Salinity test

[gtp0083]

I'm probably going to get some backlash from this but here goes!

I get my water tested at the LFS. Since it's part of the hobby I have started collecting test kits. I first bought a new hydrometer which is what I always used years ago. After reading the forums more, I purchased a refractometer.

At the LFS they test my salinity with some sort of electronic device it's says around 1.026.

My hydrometer tests at 1.022

Here comes the ridicule. I calibrated my refractometer with my RO/DI water. It also says 1.022

What do you think?


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[windlasher]

I'm probably going to get some backlash from this but here goes!

I get my water tested at the LFS. Since it's part of the hobby I have started collecting test kits. I first bought a new hydrometer which is what I always used years ago. After reading the forums more, I purchased a refractometer.

At the LFS they test my salinity with some sort of electronic device it's says around 1.026.

My hydrometer tests at 1.022

Here comes the ridicule. I calibrated my refractometer with my RO/DI water. It also says 1.022

What do you think?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I think you should calibrate with distilled water. RO/DI still have various amounts of stuff in it. Very little. but some.

 

[kapoofta]

I would test again then go with the majority if all remain the same

 

[Dr. Reef]

Get a salinity standard. It's generally 1.026 or 35 ppt. Test or calibrate with that. You will know which one is right.

Here is one for $6.99
https://www.saltwateraquarium.com/s...p6TiexKR_j5hTw16Ka1eDfgzB0xZ8_9rm4aAoyB8P8HAQ

 

[billdogg]

Get a salinity standard. It's generally 1.026 or 35 ppt. Test or calibrate with that. You will know which one is right.

Here is one for $6.99
https://www.saltwateraquarium.com/s...p6TiexKR_j5hTw16Ka1eDfgzB0xZ8_9rm4aAoyB8P8HAQ

What he said. Calibrating with either ro/di or distilled is a poor option. The closer you can calibrate to the result you are looking for the more accurate it will be.

 

[gone fishin]

What they said.

 

[BeachBumm]

Use calibration solution , just like they said !

 

[thegrun]

+20, use 35ppt calibration fluid, if you calibrate with RO/DI water or distilled water you are not going to get nearly as good of a calibration than if you use a solution close to the salinity you plan on measuring.

 

[GimpyFin]

Agree with all the above. The only exception being a digital refractometer (Which it sounds like what your LFS might have used.) Those calibrate with RO/DI or distilled instead of a calibration solution.

 

[nereefpat]

Agree with all the above. The only exception being a digital refractometer (Which it sounds like what your LFS might have used.) Those calibrate with RO/DI or distilled instead of a calibration solution.

To add, those still need to be tested with a check standard. After calibration, try the 35ppt calibration fluid as a check standard. It should read 35ppt.