refractometer calibration

[jimzin15754]

ok so I ordered a good quality refractometer thru work a few days ago and I'm wondering whats the best way to check it for calibration when I get it. Checking for 0 is pretty easy but is it the best way? As a side note I figured the most accurate 0 sg water I would have around the house is what I could make by boiling some water and collecting the drops that formed from steam on the glass lid. How do others check it?

 

[MikeCentore]

I used distilled water to calibrate mine.

 

[jimzin15754]

Thanks Mike

 

[jesterns2]

I just bought one from Wet Pets and they said to just use distilled water or RO water to zero/calibrate it.

 

[NaClH2Opgh]

You can make a DIY 1.026 solution. I have the recipe, I just have to find it. You are not suppose to use RO/DI water, the refractometer can still be off when you use it to calibrate.

 

[raynist]

You can buy 35ppt solution to test.

 

[jimzin15754]

Very cool , I appreciate the replies! I did see test solutions for sale somewhere but I've forgotten where raynist. making a diy solution interests me too! Would that use a pure salt like kosher pickling salt? Just a guess since reef salts contain other additives that could potentially change the reading. But then again those same additives are going to be in the tank water anyway. In real life use the refractometer isnt going to differenciate between salt and other solids in the test sample. Someone correct me if im way over complicating this!

 

[NaClH2Opgh]

Here is the article with the recipe in it:

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-06/rhf/index.php

 

[jimzin15754]

Here is the article with the recipe in it:

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-06/rhf/index.php

Thanks!