question on refractometer

[SiNiStEr NaTiOn]

I had purchased a Sybon FG100sa refractometer at my lfs. It just came with a case, refractometer, synthetic suede cloth, small screw driver for adjustment, and a pipette. I didn't get any calibration fluid.

So my question is how can I tell when I need to calibrate and what should i use to calibrate the refractometer to since it didn't came with no instruction and calibration fluid?

 

[Val]

I had to buy my calibration fluid separately. Some people use ro water, but I prefer using the calibration fluid.

 

[nanoreefing4fun]

American Marine Pinpoint Salinity Calibration Fluid

this is what I use - 1.026 fluid I check calibration every 3 months or so...

 

[JulesVane]

Mine came with instructions to calibrate at zero using distilled water.

 

[imsobored152]

distilled water
calibrate every couple of uses
Drop of distilled water, line up the blueish line at 0

 

[chipmunkofdoom2]

+1 on distilled water. The instructions actually said used distilled water. If it's off a little, it'll at least be consistent.

 

[steved13]

I use distilled but my digital cals to 0, so I couldn't use any other cal fluid, (except to verify I guess).

 

[anewguy]

i picked mine up from bulk reef supply. it came with its own calibration fluid that calibrates to 1.026 or 35ppt at 77 degrees f or 25c . i know you can pick it up by itself for 7 bucks. i've read that some makers are suggesting to use ro/distilled, some this stuff. if possible its best to check with whoever made yours to find out which they suggest and go with that.

 

[Frogmanx82]

You can use ro, but your better off calibrating on a solution closer to what you will be measuring at.