Brightwell Defective Calibration Solution!

Neo Jeo · Apr 18, 2019

Just a warning to anyone out there that uses this calibration solution for the refractometer .

I been having issues so I ordered an ICP test. Shows my salinity at 38.17 PPT . = 1.029.

I then went out and bought a new refractometer calibrated it using just RODI water . Show my salinity at 1.029 my old refractometer showed my salinity at 1.026 based on the calibration solution .

Once I recalibrated my old refractometer and new with you using just water it registered my salinity at 1.029 resulting in coral receding . I then tested the calibration solution and it’s registering at 1.029 .

I have contacted the manufacture and I’m willing to ship this to them for an investigation as I believe this should never happen . I wonder what they will say .

HolisticBear · Apr 18, 2019

BRS had a bad batch of solution awhile back, they pulled the product and couldn't have handled it better.

I'm pretty sure their solution was manufacturered by Brightwell.

The Quality Control in this hobby is not great, having multiple data points and treating every reading with some skepticism is beneficial.

eggplantparrot · Apr 18, 2019

uh oh, I have been using that exact fluid

Jet Sled · Apr 18, 2019

I had a bottle of this stuff that I tossed out that read at 1.023 when it should be 1.026. I took the solution too two different LFS's and tested it to be sure. I now have a control bottle to test any new bottles against. I bet this is super common and easily overlooked. Never hurts to get it double checked.

Hillbillyreefer · Apr 18, 2019

I’m finding Hanna ULR reagent packs to be sketchy also. My Phos runs around 0-5ppb (I’m dosing) first test this morning 35ppb second test 0 ppb. My gut tells me neither are accurate, I’d dosed for 4ppb 30minutes before the tests.

minus9 · Oct 18, 2019

Sorry to bring up an old thread, but I just picked up a bottle of Brightwell's calibration solution from my LFS and this stuff is higher than normal. I usually use the Aqua Craft solution, which has been spot on for me, but wanted to double check and the Brightwell is reading 1.028 or nearly 37ppt. Seems like they have a QC issue with this solution based on some reviews online. Time to make my own with some sodium chloride.