reefkeeper CR Member
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    grand blanc, mi
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    Default

    I would use distilled as a cal solution, I agree that you should calibrate at or near the target value.

  7. #7
    MizTanks - Reefkeeper
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    Jamie
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    Default

    Ummmm still don't understand sorry. What is meant by " calibrate it to 1.040b


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  8. #8
    fishtal - Reefkeeper CR Member
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    Tal
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by BeakerBob View Post
    Most of the refractometers sold for this hobby are not linear in their measurement from 1.000 to 1.040. Because of that, they should be calibrated at or near their point of use.

    If you want an accurate and consistent (precise) measurement at 1.008, I would calibrate with RO water.

    Alternatively, you could purchase a laboratory grade refractometer that is linear from 1.000 to 1.040 or get a calibration fluid that measures 1.010 and use the current refractometer.

    You can always dilute the current calibration fluid in half to get a 1.013 fluid.
    Bob,

    How does this one measure up in your opinion?: http://www.aquacave.com/milwaukee-sa...0atc-616.html#
    Save a fish, Breed your own!
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  9. #9
    BeakerBob - Reefkeeper
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    Quote Originally Posted by fishtal View Post
    Bob,

    How does this one measure up in your opinion?: http://www.aquacave.com/milwaukee-sa...0atc-616.html#
    Much better in quality!! This one should perform like you want.
    BeakerBob - Past MMMC Club President, current Board Member
    imagephp?u1&amptypesigpic&ampdateline1261894023 - need your thoughts on Refractometer calibration

  10. #10
    BeakerBob - Reefkeeper
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    Quote Originally Posted by MizTanks View Post
    Ummmm still don't understand sorry. What is meant by " calibrate it to 1.040b


    There is nothing like being a REEFER!
    Jamie, where does it say to "calibrate it to 1.040b"?
    BeakerBob - Past MMMC Club President, current Board Member
    imagephp?u1&amptypesigpic&ampdateline1261894023 - need your thoughts on Refractometer calibration

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