Wow!

[Overlook reef]

I just picked up a used refractometer and tested my SG!

Before I tested it my hydrometer said it was 1.025 and some change.

The Refractometer just read 1.022 and some change!

Now I see what everyone has been saying!

 

[shawn708]

Can't beat the accuracy of a refractometer just make sure to always calibrate it, I like to calibrate mine everytime I use it.

 

[acrofragger]

how do you calibrate it ro water ?

 

[JohnK]

A lot of people will use RO or distilled water to calibrate to 0 but this is actually not ideal for our purposes.

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-12/rhf/index.php

 

[SteelerMike]

A lot of people will use RO or distilled water to calibrate to 0 but this is actually not ideal for our purposes.

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-12/rhf/index.php

That was a helpful article. I never realized you needed to wait 30 seconds for the fluid to match the themp of the refractometer before taking your reading. I use the RO water, but want to get the calibration fluid. I keep forgetting when I make an on line order and can't find it at any of my LFS.

 

[JohnK]

There is a recipe for DIY refrence solution at the end of the article.

 

[Overlook reef]

Nice article!

 

[SteelerMike]

There is a recipe for DIY refrence solution at the end of the article.

Ooh I'm going to try that!

 

[dannyp02908]

I always like to calibrate as close to what I'm testing as possible. Also, when I went to a refractometer, I found my salinity at 1.030 when my floating tube said 1.026. Made me realize why I had losses.