BRS solution and salinity levels

[Cymonous]

So, I have had a refractometer for little over a year. I never got the calibration solution. Just made two gallons of salt water with one scoop of salt to make 1.022 and adjusted to that. Apparently, that may have been my mistake. I finally got calibration solution from BRS and tested. It was at 1.036! I measured twice. I adjusted it down to 1.026. I then measured my tank, 1.017! All my fish but one are behaving normal (other is hiding a lot). All coral except one may be dead, other started to recover after I raised alk slowly from 5.2 dkh to 9.1 dkh. Anyone have experience with the brs calibration solution? Is my low salinity even possible and my livestock being mostly ok?

If it truly is that low, I am going to start making proper salt water changes at 1.026.

 

[thegrun]

Most fish can handle that low of a salinity, corals not usually. You might try swinging by a LFS and double check the calibration solution with theirs just to be sure you don't swing too far in the wrong direction if the solution is off.

 

[Cymonous]

On brs site, 11 of 12 reviews had good results. A friend suggested warming bottle of solution in tank first.

 

[thegrun]

Most refractometers are temperature compensating, but it is still a good idea to get the solution close to tank temperature. Even more importantly keep the refractometer inside so it's temperature is not too far off the tank's temperature. If you leave it out in the garage where it is often hot or cold it can lead to variances in your readings.

 

[Cymonous]

I left the bottle of solution in the tank for over two hours and the refractometer was on the canopy of the tank at the time. After the two hours, I tested again and it was still at my adjusted 1.026.

Something just doesn't seem right. I used 12 gallons of RODI. Added 8 measured full cups. Let mix and heat over night. I measured this morning, says 1.0175. Wouldn't 6 cups get me at LEAST 1.022?

 

[thegrun]

Dry measurements of salt will get you in the ballpark, but grain size will lead to variances. I would definitely try to find another calibration fluid to double check yours against.

 

[sfdan]

You can make your own calibration fluid fairly easily.

1 teaspoon salt into 161 mL of RO/DI water (or 6.2 grams of salt into 161 grams of water if you have a scale)

see this article: http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-06/rhf/

 

[Cymonous]

I did some testing with a friend's and my own refractometer and solution. Using his solution showed my refractometer at 1.020. I re-adjusted to 1.026. We both tested his tank water and it matches. I tested my tank to be 1.023. So, tank salinity is lower than I want, but not as low as I thought. So, the solution I bought is bad. I emailed brs and here is their response:

"Thank you very much for letting us know about this issue. I have included the contact information for Pinpoint below who may have a direct answer to this issue. In addition I am going to grab a few bottles off the the shelf here and test on our systems. I will let you know if we are able to find any major issues with the batch. We certainly are more than willing to help in these situations and would like to ensure if this is a one time exception or larger issue.
Email: info@americanmarineusa.com
Phone: 914.763.5367"

Edit: I went ahead and contacted the manufacturer. They are sending me another bottle of solution.