Reading a refractometer

djryan2000 · 04/25/2020, 03:39 PM

After some testing I’ve concluded that my $120 Milwaukee Digital Refractometer is a pile of hot garbage. Following the proper test procedures I’m getting 1.023-1.024 on 1.026 calibration fluid. I ordered more calibration fluid just in case and got the same result.

My main problem with my regular refractometer is I can’t really tell what it’s reading. Are there any tricks from more experienced members to accurately discerning the salinity?

Edit: I know how to use and calibrate the refractometer. I know how to turn the piece to make it clear. The problem I have is even when it’s clear I have trouble distinguishing within a couple points, for example I struggle to tell between numbers like 1.026 or 1.027.
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Vinny Kreyling · 04/25/2020, 04:24 PM

Looking through the refractometer ---use it looking to a window as that will give you the best light form, during the daylight of course.
You can tip it up or down & adjust the length of the eyepiece for clarity.

outssider · 04/25/2020, 05:43 PM

always calibrate just before use, some refractometers can be very sensitive to temperature.

djryan2000 · 04/25/2020, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by outssider

always calibrate just before use, some refractometers can be very sensitive to temperature.

My problem isn’t getting an accurate reading - it’s when I look in the refractometer I can’t tell which line exactly the white part breaks off versus the blue part. I can only guess within a few points.

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djryan2000 · 04/25/2020, 09:02 PM

Calibrated both my handheld and Milwaukee. Milwaukee reads 1.024 while the handheld is much higher. I took a photo instead of just looking.. here it is

Looks like 1.026 or 1.027

Not sure which the believe.

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djryan2000 · 04/25/2020, 09:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by djryan2000

Calibrated both my handheld and Milwaukee. Milwaukee reads 1.024 while the handheld is much higher. I took a photo instead of just looking.. here it is

Looks like 1.026 or 1.027

Not sure which the believe.

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Here it is with 1.026 (35PPT) calibration fluid - I’m guessing my tanks at 1.027.

Milwaukee also reads that as 1.024

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djryan2000 · 04/25/2020, 09:10 PM

One more update.. my water change water. Milwaukee also read this at 1.024 *sigh*

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Vinny Kreyling · 04/26/2020, 08:50 AM

The eyepiece should be adjustable enough to make the chart clear to ones eye, just like binoculars. There should also be an adjustment knob or screw to make it match a calibration fluid. Check the manual.

bhazard1 · 04/26/2020, 09:19 AM

Ridiculous that the Milwaukee can't do what it's sold to do. Surprised they'd put their name to that.

djryan2000 · 04/26/2020, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bhazard1

Ridiculous that the Milwaukee can't do what it's sold to do. Surprised they'd put their name to that.

Yeah I’m very disappointed considering the price tag on them too. I emailed their customer support so hopefully they’ll respond next week.

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outssider · 04/26/2020, 09:28 AM

to get a clearer line between the white and blue try tapping on the clear plastic cover to squeeze out any extra water.

04/25/2020, 03:39 PM	#1
djryan2000 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2019 Posts: 441	Reading a refractometer After some testing I’ve concluded that my $120 Milwaukee Digital Refractometer is a pile of hot garbage. Following the proper test procedures I’m getting 1.023-1.024 on 1.026 calibration fluid. I ordered more calibration fluid just in case and got the same result. My main problem with my regular refractometer is I can’t really tell what it’s reading. Are there any tricks from more experienced members to accurately discerning the salinity? Edit: I know how to use and calibrate the refractometer. I know how to turn the piece to make it clear. The problem I have is even when it’s clear I have trouble distinguishing within a couple points, for example I struggle to tell between numbers like 1.026 or 1.027. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Last edited by djryan2000; 04/26/2020 at 08:54 AM.

04/25/2020, 04:24 PM	#2
Vinny Kreyling Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Miller Place, NY Posts: 7,206	Looking through the refractometer ---use it looking to a window as that will give you the best light form, during the daylight of course. You can tip it up or down & adjust the length of the eyepiece for clarity. __________________ 250 gallon mixed reef, 2 Reefbreeder's Photon V 2, Deepwater BLDC 12, DAS EX-3 Skimmer, MTC mini cal, 2-3/4" Sea Swirls, Aquacontroller & 6 Tunze pumps.

04/25/2020, 05:43 PM	#3
outssider Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Reseda, Ca. Posts: 1,717	always calibrate just before use, some refractometers can be very sensitive to temperature. __________________ Please don't feed the bears because the bears will become dependent on free handouts and forget how to take care of themselves …... Current Tank Info: 75 Gal. Mixed reef mostly sps

04/26/2020, 08:50 AM	#8
Vinny Kreyling Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Miller Place, NY Posts: 7,206	The eyepiece should be adjustable enough to make the chart clear to ones eye, just like binoculars. There should also be an adjustment knob or screw to make it match a calibration fluid. Check the manual. __________________ 250 gallon mixed reef, 2 Reefbreeder's Photon V 2, Deepwater BLDC 12, DAS EX-3 Skimmer, MTC mini cal, 2-3/4" Sea Swirls, Aquacontroller & 6 Tunze pumps.

04/26/2020, 09:28 AM	#11
outssider Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Reseda, Ca. Posts: 1,717	to get a clearer line between the white and blue try tapping on the clear plastic cover to squeeze out any extra water. __________________ Please don't feed the bears because the bears will become dependent on free handouts and forget how to take care of themselves …... Current Tank Info: 75 Gal. Mixed reef mostly sps

04/25/2020, 09:02 PM	#5
djryan2000 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2019 Posts: 441	Calibrated both my handheld and Milwaukee. Milwaukee reads 1.024 while the handheld is much higher. I took a photo instead of just looking.. here it is Looks like 1.026 or 1.027 Not sure which the believe. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

04/25/2020, 09:10 PM	#7
djryan2000 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2019 Posts: 441	One more update.. my water change water. Milwaukee also read this at 1.024 sigh Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

04/26/2020, 09:19 AM	#9
bhazard1 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 51	Ridiculous that the Milwaukee can't do what it's sold to do. Surprised they'd put their name to that.