Help Calibrating Sybon Refractometer

[HumanIMDB]

I'm trying to calibrate our Sybon FG100sa Refractometer using the Pinpoint Salinity Solution. The numbers on the left side are scaled in D 20/20 and %o on the right.

My question is, is the left side the refractive index and thus I should calibrate it to read 1.33940? Or is this the specific gravity and it should read 1.0264?

Please help as these are two completely different numbers. :D

Thanks!

[Canarygirl]

On the left is specific gravity and it should read 1.026.....

[NewFish3]

The right side should read 35ppt & the left side should be 1.026. I go by the right side at 35, its easer to set.

Also after you put the PinPoint on the lenz, close the flap & wait about 20-seconds or so. You need the auto temp control to set. If you read it right away & set it, it may jump up.

[snorvich]

Agree with above. If you are using the left side, 1.0264 or as close as feasible.

[block head]

sybon's come calibrated from the factory, still good to calibrate with one or more solutions

[Aquarist007]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12361346#post12361346 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by block head
sybon's come calibrated from the factory, still good to calibrate with one or more solutions

you can't always count on factory calibrations, blockhead
(such a rush to be able to call some one a blockhead on here:lol: )

Every couple of months I recalibrate using the pin point solution

[HumanIMDB]

Thanks everyone for your help. I was thinking, "Wow, if it should be reading 1.33940 then I'm in trouble..."

[JDuong916]

I know this is an old thread, but I just received the same refractometer. I did not get the calibration fluid when it was delivered and I thought the refractometer had been previously returned, which I don't mind. My main concern is that the lines in the view port are very hard to see clearly. I have 20/20 vision and am wondering if my unit is defective. Is this a problem others have with this refractometer?

[SaltDog]

I hold mine up to a lamp or an outside window during the day. Also the eye piece is adjustable if you turn it you can focus with it as you are looking through it

[Gagonzalez]

Ideally you should be using the calibration fluid right before you test your water and calibrate it to 1.026/35ppt. Then match / measure your water to the same level. Be careful with lighting. If you look out the window and a cloud goes by, it will change your reading. If it's sunny one day and not so sunny another day, it will read differently. Try to stay consistent when you test all your water samples. Hence the "calibrate with solution" before you start testing your water.

PS - The front of the refractometer is knurled in order to turn it for focusing.

Good Luck

[JDuong916]

Thank you all for the response I'll try and see if it works.

[bnumair]

its harder to hit in exact left side of 1.0264 but more easier to hit 35ppt on the right.

[BrandonMason]

I also recommend looking at the tank lights through the meter. I ran out of calibration fluid one time and found a recipe online to get a match. Tested it against the calibration fluid and it was spot on.