If you own a refractometer, read this

[Pufferpunk]

So where can we get this stuff or can we jsut pass the bottle around, since I assume we only need to use/calibrate 1x?

 

[ostrow]

Can't you use measuring cups/spoons? I only glanced at his article. Why do you need a scale?

 

[nmprisons]

Any place local sell the calibration stuff?

 

[squibley2]

I am with Puffer can someone bring a bottle to the next meeting for example and then we can all get them calibrated?

 

[ostrow]

Puffer, no, just as you need to calibrate against 0 after every half a dozen tests or so, you would need to calibrate with the fluid regularly. Once calibrated, the RO test will below the 0 line and difficult to replicate. Better to have a known 35ppt/1.026 and calibrate with that.

 

[Pam Little]

Here's a good article to keep things confused

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2006/9/lines

 

[pk1]

Hey Pam, that's a great link! I really liked Steven Pro's test result on the hydrometer, enough to say what the heck, I'll buy one on my next PA order. I don't know why I always tend to think the more complicated it is, the better it works, although I'm sure my wife could give you a reason or 2!

PK

 

[NewSchool04]

hey Pat, I love the avatar!

 

[Pam Little]

I was going to buy a hydrometer intill I read this!

 

[Pufferpunk]

Whatcha gonna buy now?

 

[miztic]

I have a black MR100ATC refracto too, I tested against the DIY salt solution, it only read maybe .001 high, so I'm still quite happy with mine

 

[bond007069]

I have the blue ATC refractor and it was consistent with Randy's 1 tsp/161ml H20 = 35PPT

it was a nice finding

 

[Dag]

that's why I also use a hydrometer

 

[homebrewdude]

I just broke my hydrometer.
Now I have nothing.
I like cheap and effective.
I don't need fancy, that is what my cameras are for.

What should I buy?
Swing arm?
Another hydrometer

 

[kimoy]

i am using RHS-10ATC and is working just fine for me. got it from ebay.

 

[squibley2]

I have a relatively cheap one that I also double check against a lab grade glass hydrometer and the one that I have has never been off by as much as 1 ppt. I don't think everyone should be freaking out like this! They do work and work well in most cases it appears that there are some out there that don't but that is the same as anything else. I have seen defective equipment in every type of equipment.

 

[Crued]

oh you mean like an environment that is filled with predators, water temps that change 3 times a day, and varying amounts of sunlight?

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8451312#post8451312 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by pk1
Puffer, I have disagree. I don't think there is any reason to keep these delicate animals in anything less than the closest possible replication of the environment they live in. BTW, Randy Holmes-Farley is a scientist too . And I don't trust the English!! j/k

 

[pk1]

Crude-sarcasm noted . FWIW-I am not talking about predators, temp or light, I am talking about salinity. The average salinity at coral reef locations is 1.026, I try to keep mine at 1.025. I have a POS hydrometer that measures way off the mark, and from the links I posted so have other people. Some people here may like to know about this, if you don't I could really care less. Of course not every hydrometer is off, but if you took the time to read the other threads I linked you would see it's obvious enough people have had the same problem to warrant my post. In my case, I have always wondered why my water change water NEVER tests out with the right CA/ALk/MG levels as it should-now I know why. I also wonder why snails have a hard time adjusting to my tank when I introduce them, even after acclimating them for 4-5 hours each time-now I know why. Would you run your reef tank at 1.020?

 

[Crued]

i do not run a reef, but rather fish and seahorses, and i keep mine about 1.023. i'm sure some purists would faint, but i don't even measure my tank salinity but maybe 2-3 times a year. i only measure my water change water.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8456400#post8456400 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by pk1
Crude-sarcasm noted . FWIW-I am not talking about predators, temp or light, I am talking about salinity. The average salinity at coral reef locations is 1.026 Would you run your reef tank at 1.020?

 

[pk1]

That's nice. And I could care less how you do it.