How often do you calibrate your refractometer?

[mattybecks]

Hi Guys,
The title says it all

 

[leedsrhinojohn]

I only use one now as a back up but when I did use one all the time I calibrated every month with calibrating fluid not ro/di water

 

[Jet Sled]

I calibrate mine with proper fluid before every test. I have noticed that even small bumps to the refractometer can toss it out of range by a point or two.

 

[mattybecks]

I only use one now as a back up but when I did use one all the time I calibrated every month with calibrating fluid not ro/di water

what is calibrating fluid? Where do you usually get yours from?

 

[mattybecks]

I calibrate mine with proper fluid before every test. I have noticed that even small bumps to the refractometer can toss it out of range by a point or two.

May I ask what kind of fluid it is?

 

[Jet Sled]

May I ask what kind of fluid it is?

Several different brands sell calibration fluid. look for a refract meter calibration fluid 35PPT

 

[Jet Sled]

Refractometer calibration solutions

Which refractometer calibration solution do you believe to be the most reliable and long lasting? I ask because I have had consistent trouble with most in-bottle brands increasing in salinity in the bottles over time (obviously due to inevitable evaporation). Ones in foil packs such as...

www.reef2reef.com

 

[leedsrhinojohn]

May I ask what kind of fluid it is?

Its 35ppt calibration fluid for refractometers.
I used Brightwell Aquatics solution but im not sure if you get it over there or not

 

[mattybecks]

Thanks for the feedback!

 

[GCL]

I finally calibrated my refractometer for the first time a few months ago to find that it was pretty far off. Now I make sure to calibrate before every use and find that it often needs small adjustments.

 

[Goodair]

I calibrate when doing water change. Really its the biggest time you can cause a noticable salinity swing.

 

[NorCal Reefer]

Before every use just to be safe.

 

[Schteeve]

Do the Milwaukee Digital Refractometers need recalibrating? or do i only have to zero it with RODI water each time I use it? Coz i haven't been calibrating it with calibration fluid ever since i bought it

 

[mattybecks]

This is the one I use -
It says inside the booklet and online that RO or distilled water is fine for it. It's the temp that is important.
Its difficult to get to 20degrees C as my AC can only go a max low of 24 (I can set it to 18, but the room won't get there as it is typically around 45 outside now and 24 is the lowest the room goes in summer.
Does it matter if the refractometers temp is a little higher than 20? I could always put the water in the fridge and wait till it gets to 20, but I won't be able to get the refractometer to that temp.

 

[fuelman]

This is the one I use -
It says inside the booklet and online that RO or distilled water is fine for it. It's the temp that is important.
Its difficult to get to 20degrees C as my AC can only go a max low of 24 (I can set it to 18, but the room won't get there as it is typically around 45 outside now and 24 is the lowest the room goes in summer.
Does it matter if the refractometers temp is a little higher than 20? I could always put the water in the fridge and wait till it gets to 20, but I won't be able to get the refractometer to that temp.

i looked that one up, it's a pretty nice unit. you will be fine with the temp difference looks like it's atc is a little better than most. just get you some calibration fluid & as others have said check it every time before you use it to make sure your getting a dead on reading from it. & maybe just give it about 10 seconds to correct the temp should be more than good.

 

[Ray 713]

As others have said, each time I use it.

 

[Waynerock]

Remember to get the calibration fluid to tank temp before using. I did not for the longest time and It does make a huge difference

 

[shred5]

I stopped using my refractometer after I ended up with something like 7 bottles of calibration fluid and they all measure something different.. Even a couple of the same brands..

I switched to the Hanna salinity checker..

 

[Daniel@R2R Verified Admin]

I use a digital refractometer. It gets calibrated to zero with RODI every time I do a water change.

 

[ca1ore]

Not nearly as frequently as I should …. which is to say I cannot recall the last time I did. I also measure salinity via my apex, and have ways of indirectly determining that the refractometer is accurate enough.