Reef Sanctuary - View Single Post - Calibrating Refractometer with Pinpoint Fluid

vdituri · 02-27-2008, 12:57 AM

O.k. I read the ENTIRE refractometer page.
I am now God.
Well, not god. Just more educated.
Thank You Boomer Mister Chemistry.

What I've learned:
Refractometers CAN have manufacturing defects or poor quality parts that cause all readings to be off by the same amount. Calibrate with pinpoint solution in the range of seawater to adjust all readings closer to true.

They can also have defects causing them to be off by different amounts at different readings. Calibrate with pinpoint solution to reduce the margin for error.

There are different kinds of refratometers, Seawater, Saltwater and clinical.
Try to get yours in that order. Best are those specifically designed for seawater. If you can't afford that get one for use with saltwater. (no seawater and saltwater are not the same) (think trace elements and ions)

Look for a refractomer with a specific scale. 1.02 to ~1.03 would give you a very specific scale so you can get a more specific reading.
(mine is from 1.000 to 1.070, not easy to pinpoint the actual reading. Just a ballpark idea)

How'd I do Boomer? Am I moving in the right direction?

02-27-2008, 12:57 AM	#20 (permalink)
vdituri Excellent Guesser :D Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Sacramento California Posts: 5,845 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Calibrating Refractometer with Pinpoint Fluid O.k. I read the ENTIRE refractometer page. I am now God. Well, not god. Just more educated. Thank You Boomer Mister Chemistry. What I've learned: Refractometers CAN have manufacturing defects or poor quality parts that cause all readings to be off by the same amount. Calibrate with pinpoint solution in the range of seawater to adjust all readings closer to true. They can also have defects causing them to be off by different amounts at different readings. Calibrate with pinpoint solution to reduce the margin for error. There are different kinds of refratometers, Seawater, Saltwater and clinical. Try to get yours in that order. Best are those specifically designed for seawater. If you can't afford that get one for use with saltwater. (no seawater and saltwater are not the same) (think trace elements and ions) Look for a refractomer with a specific scale. 1.02 to ~1.03 would give you a very specific scale so you can get a more specific reading. (mine is from 1.000 to 1.070, not easy to pinpoint the actual reading. Just a ballpark idea) How'd I do Boomer? Am I moving in the right direction? __________________ Victor ----- People come into our lives for a reason, a season or a lifetime. When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person. When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend and they are. They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.