Salinity calibration fluid

[nivram]

Anyone seen any lately?

My little bottle expired about 3 years ago. Lol I don't know if I should trust it. And of course using this solution indicates my refractometer is off 5ppt.

 

[ninjamini]

The instructions on my refractometer say to use distiller water.

 

[nivram]

The instructions on my refractometer say to use distiller water.

For some reason I thought this was not an accurate way calibrate them.

 

[betamed]

The problem with old fluid is that you can have some evaporation over time that throws it off. Fresh fluid is the the best way to calibrate

 

[elviraveloz]

You can use NSW for calibration.

 

[nivram]

You can use NSW for calibration.

How would you know what the salinity is?

 

[marke]

I have a bottle if you want to use it. We can see if your stuff went bad. Do not use nsw. Ro is ok but not the preferred method. I find I have to recalibrate often

 

[billsreef]

You can use NSW for calibration.

How would you know what the salinity is?

You'd need a calibrated refractometer or conductivity meter

Someplace in the chem forum Randy has a directions for a DIY calibration standard. The best calibration is done at close to the salinity your testing for

 

[Adam13]

Are you going to the sequarium tues? I just got new fluid this minth. Bring your refract and you can check it vs your fluid.

 

[nivram]

You'd need a calibrated refractometer or conductivity meter

Someplace in the chem forum Randy has a directions for a DIY calibration standard. The best calibration is done at close to the salinity your testing for

Thanks Bill. That's kind of what I was getting at

 

[nivram]

Are you going to the sequarium tues? I just got new fluid this minth. Bring your refract and you can check it vs your fluid.

I appreciate the offer. However I won't be able to make it due to work.

 

[AquamanE]

I have some but never thought of the evaporation theory. Its been in my garage for 2 years. Guess I have to buy more, LOL.

However, DI, NSW, RO are not good substitutes. As BillsReef mentioned the closer to your goal, the more accurate your results will be.

 

[AquamanE]

You'd need a calibrated refractometer or conductivity meter

Someplace in the chem forum Randy has a directions for a DIY calibration standard. The best calibration is done at close to the salinity your testing for

Bill- I just read Randys article. As always he is very thorough and accurate. The issue i have with this article is that it involves creating 2 liters of this stuff.

We use a few drops a few times per year. I am more of the opinion that we just buy it from reputable manufactures every few years. They are cheap enough.:idea:

 

[Adam13]

I calibrate every time I use it. Doesn't take long, and I find it is usually a little bit out.

Maybe I need a better refractometer. Is this how it is for you guys?

 

[billsreef]

Bill- I just read Randys article. As always he is very thorough and accurate. The issue i have with this article is that it involves creating 2 liters of this stuff.

We use a few drops a few times per year. I am more of the opinion that we just buy it from reputable manufactures every few years. They are cheap enough.:idea:

Yeah, you do need to scale it down or share with your friends

 

[mrx66699]

I vote Eddie makes a batch to test his skills then shares with all the FMAS members

 

[AquamanE]

I vote Eddie makes a batch to test his skills then shares with all the FMAS members

Actually I think yours and Bills comments bring up an excellent idea, some one in the club makes a batch for our members.

We have a resident PharmD in our group, the good ol Dr. Thompson.

Im sure he has acsess to the best tools to do this, a gram scale and ways of measuring accurate water volumes.

What do you think Dr. Thompson. 2 liters of this stuff can go a long way for the members,

Here is the link to the article:

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

 

[baxinabox]

Milwaukee MA887 Digital Salinity Refractometer + calibrate with RO water = win to never using some silly fluid ever again.

this is dead accurate.

 

[DRThompson]

We have a resident PharmD in our group, the good ol Dr. Thompson.

Im sure he has acsess to the best tools to do this, a gram scale and ways of measuring accurate water volumes.

What do you think Dr. Thompson. 2 liters of this stuff can go a long way for the members,

I can make a 2 liter batch

 

[AquamanE]

I can make a 2 liter batch

Awesome Dr. Put me down for 20-30 ml's, all i need, should last me a few years. This time i wont keep in garage and worry about evaporation. :hammer:

Maybe you can share at the October meeting.