Refractometer Calibration Fluid Question...

[GoVols]

Posted this on the chemistry forum too.

I bought a bottle of Use Two Little Fishies AccuraSea and re calibrated my refractometer.

"AccuraSea® Seawater Reference Solution is the only calibration solution of its kind made from real seawater. It’s pure natural seawater micron filtered and UV sterilized then adjusted with reverse osmosis water to match the standard S 35."

My Question is:
Since my refractometer has been calibrated. Can I mix my RO/DI water to 1.025 sg for a water change and bottle some and store my water to be my refractometer's future calibration fluid @ 1.025 sg?

 

[Reefing Madness]

@Randy Holmes-Farley

 

[MaiReef]

The solution lasts a very long time and is not very expensive. The water could evaporate, changing the salinity of the solution.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Yes, you can do what you suggest.

 

[GoVols]

@Randy Holmes-Farley

RH-F,

He answered My post on his chemistry forum this weekend. I am now storing my water for future calibration.

See below link.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/refractometer-calibration-fluid-question.285469/

 

[redfishbluefish]

Fully agree. I have jokingly told folks who had a tough time spending 8 - 10 bucks for calibration fluid to steal a small bottle of water from a friend's tank when that friend wasn't looking, where that salinity has been determined by a calibrated refractometer. As long as you keep that solution in a sealed bottle, you will be find. Oh, and I'd keep it out of direct sun for any length of time out of fear of algae growing in the vial.

 

[GoVols]

Fully agree. I have jokingly told folks who had a tough time spending 8 - 10 bucks for calibration fluid to steal a small bottle of water from a friend's tank when that friend wasn't looking, where that salinity has been determined by a calibrated refractometer. As long as you keep that solution in a sealed bottle, you will be find. Oh, and I'd keep it out of direct sun for any length of time out of fear of algae growing in the vial.

That will be the first and last time I calibrate my meter to zero too.
Ran out of 35 calibariton fluid almost 3 months ago. Thought my display was at 1.025. After calibrating my meter to the 35 fluid I rechecked my main display and it was really holding @ 1.021 SG