Defective Refractometer ?

[DrPheel]

I was testing my SW mix for my upcoming water change and after adding +/- half of what I usually add to my Rubbermaid bin I was showing my friend how the refractometer works. I found it weird that It was reading 1.027 so I got my good old Instant Ocean Hydrometer and it tested 1.000 :crazy1: Hmmm , After wondering and doing a few tests on both devices and adding salt up to 1.024 (tested with hydrometer) my refractometer still reads 1.027. I tested the water from my tank , Stable at my usual 1.025-6 on the hydrometer, tested with the refractometer .... still 1.027. It does not move from that line no matter what. I misplaced the base liquid to test it so I completed my WC doing a few back to back test with my hydrometer to make sure my salinity was on point.

I wanted to know if anyone had a similar experience with a refractometer. It is a brand name one (have to check tonight what brand) worth 100$ +... no cheap Ebay crap and It has worked well for the last 4 months . :worried:

 

[hkgar]

If you do not have any 1.026 (35PPT) calibration fluid, try test some of your RO/DI water and see if it test to 0.

 

[DrPheel]

If you do not have any 1.026 (35PPT) calibration fluid, try test some of your RO/DI water and see if it test to 0.

Thanks for the reply ! Il have to give that a try just to make sure, Il post the results tonight when I get home and test it

 

[Buzz1329]

Agree that you need the 35 ppt calibration fluid.

But if the refractometer is Red Sea, IMO you're better off returning it (if you can) for ANY other brand (like generic BRS or DFS).

Mike

 

[Sounds Fishy]

After you check the calibration on your refractometer ...,I always found that the Instant Ocean hydrometer never gave the exact reading as my refractometer.It always showed lower salinity results.

 

[hkgar]

Thanks for the reply ! Il have to give that a try just to make sure, Il post the results tonight when I get home and test it

So what happened?

 

[DrPheel]

So what happened?

Fresh RODI is not showing 0 on the meter I tested a few times again with my mix and tank water and still showing 0.127 on the dot no matter what water I test and even after adding a cup of salt to my WC bin. Guess il just have to buy a new one :hmm3:

 

[hkgar]

It's broken

 

[jraker]

cant you just calibrate it? mine comes with a screw and i calibrate mine every week

 

[hkgar]

If it read the same sg (1.027) for all water tested (from 0 sg ro/di water to whatever the tank water is I cannot wee how you could even calibrate it. If it was working then you would get something less than 1.027 for ro water.

 

[DrPheel]

It's broken

yuppp unfortunately , I don't want to fiddle with the screw yet but il get my friend to bring his calibration solution over the weekend and see if that works. From what I hear its only the crystal in the device reflecting the light input and I did not drop it or have been rough with it in any ways. I have a thick plastic case with padded foam that I store it in all the time. IF the calibration does not work I will try to take it apart and and see how its made inside lol :rollface:

 

[Sounds Fishy]

yuppp unfortunately , I don't want to fiddle with the screw yet but il get my friend to bring his calibration solution over the weekend and see if that works. From what I hear its only the crystal in the device reflecting the light input and I did not drop it or have been rough with it in any ways. I have a thick plastic case with padded foam that I store it in all the time. IF the calibration does not work I will try to take it apart and and see how its made inside lol :rollface:

When you calibrate it you wil discover that the slightest movement on the adjustment screw will have an impact on the calibration.It is very sensitive.