High Tide Aquatics

Refractometer A doesnt agree with identical Refractometer B and neither read Calibration fluid as 35PPT.

rdriggett

rdriggett

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Hi all, I have two amazon refractometers. I have two bottles of Fritz 35PPT reference fluid. My refractometer says to calibrate using RODI @ 0PPT. I did that and both reference fluids read 37-39PPT. If I calibrate @ 35PPT then my tank reads 32PPT.

Questions:
  • Should I calibrate to 0 or to 35?
  • Should I trust either bottle of Fritz 35PPT?
  • How do I know if my tank is 32 or 37? I want it at 35.
  • Is my refractometer just junk?

I'm not interested in the Hanna salinity checker. Thanks in advanced!
 
Seconding calibrating to 35 ppt.

Calibrate to the refractometer solution. Test both bottles afterwards to see if they match. If they don't - how long have they been open? Could be evaporation, contamination, etc., so I'd get a new bottle if they don't match.
 
IOnceWasLegend said:
Seconding calibrating to 35 ppt.

Calibrate to the refractometer solution. Test both bottles afterwards to see if they match. If they don't - how long have they been open? Could be evaporation, contamination, etc., so I'd get a new bottle if they don't match.
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Both bottles are new but arrived with pinhole leaks. One is going back to Amazon.
Is there a bar source for 35ppt calibration fluid still?
 
again, you are over thinking again. you are all over the place and need to slow down. personally i dont think having 35ppt is crucial right now. your fish and inverts won't die if it's 32 or 37ppt.

don't start chasing numbers.

my advise: ask a neighbor reefer to test for u or go to neptunes, bring a water sample. pay for the aquaspin test. save receipt and I'll reimburst you. I think it's like $10 so you know your other parameters if you don't already.
 
jhuynh said:
again, you are over thinking again. you are all over the place and need to slow down. personally i dont think having 35ppt is crucial right now. your fish and inverts won't die if it's 32 or 37ppt.

don't start chasing numbers.

my advise: ask a neighbor reefer to test for u or go to neptunes, bring a water sample. pay for the aquaspin test. save receipt and I'll reimburst you. I think it's like $10 so you know your other parameters if you don't already.
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I was worried because I didn't want to swing params by adjusting from 32 to 35ppt if my refractometer was reading a false high this whole time. I'll go do a neptune test on monday and post results in my build thread.
I wasnt trying to chase numbers but ensure I was practicing good husbandry.
 
rdriggett said:
I was worried because I didn't want to swing params by adjusting from 32 to 35ppt if my refractometer was reading a false high this whole time. I'll go do a neptune test on monday and post results in my build thread.
I wasnt trying to chase numbers but ensure I was practicing good husbandry.
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my apologies if I was out of line.
 
JVU said:
Welcome back!
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Thanks! Because of the whole LBGT issue at R2R, I've been jonesing for chemistry forum action. It's built up to a head. I'm getting hives! Seeking all online reef forums with a potential for reef chem threads for some hope of relief Pray for me! EDIT: I also swore off Facebook about six months ago, so there's that, too.
 
JimWelsh said:
Thanks! Because of the whole LBGT issue at R2R, I've been jonesing for chemistry forum action. It's built up to a head. I'm getting hives! Seeking all online reef forums with a potential for reef chem threads for some hope of relief Pray for me! EDIT: I also swore off Facebook about six months ago, so there's that, too.
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Sounds like you need some non-polar oils to rejuvenate the skin for the hives. Might I suggest some alpha-tocopherol? Then a mild citric and carbonic acid drink to wake you back up. ;)

Welcome back to a group who thinks a bit deeper than your average reef club!

I know I would love to go deep on some chemistry theory in the reef tank!
 
JimWelsh said:
Thanks! Because of the whole LBGT issue at R2R, I've been jonesing for chemistry forum action. It's built up to a head. I'm getting hives! Seeking all online reef forums with a potential for reef chem threads for some hope of relief Pray for me! EDIT: I also swore off Facebook about six months ago, so there's that, too.
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Thank you so much for bringing this to my attention. I have deleted my R2R account and informed "RevHtree" of my views on his views on people's human right to exist in peace.
 
If your not into the Hanna digital, I would suggest the Sybon Salinity Refractometer.
I’ve had one in the past and would recommend it.
 
Devon said:
If your not into the Hanna digital, I would suggest the Sybon Salinity Refractometer.
I’ve had one in the past and would recommend it.
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I've heard things about the calibration drifting within weeks on the hanna one.
JVU said:
Measuring salinity accurately and knowing what to trust used to be stressful for me. Then I got the Milwaukee digital seawater refractometer, and it isn’t anymore.
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It's now on my "to purchase" list, thanks!
 
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