How are you checking salinity?

[liveround69]

Just hush guys....Randi has to be right...just ask him...he will tell you so. geez

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Just hush guys....Randi has to be right...just ask him...he will tell you so. geez

Exactly. I've been waging a many decade war against inaccurate chemistry in the hobby, and I think science is finally winning (for many reasons, not just me, obviously, but tools like ICP, etc.).

I know you were being sarcastic, but I don't care. I care that people really understand the chemistry of their reef tanks and aren't misled by people or companies who do not.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Just suggested to stop the battle due to the fact that you are obviously never going to shut up till you feel vindicated for your view.

I won’t ever shut up. If I’m shown to be wrong, I will change my mind. [emoji3]

 

[kschweer]

Hey guys. While we encourage a good debate we do not tolerate personal attacks of any kind. Thanks for understanding.

 

[kamike91]

I won’t ever shut up. If I’m shown to be wrong, I will change my mind. [emoji3]

Aside for the fact that I've been using Randy's research to guide my reefing for as long as I can remember.. maybe 15+ years?... I do base my procedures on empirical data and usually trust no one unless I see it work for myself. I have no idea what it is, but my readings were always a little skewed when calibrating with RO/DI both when I worked at the LFS and on my own tanks.

 

[Shep]

Also, I mean he DOES have a PhD in chemistry from Harvard....so I would tend to trust him in all things chemistry related lol

 

[dave57]

Also, I mean he DOES have a PhD in chemistry from Harvard....so I would tend to trust him in all things chemistry related lol

Hope you don’t think that about doctors too because they have MD on their badge lol not saying Randy is wrong

 

[Shep]

Hope you don’t think that about doctors too because they have MD on their badge lol not saying Randy is wrong

Well if it was listen to an MD with a well documented expertise in the field(especially about something very basic) vs a random stranger on the internet, I think I would go with the MD

 

[dave57]

Well if it was listen to an MD with a well documented expertise in the field(especially about something very basic) vs a random stranger on the internet, I think I would go with the MD

Ya well even the most basic things get overlooked like amputating the wrong leg, I have witnessed this before.. or leaving instruments in the body before counting and closing the body up

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Ya well even the most basic things get overlooked like amputating the wrong leg, I have witnessed this before.. or leaving instruments in the body before counting and closing the body up

I’ll try to not do that. [emoji23]

 

[dave57]

I’ll try to not do that. [emoji23]

Lol right!? Crazy OR stories

 

[Shep]

Ya well even the most basic things get overlooked like amputating the wrong leg, I have witnessed this before.. or leaving instruments in the body before counting and closing the body up

True but actual math was provided to support the opinion, so again renowned expert vs stranger on the internet

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Aside for the fact that I've been using Randy's research to guide my reefing for as long as I can remember.. maybe 15+ years?... I do base my procedures on empirical data and usually trust no one unless I see it work for myself. I have no idea what it is, but my readings were always a little skewed when calibrating with RO/DI both when I worked at the LFS and on my own tanks.

It’s always worth checking a standard close to tank salinity to confirm proper operation, even if you can’t actually calibrate with it. [emoji3]

 

[kamike91]

Ya well even the most basic things get overlooked like amputating the wrong leg, I have witnessed this before.. or leaving instruments in the body before counting and closing the body up

Right, but honestly I think that's a little irrelevant. It's just an example of someone who was given a job and didn't do it right, which is true in all professions.

Or if you're getting on notion to always be skeptical, no matter who gives you the data. I totally agree haha. This is a fundamental in science, which is why experiments are replicable.

Anywho, I don't think Dr. Farley is the equivalent of an M.D. who doesn't count tools before and after.

 

[needbiggertanks]

My answer to the OP?? I use a refractometer calibrated to 35 ppt.

As a Marine Biogeochemist, it has always been recommended to me to calibrate any refractometers for marine use with a solution of 35 ppt.

 

[kamike91]

How do I delete my post? I'm not trying to argue, and going back and reading... it comes off that I am, sorry. Back to the question!

 

[Velcro]

I’ll never go back to a refractometer.

 

[kamike91]

I’ll never go back to a refractometer.

How about when you mix your saltwater? Do you use the conductivity probe as well?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

How about when you mix your saltwater? Do you use the conductivity probe as well?

I do. It’s great. Drop it in and you can monitor the results of water or salt additions in real time. Same for mixing acclimations and up limewater/kalkwasser.[emoji3]

 

[Velcro]

I do. It’s great. Drop it in and you can monitor the results of water or salt additions in real time. Same for mixing up limewater/kalkwasser.[emoji3]

What he said. It’s so convenient. I use kalk too so it’s nice to be able to see if I need to add more powder when I top off my kalk container.