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Unread 04/14/2008, 08:19 AM   #1
DeathWish302
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Question Randy's DIY Refractometer Calibration Fluid - Kosher Salt OK?

I have seen Randy's recipe for calibration fluid for a refractometer in I believe Reefkeeping Mag. In this article he stated he used 6.2g of Morton salt. I have Kosher salt already (not iodized) and would prefer to use this instead of buying more. Any problems with this substitution? Due to crystal size/shape differences, I will measure this in the Materials Lab at work so that the correct weight is used.

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Unread 04/14/2008, 10:18 AM   #2
Boomer
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That will be fine DW, as long as you are going to measure it out as you stated Kosher not only does not contain any Iodine but also none of the Sodium ferrocyanide, which is a free-flow agent. STD lab grade cal solutions use Kosher more or less, pure NaCl.


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Unread 04/14/2008, 01:23 PM   #3
DeathWish302
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Thanks Boomer!

I thought the lack of anti-caking agents and iodine would be better, but was uncertain if Randy accounted for these in his calculations for the proper proportions.

DW302


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Unread 04/14/2008, 02:11 PM   #4
Randy Holmes-Farley
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No, I did not specifically take them into account.


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Unread 04/16/2008, 09:56 PM   #5
DeathWish302
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Randy - The DIY solution worked out fine and it appears is as good as the high dollar stuff we have at work. I cannot mention the company due to internal issues at the moment, but we are a tier 2 automotive company that uses salt spray testing. The guys in the test lab were surprised their "ASTM-certified" calibration fluid read very similiar results as your recipe for the DIY fluid. Cost me $1.69 for the 1L of Diet Dew, purified water = free from the lab, and the kosher salt I had. Not bad for less than $2 and 25 minutes out of my cube dungeon.

Thanks for the article.

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Unread 04/16/2008, 10:55 PM   #6
reef_doug
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Quote:
Originally posted by Boomer
That will be fine DW, as long as you are going to measure it out as you stated Kosher not only does not contain any Iodine but also none of the Sodium ferrocyanide, which is a free-flow agent. STD lab grade cal solutions use Kosher more or less, pure NaCl.
FWIW... I remember Morton Kosher having more sodium per measuring cup than Diamond Crystal Kosher. Would this impact the volumes in the DIY recipie?


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Unread 04/16/2008, 11:32 PM   #7
Boomer
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Volume yes Doug but not weight Justy take some to the drug store and have them make-up a 3.65 % solution.

963.5 mL RO/DI and 36.5 grams of Kosher

Then cal the refract to read 35 ppt or 1.0264 with this solution.

Or just go buy some Pinpiont 53 mS and the same, cal to read 1.0264 or 35 ppt


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Unread 10/22/2017, 12:19 AM   #8
32flavors
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I work at a clinic with its own lab and could have them weigh out the salt for me. Anyone have the link to Randy's recipe?


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Unread 10/22/2017, 12:02 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 32flavors View Post
I work at a clinic with its own lab and could have them weigh out the salt for me. Anyone have the link to Randy's recipe?
I like your native American story. I may borrow it from time to time, if you do not mind.


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Unread 10/22/2017, 03:12 PM   #10
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This recipe is from Millero:

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-11/rhf/index.php#21

It should be fine.


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Unread 10/22/2017, 06:48 PM   #11
32flavors
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Thank you!


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Unread 10/22/2017, 09:55 PM   #12
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You're welcome!


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