Milwaukiee Refractometer VS. Triton Results

[CoralNerd]

So I got my Triton test results back and I'm scratching my head on the salinity numbers vs my Milwaukiee 887 refractometer.

If I add up the Na, Ca, Mg, K from the Triton test, I get 12,435 which appears to be lower than 12,900 which would be 1.026.

I cleaned my 887 refractometer with windex and cotton. I then flushed it with distilled water three times and zero out meter. Retested my saltwater and I'm still getting 1.026. Another reefer told me over a year ago my salinity was low also.

Is my salinity low? I need a little help from Randy.

 

[reeferfoxx]

So I got my Triton test results back and I'm scratching my head on the salinity numbers vs my Milwaukiee 887 refractometer.

If I add up the Na, Ca, Mg, K from my test I get 12,435 which appears to be lower than 12,900 which would be 1.026.

I cleaned my 887 refractometer with windex and cotton. I then flushed it with distilled water three times and zero out tester. Retested my saltwater and I'm still getting 1.026. Another reefer told me over a year ago my salinity was low also.

Is my salinity low? I need a little help from Randy.

I'm not thrilled with my Milwaukee either. That said, if you aren't checking salinity with calibration fluid(ie 35ppt or 1.025 solution) you won't ever know how far off your meter is. For me a reading of 1.028 is = to 1.026. ;Cyclops

 

[jason2459]

I assume you're using the salinity calculation spreadsheet by JimWelsh. IME, the numbers calculate a bit low but not by much and my Milwaukee reports a bit high but not by much.

 

[CoralNerd]

I assume you're using the salinity calculation spreadsheet by JimWelsh. IME, the numbers calculate a bit low but not by much and my Milwaukee reports a bit high but not by much.

I was using my calculations based on Randy's Reff Edition My Triton Results
I'm not sure where Jim's spreadsheet is.

Jason what's a good additional refractometer to have on hand? I read you like to have a refractometer that will show the range vs not round up as does the Milwaukee. You like the Vee Gee brand is that your go to? Which one?

 

[reeferfoxx]

What did your milwuakee measure at with 35ppt or 1.025 calibration solution?

 

[CoralNerd]

My calibration cross check fluid is old so I ordered a new batch.

I wonder when the Milwaukee 887 shows 1.026 but then you change the range to ppt and it say 34 it's a sign the 1.026 is really a hair under?

 

[reeferfoxx]

My calibration cross check fluid is old so I'm ordered a new batch.

I wonder when the Milwaukee 887 shows 1.026 but then you change the range to ppt and it say 34 it's a sign the 1.026 is really a hair under?

Honestly, I go for set salinity solutions like 1.025 vs 34-35ppt. I think the ppt has a slightly wider gap than the SG. It was also explained to me that while your ppt may show 34ppt the meter will round up or down because we don't see the ten thousandths number. Relatively speaking there isn't a huge difference between 1.025 or 1.026. Though we as reefers like to keep that number the same. So, there is a good chance your Salinity was reading 1.0256 for example, but it's rounded up to 1.026 respectively. So seeing 34ppt would mean you are on the higher end of 1.025.

And it was smart to order new calibration solution. I wouldn't jump getting another milwuakee until you've confirmed the solution with the spy glass refractometer. Essentially we opt for digital because it's easier and more consistent. Spy glasses can be reliable but a PITA too. I keep both for that purpose.

 

[jason2459]

I was using my calculations based on Randy's Reff Edition My Triton Results
I'm not sure where Jim's spreadsheet is.

Jason what's a good additional refractometer to have on hand? I read you like to have a refractometer that will show the range vs not round up as does the Milwaukee. You like the Vee Gee brand is that your go to? Which one?

My go to for salinity readings are my conductivity probes that I see most often. My display tank has two Apex probes with one in the display overflow and the other in the sump. Then I also have a pinpoint salinity probe I keep in my saltmix container and use for various things.

Then my son uses my Milwaukee digital for the 20 long mantis tank as it's very easy for him to use and read.

And my favorite refractometer which I trust very much is my veegee aka Vitalsine refractometer. It keeps it's calibration better then any other I've used and fairly bright and easy to read visually for me compared to others.

 

[GoVols]

Does the Milwaukiee manual state to calibrate by zeroing it out or to calibrate it out with 35 solution?

 

[GoVols]

@jason2459

My old refractometer is on it's last leg and I'll take any suggestions.

Thanks, GoVols

 

[jason2459]

Dose the Milwaukiee manual state to calibrate by zeroing it out or to calibrate it out with 35 solution?

You can only calibrate to 0 which I use RODI water but distilled should be fine as well. Then I will use my 35ppt diy solution to validate. I really wish it supported a 2 or more point calibration.

So you like the pinpoint SG meters or is there a pinpoint meter that is better then another pinpoint meter?

Thanks, GoVols

I only know of one pinpoint salinity monitor. Could be more out now, don't know. I've used this one for many years. I don't remember when I first got it. 2010 maybe. I use the acdc adaptor for it instead of a battery.

Just took this picture. It just sits on top of my 55g new saltmix brute.

 

[GoVols]

You can only calibrate to 0 which I use RODI water but distilled should be fine as well. Then I will use my 35ppt diy solution to validate. I really wish it supported a 2 or more point calibration.




I only know of one pinpoint salinity monitor. Could be more out now, don't know. I've used this one for many years. I don't remember when I first got it. 2010 maybe. I use the acdc adaptor for it instead of a battery.

Just took this picture. It just sits on top of my 55g new saltmix brute.

Would still you buy the pinpoint today or do you feel like that another meter / brand is better?

 

[jason2459]

Would still you buy the pinpoint today or do you feel like that another meter / brand is better?

I'm sure there are better but I have no experience with them. I know Randy has a different and most likely better conductivity meter.

I would buy it again sure. I use it for various things.

 

[GoVols]

I would buy it again sure. I use it for various things.

Thank You

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I used both the Pinpoint and my old and much more expensive Orion model# 128 (discontinued). Both are perfectly adequate for reefer purposes, but the Orion read temp at the same time as the conductivity, and seemed to come to equilibrium with a new solution much faster. It is a 4 electrode model and I expect the Pinpoint has 2. 4 electrodes can help eliminate certain kinds of interferences.

 

[Myka]

Fyi, Milwaukee 887 is only accurate to +/- 2 ppt, and that's assuming a proper calibration. Most brand name refractometers are accurate to +/- 1 ppt from my research. It seems those old float-style glass hydrometers are more accurate than anything (something like 0.001 ppt, don't quote me on that) provided you do the temperature compensation calculations properly. I hate salinity.

I have a fairly old (15-20 years old), but good quality refractometer. I calibrated it with Sybon seawater solution to 35 ppt. Checked my tank at 35 ppt. Sent in Triton. Used Jim's spreadsheet and got 32 ppt! :mad:

You can't even find two calibration solutions that read the same. If I calibrate with the Sybon to 35 ppt, then put some Pinpoint calibration fluid on there I get 34 ppt. If I put TLF natural seawater solution on there I get 37 ppt. Grrrr.

http://www.milwaukeeinst.com/site/p...174-products-g-digital-refractometers-g-ma887

 

[jason2459]

The swing arm hydrometer will work just fine as well and can be calibrated with a sharpy.

Have to make sure the swing arm is not hindered or helped by anything is all. And no, they are not ATC but if around normal temps should be just fine enough.

 

[Myka]

How the Pinpoint do in dealing with being bumped around and exposed to freezing temperatures? I'm forever on the hunt for a better salinity measuring device for my aquarium service business. So far, plain old refractometer calibrated daily seems to be the best, yet I question all these varying calibration solutions.

 

[GoVols]

I used both the Pinpoint and my old and much more expensive Orion model# 128 (discontinued). Both are perfectly adequate for reefer purposes, but the Orion read temp at the same time as the conductivity, and seemed to come to equilibrium with a new solution much faster. It is a 4 electrode model and I expect the Pinpoint has 2. 4 electrodes can help eliminate certain kinds of interferences.

Randy, or @jason2459

How long does the Pinpoint stay calibrated?
Does the calibration duration change between... if the probe stays in a sump all the time or if you use it a couple of times a week and air is in contact with the probe most of the time?

Regards, GoVols

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I found it to hold calibration quite well. I rarely adjusted it.

I personally wouldn't leave a conductivity probe in the reef water 24/7. Too much chance for fouling to mess with the measurement.

Conductivity probes are stored in air.