Salinity

[EricR]

Is the PinPoint salinity calibration fluid useable to calibrate conductivity-based salinity testers? (Newbie but online I only saw it noted for refractometers so just curious)

*aside -- I've had good results with my Hanna digital since I started calibrating with their 35 ppt fluid warmed to tank temperature. (I was getting LOW readings when I calibrated to the fluid COLD ... but could've been bad calibration fluid packs too, I guess)

 

[rmorris_14]

I’m just here for the comments. I’m also frustrated with my salinity checkers and want to hear what others suggest.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Is the PinPoint salinity calibration fluid useable to calibrate conductivity-based salinity testers? (Newbie but online I only saw it noted for refractometers so just curious)

Yes, that is what it is made for.

It coincidentally can be used for refractometers too.

 

[BlueDaddy]

I'm newer in the hobby. I was wondering if the Hanna Salinity checkers read different from refractometers due to the fact that they use the electrical conductivity of the water to calculate a result as opposed to the optical method the refractometers use.

I've also seen some negative reviews on shopping sites saying they have received what appears to be used Hanna Salinity checkers sold as new. Has anyone had any experience with this? I'm pretty distrustful of ratings and reviews in this day and age.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I'm newer in the hobby. I was wondering if the Hanna Salinity checkers read different from refractometers due to the fact that they use the electrical conductivity of the water to calculate a result as opposed to the optical method the refractometers use.

I've also seen some negative reviews on shopping sites saying they have received what appears to be used Hanna Salinity checkers sold as new. Has anyone had any experience with this? I'm pretty distrustful of ratings and reviews in this day and age.

Electrical conductivity is my preferred method. There are many brands and Hanna gets mixed reviews for theirs.

But done properly, all methods can give adequate results. It's the implementation that sometimes is imperfect.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I describe the methods and standards, etc here:

Refractometers And Salinity Measurement
http://www.reefedition.com/refractometers-salinity-measurement/

Refractometers and Salinity Measurement by Randy Holmes-Farley - Reefkeeping.com

Temperature Corrections for Hydrometers by Randy Holmes-Farley - Reefkeeping.com

Reef Aquarium Salinity: Homemade Calibration Standards by Randy Holmes-Farley - Reefkeeping.com

Chemistry and the Aquarium: Specific Gravity: Oh How Complicated! ? Advanced Aquarist | Aquarist Magazine and Blog

Using Conductivity to Measure Salinity
AquariumFish.com :: Aquarium Fish International :: The monthly magazine for both novice and expert aquarium hobbyists.

 

[Dennis Cartier]

My advice is to buy a floating hydrometer. They are factory calibrated and non adjustable, so they never go out of calibration. My preference is for the Tropic Marin High Precision Hydrometer. Very accurate, as long as you read it correctly and at the correct temperature (25C/77F). They are a bit of work to use, but can be handy for resolving any contradictory readings from the easier to use methods.

I mostly use on Thermo Scientifc EC meters, but always have my hydrometer handy if I need to validate an unexpected reading.