Refractometer not protraying clear image

[Fishko]

Mixed up some salt today and went to double check my reading and the refractometer reading was very difficult to read. Could it be from when i cleaned it begore I put it under the sink for a sec one side. But i have done that before and it has not impacted the reading. I recalibrated and noticed it would not give a reading at certain angles. Just wondering what this could be from.

 

[GaryE]

You probably just need to focus it

 

[35ppt]

What Gary said, twist the eyepiece to focus.

 

[Rmckoy]

I always hold mine under bright lights to see .

 

[Fishko]

You probably just need to focus it

Like with the li

What Gary said, twist the eyepiece to focus.

i did not know you could do that. The contrast between the blue and white was not showing up seems a little better. Thanks!

 

[Rmckoy]

As weird as it sounds .
Mine keeps losing calibration ....

I can check system and it will be 1.026

check a few hours later and it be around 1.020 and always have to check it with calibration fluid ...
I sometimes use RODI water and calibrate to 0 instead of 35ppt

 

[35ppt]

As weird as it sounds .
Mine keeps losing calibration ....

I can check system and it will be 1.026

check a few hours later and it be around 1.020 and always have to check it with calibration fluid ...
I sometimes use RODI water and calibrate to 0 instead of 35ppt

That's normal for the cheapo ones. One day I'll buy a VeeGee, I hear they keep their calibration. Always best to calibrate with 35ppt calibration fluid.

 

[Rmckoy]

That's normal for the cheapo ones. One day I'll buy a VeeGee, I hear they keep their calibration. Always best to calibrate with 35ppt calibration fluid.

There are better for sure .
I’ve had mine for years .
bought it online from fish street ( China )

 

[Greg P]

Sometimes the hinges on a refractometer can get 'sticky' with old water.
I had an issue with mine not reading correctly as the cover wouldn't lay flat on the lens.

Rinse the hinges under tap water and ensure they are able to move freely.
Then dry them well. Before the next use, ensure the hinges move without effort - hold upside down and move around to see them move well.
This will ensure the 'cover' is able to lay flat on the lens and give you a correct reading.

 

[35ppt]

Sometimes the hinges on a refractometer can get 'sticky' with old water.
I had an issue with mine not reading correctly as the cover wouldn't lay flat on the lens.

Rinse the hinges under tap water and ensure they are able to move freely.
Then dry them well. Before the next use, ensure the hinges move without effort - hold upside down and move around to see them move well.
This will ensure the 'cover' is able to lay flat on the lens and give you a correct reading.

Good point, I also oil them!

 

[redfishbluefish]

Sometimes the hinges on a refractometer can get 'sticky' with old water.
I had an issue with mine not reading correctly as the cover wouldn't lay flat on the lens.

Rinse the hinges under tap water and ensure they are able to move freely.
Then dry them well. Before the next use, ensure the hinges move without effort - hold upside down and move around to see them move well.
This will ensure the 'cover' is able to lay flat on the lens and give you a correct reading.

Better than rinsing, as @35ppt stated, lube the hinges.

Lubricate Your Refractometer

 

[Greg P]

I've never lubricated mine yet. I'll look into that

On second thought, I'll not, after reading the post.

I'd rather keep my lens clean and not risk contaminating it with something

Keeping it clean and free to move is all I've done for over 8 years

 

[Rmckoy]

Good point, I also oil them!

Oil ?
what kind ?

 

[35ppt]

Oil ?
what kind ?

I've used 3in1. Motor oil or olive oil would work, anything really.