How to calibrate a refractometer using calibration fluid?

kveille · 11/07/2008, 10:51 AM

I bought a refractometer from Dr. Fosters and I also bought the Pinpoint 53.0 ÂµS Calibration/Reference Fluid. The directions that came with the refractomeeter said that you can use either distilled water or calibration fluid. I decided to use distilled water because I was not sure how to calibrate it using the calibration fluid. I read in a few places that it is better to use the calibration fluid rather than distilled water.

The calibration fluid did not come with any directions, so what level should I be looking for when calibrating with it? Thanks.

halcyon_diver · 11/07/2008, 10:54 AM

35ppt

michellejy · 11/07/2008, 10:55 AM

There was an article on here about that, so feel free to double check this:

It should be 1.026 SG / 35 ppt

kveille · 11/07/2008, 10:58 AM

So I should put the calibration fluid on my refractometer and use the screw driver (if necessary) to tweak it until it reads 35 ppt/1.025?

How often should you have to check the calibration?

michellejy · 11/07/2008, 11:02 AM

35 ppt/ 1.026 not 1.025

I check the calibration every time I make a new batch of water, but maybe I'm overly cautious.

halcyon_diver · 11/07/2008, 11:06 AM

So I should put the calibration fluid on my refractometer and use the screw driver (if necessary) to tweak it until it reads 35 ppt/1.025?..................yes...make sure the water is @ 78 degrees,your readings will change with temp fluctuations, i do 4 water changes a month and check the calibration monthly

michellejy · 11/07/2008, 11:42 AM

Oh, that's a good point. Did you get a refractometer with ATC?

kveille · 11/07/2008, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by michellejy
Oh, that's a good point. Did you get a refractometer with ATC?

Yes it has Automatic Temperature Correction.

coryjac0b · 11/07/2008, 12:43 PM

i was told i can calibrate my refractometer with RO/DI water.

is that true?

11/07/2008, 10:51 AM	#1
kveille Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Mandeville, LA Posts: 76	How to calibrate a refractometer using calibration fluid? I bought a refractometer from Dr. Fosters and I also bought the Pinpoint 53.0 ÂµS Calibration/Reference Fluid. The directions that came with the refractomeeter said that you can use either distilled water or calibration fluid. I decided to use distilled water because I was not sure how to calibrate it using the calibration fluid. I read in a few places that it is better to use the calibration fluid rather than distilled water. The calibration fluid did not come with any directions, so what level should I be looking for when calibrating with it? Thanks.

11/07/2008, 10:54 AM	#2
halcyon_diver Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: N41.48070-W72.65107 Posts: 690	35ppt __________________ "The Sea once it casts its spell, holds you in its net of wonder forever" ~Jacques Cousteau~ Current Tank Info: 180 gal reef w/40gal/fuge.225 lbs LR 150 Lbs LS, H&S skimmer,MTC mini cal reactor, AC3

11/07/2008, 10:55 AM	#3
michellejy Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: OH Posts: 977	There was an article on here about that, so feel free to double check this: It should be 1.026 SG / 35 ppt __________________ Michelle Current Tank Info: 120G RR with 40G sump/refugium ~ DAS EX-2 Skimmer ~ IceCap 54W T-5 lighting; 30G FOWLR Clownfish tank

11/07/2008, 11:02 AM	#5
michellejy Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: OH Posts: 977	35 ppt/ 1.026 not 1.025 I check the calibration every time I make a new batch of water, but maybe I'm overly cautious. __________________ Michelle Current Tank Info: 120G RR with 40G sump/refugium ~ DAS EX-2 Skimmer ~ IceCap 54W T-5 lighting; 30G FOWLR Clownfish tank

11/07/2008, 11:06 AM	#6
halcyon_diver Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: N41.48070-W72.65107 Posts: 690	So I should put the calibration fluid on my refractometer and use the screw driver (if necessary) to tweak it until it reads 35 ppt/1.025?..................yes...make sure the water is @ 78 degrees,your readings will change with temp fluctuations, i do 4 water changes a month and check the calibration monthly __________________ "The Sea once it casts its spell, holds you in its net of wonder forever" ~Jacques Cousteau~ Current Tank Info: 180 gal reef w/40gal/fuge.225 lbs LR 150 Lbs LS, H&S skimmer,MTC mini cal reactor, AC3

11/07/2008, 10:58 AM	#4
kveille Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Mandeville, LA Posts: 76	So I should put the calibration fluid on my refractometer and use the screw driver (if necessary) to tweak it until it reads 35 ppt/1.025? How often should you have to check the calibration?

11/07/2008, 11:42 AM	#7
michellejy Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: OH Posts: 977	Oh, that's a good point. Did you get a refractometer with ATC? __________________ Michelle Current Tank Info: 120G RR with 40G sump/refugium ~ DAS EX-2 Skimmer ~ IceCap 54W T-5 lighting; 30G FOWLR Clownfish tank

11/07/2008, 12:43 PM	#9
coryjac0b Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Metairie, LA Posts: 780	i was told i can calibrate my refractometer with RO/DI water. is that true?