Refractometer.??

[Jetersyanks]

i just bought a refractometer what your opinions on them .? also whats the salinity of a reef tank supposed to be at .??

 

[Realposition]

refractometers are a great way to read the salinity of your tank. you should calibrate them with a 35ppt calibration fluid to maintain their accuracy. a reef tank should be 1.026.

 

[Jetersyanks]

refractometers are a great way to read the salinity of your tank. you should calibrate them with a 35ppt calibration fluid to maintain their accuracy. a reef tank should be 1.026.

forgive me if this is a stupid question but how do i calibrate it ..?

 

[Realposition]

Most have a small screw on the top, turning the screw will move the line you see up and down. Put your calibration fluid on the refractometer then use the screw to line up the line you see with the 35ppt line on the scale.

 

[Jetersyanks]

Most have a small screw on the top, turning the screw will move the line you see up and down. Put your calibration fluid on the refractometer then use the screw to line up the line you see with the 35ppt line on the scale.

is there a specific fluid i should use ..??

 

[mr.maroonsalty]

I use the aquacraft product. Using the fluid with every use is a must; at least with my cheap hobby grade devise. I don't bother calibrating anymore. I simply match the reading of my 35ppt solution.

 

[Patti7dc]

This might be the wrong way to do it - but I calibrated mine with tap water.....

 

[hoaglanddiver]

do not calibrate w/ tap nor w/ RO.. only use a 35ppt solution (you can make your own, search the forums / online for how to do). there are various reasons why you should not cal to zero which is also why you shouldnt use tap water.. a simple search will show.

 

[block head]

Most are ok. They really are only as good as the calibration fluid. I use them , but always have backup devices as well.

 

[akitareefer]

Also remember to re-calibrate every once in a while.

Tap water and RO water have ppms between 0-200+, that's why they don't work for calibration

 

[Foody]

I can't seem to cough up the cash for one ounce of "salt water, " so I take mine to the LFS and calibrate it there using their solution.