I’m confused help please

[Perthegallon]

So I just bought this to double check with my Hanna that the salinity is correct. Today I’ve checked the water about 3-4 times as I made new water all about 30-60 mins apart each time I put it down for more then a few mins it needs to be recalibrated and shows that the RO water has salt in it. I’m so confused on what’s going on it’s not being moved till I pick it back up again could the cold in my basement be changing it every few mins?

 

[blaxsun]

Do you have calibration fluid for the refractometer?

 

[Perthegallon]

Do you have calibration fluid for the refractometer?

No I just use RO is that a problem it’s through a 7 stage

 

[Perthegallon]

Do you have calibration fluid for the refractometer?

I could use my Hanna 35 ppt stuff if that works

 

[Kasrift]

Clean it with RO water and wipe it down with a micro fiber cloth between use. As for calibration, are you using calibration fluid that is set to 35?

 

[Perthegallon]

Clean it with RO water and wipe it down with a micro fiber cloth between use. As for calibration, are you using calibration fluid that is set to 35?

I am cleaning in between uses as that was my first thought there must be some left over. I use Ro to set it at 0 should I use my Hanna packets to set it at 25?

 

[Kasrift]

No I just use RO is that a problem it’s through a 7 stage

Yes, that is a problem. That is the wrong way to calibrate a refractometer.

 

[Perthegallon]

35*

 

[blaxsun]

I could use my Hanna 35 ppt stuff if that works

It should, yes. @Kasrift beat me to it, but basically what they said.

 

[Kasrift]

I am cleaning in between uses as that was my first thought there must be some left over. I use Ro to set it at 0 should I use my Hanna packets to set it at 25?

Yup, that is what should be done.

 

[Perthegallon]

Yup, that is what should be done.

Okay but now my numbers are 5 over they should be. Should I let the Hanna solution get to basement temp?

 

[EricR]

Be aware that the Hanna packets are meant to calibrate conductivity meters, not refractometers.

Not sure how bad it would be to use those but I know Randy's formulas using table salt are different for conductivity vs refractivity (if that's the word).

 

[Perthegallon]

Be aware that the Hanna packets are meant to calibrate conductivity meters, not refractometers.

Not sure how bad it would be to use those but I know Randy's formulas using table salt are different for conductivity vs refractivity (if that's the word).

Yeah I’m thinking the RO water wasn’t a issue because it seems to be pretty accurate

 

[Tamberav]

So I just bought this to double check with my Hanna that the salinity is correct. Today I’ve checked the water about 3-4 times as I made new water all about 30-60 mins apart each time I put it down for more then a few mins it needs to be recalibrated and shows that the RO water has salt in it. I’m so confused on what’s going on it’s not being moved till I pick it back up again could the cold in my basement be changing it every few mins?

You can not use the hannah packet for this

 

[Perthegallon]

You can not use the hannah packet for this

So should I just use the RO for now as that seems pretty close?

 

[Tamberav]

So should I just use the RO for now as that seems pretty close?

Sure.


Also the reason it drifts when you put it down is because it is a cheap refractometer. Good ones don't do this such as VeeGee (lab grade).

 

[Kasrift]

Yeah I’m thinking the RO water wasn’t a issue because it seems to be pretty accurate

Here is a BRS page and video on calibration and if you watch the video at three minutes in they will go over why not to use RO water https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/content/post/how-to-use-and-read-a-refractometer-brstv-how-to

 

[Tamberav]

Yes, it will be slightly off with RODI/distilled but I think he has a hanna.

The problem is cheap refractometers are also made for brine and not seawater. Seawater ones cost more I guess.

You can just buy solution on amazon... careful.. sometimes the pre made solutions are off... HA!!! But hey you have a hanna to double check it.

If you want one that won't drift when you look at it funny and is lab grade... look up Vee Gee STX-3 Refractometer.

 

[Perthegallon]

Yes, it will be slightly off with RODI/distilled but I think he has a hanna.

The problem is cheap refractometers are also made for brine and not seawater. Seawater ones cost more I guess.

You can just buy solution on amazon... careful.. sometimes the pre made solutions are off... HA!!! But hey you have a hanna to double check it.

If you want one that won't drift when you look at it funny and is lab grade... look up Vee Gee STX-3 Refractometer.

I bought one of those going to have it come in soon. Thought the one I have currently isn’t the lowest quality ones it’s a mid tier one but I’ll check with vee how it stacks ip

 

[Perthegallon]

Up*