Refractometers and Salinity Measurement

Boomer · 12-06-2006, 02:46 PM

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

Note;

We have had countless reefers test their refracts using a std. Many but not all are right on using the std and need no re-calibration.

Someone make this a sticky

blue_eyes53813 · 12-06-2006, 02:56 PM

lol some looooooonnnnnnnngggg good reading boomer

Woodstock · 12-06-2006, 04:02 PM

*stickied*

Excellent! I can't wait to read this after work....................

Boomer · 12-07-2006, 02:38 PM

error in article

A new standard for hyposalinity can also be made by mixing two parts 35 ppt seawater and one part freshwater

Nope, should be one part 35 ppt and 2 parts FW

(1.026 +1.0 + 1.0) / 3 = 1.009 or 12 ppt (hypo)

(1.026 + 1.026 + 1.0 0 / 3 = 1.017 or 23 ppt

Woodstock · 12-07-2006, 03:06 PM

Thanks Boomer

Boomer · 12-07-2006, 05:56 PM

Randy will have the error fixed shrotly

lgerold · 12-11-2006, 12:03 AM

Excellent reading!

DrHank · 09-16-2007, 10:19 AM

Sorry that I wasn't able to respond sooner Melanie. Steve's post sums it up. There are many calibration solutions on the market. The point though is to calibrate any refractometer as nearly as possible to 35ppm at the optimal temperature. Slight inaccuracy would rarely cause any problem because there are natural fluctuations that occur. The time that accuracy really becomes a major factor is with hyposalinity treatment.

Also, I don't use any calibration solution. My 30 year old bulb hydrometer still works great so I haven't found the need to purchase a refractometer. I have used refractometers many times but my old hydrometer is even easier to read and consistently nearly as accurate.

tbittner · 11-03-2007, 11:15 PM

I've shelved my refractometer in favor for my new Pinpoint Salinity monitor. Hands down, without a doubt, it's much more acurate and just easier to use.

Don't get me wrong, the refractometer is VERY easy to use, but it just doesn't get any simpler then "Put the probe in the water, swirl it a little bit, let it sit for a couple minutes, compare the number to the chart to get the SG". And it measures SG down to x.xxxx and it's incredibly acurate.

And with my not so good eyes anymore, the LCD is very easy to read. I don't even need to go get my glasses.

12-06-2006, 02:46 PM	#1 (permalink)
Boomer Reef Sanctuary's Mr. Wizard Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Duluth, Minnesota Posts: 2,608 View Gallery Karma Komment	Refractometers and Salinity Measurement http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-12/rhf/index.php Note; We have had countless reefers test their refracts using a std. Many but not all are right on using the std and need no re-calibration. Someone make this a sticky __________________ Boomer Want to Talk Chemistry ! The Reef Chemistry Forum Want to See More ! The Coral Realm If you See Me Running You Better Catch-Up An explosion can be defined as a loud noise, accompanied by the sudden going away of things, from a place where they use to be.

12-06-2006, 02:56 PM	#2 (permalink)
blue_eyes53813 Hey!Its not my fault Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Lancaster, Wisconsin Posts: 8,024 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Refractometers and Salinity Measurement lol some looooooonnnnnnnngggg good reading boomer __________________ 265 Gallon Reef built into basement wall. Lighting = 6x250 watts MH, 2x96 watt PC ,and 2x140 watt VHO for a total watt of 1,972 watts . New addition on 4-14-07 of 100 gallon sump and 100 gallon refugium. I think I have lost my mind. Gotta love this hobby Vicki Life is like a pathway of untrodden snow. Be careful how you step in it for every mark will show Definition of FRIENDSHIP: All lives touch other lives to create something new and alive My tank chronicles. http://www.reefsanctuary.com/forums/...wall-reef.html

12-06-2006, 04:02 PM	#3 (permalink)
Woodstock The Wand Geek was here. ;) Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 25,502 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Refractometers and Salinity Measurement stickied Excellent! I can't wait to read this after work.................... __________________ ~Doni Marie~ *GOT ICH???* *My Victorious Battle with ICH* 120 Reef Chronicle ~ *Breeding Picasso Clownfish~* *Massive 300 gal growout~* *My Anemone & Picasso Tank ~* *Picasso & Snowcasso for sale~* "Energy and persistance conquer all things." Benjamin Franklin __________________________________________________ ______________________________________________

12-07-2006, 02:38 PM	#4 (permalink)
Boomer Reef Sanctuary's Mr. Wizard Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Duluth, Minnesota Posts: 2,608 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Refractometers and Salinity Measurement error in article A new standard for hyposalinity can also be made by mixing two parts 35 ppt seawater and one part freshwater Nope, should be one part 35 ppt and 2 parts FW (1.026 +1.0 + 1.0) / 3 = 1.009 or 12 ppt (hypo) (1.026 + 1.026 + 1.0 0 / 3 = 1.017 or 23 ppt __________________ Boomer Want to Talk Chemistry ! The Reef Chemistry Forum Want to See More ! The Coral Realm If you See Me Running You Better Catch-Up An explosion can be defined as a loud noise, accompanied by the sudden going away of things, from a place where they use to be.

12-07-2006, 03:06 PM	#5 (permalink)
Woodstock The Wand Geek was here. ;) Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 25,502 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Refractometers and Salinity Measurement Thanks Boomer __________________ ~Doni Marie~ *GOT ICH???* *My Victorious Battle with ICH* 120 Reef Chronicle ~ *Breeding Picasso Clownfish~* *Massive 300 gal growout~* *My Anemone & Picasso Tank ~* *Picasso & Snowcasso for sale~* "Energy and persistance conquer all things." Benjamin Franklin __________________________________________________ ______________________________________________

12-07-2006, 05:56 PM	#6 (permalink)
Boomer Reef Sanctuary's Mr. Wizard Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Duluth, Minnesota Posts: 2,608 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Refractometers and Salinity Measurement Randy will have the error fixed shrotly __________________ Boomer Want to Talk Chemistry ! The Reef Chemistry Forum Want to See More ! The Coral Realm If you See Me Running You Better Catch-Up An explosion can be defined as a loud noise, accompanied by the sudden going away of things, from a place where they use to be.

12-11-2006, 12:03 AM	#7 (permalink)
lgerold Scopas Tang Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Brainerd, Mn Posts: 473 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Refractometers and Salinity Measurement Excellent reading! __________________ Lucy Upgrade from 125 long to 210 on 1/7/07. 66 gallon sump/refugium. 10 hrs of light: 500 watt pc actinic 10 hrs 400 watt pc daylight 6 hrs 500 watt MH 4 hrs 180 lbs branch liverock. 100 lbs + assorted liverock. 3"+ DSB. Fish - Foxface, Yellow Tang, Mimic Tang, 2 Tomato Clowns, pair True Percula Clowns (and their 6 inch pastel green carpet), Mandarin, Scooter Blenny, Bartlett's Anthias, Royal Gramma, Pseudochromis Splendens. Blue/Gold Crocea Clam, Teardrop Squamosa Clam Coral favorites include: 2 Acanastreas, Pink Cynaria, Green Cynaria, Birdsnest, Trumpets, Red and Pink and Green Goniporas (3), Frogspawn (peach favorite), Fox Coral, Diploastrea, Blasto, 3 Fungia (orange, purple, and green) and many others.

09-16-2007, 10:19 AM	#8 (permalink)
DrHank Golden Moray Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Crestview, FL Posts: 2,758 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Refractometers and Salinity Measurement Sorry that I wasn't able to respond sooner Melanie. Steve's post sums it up. There are many calibration solutions on the market. The point though is to calibrate any refractometer as nearly as possible to 35ppm at the optimal temperature. Slight inaccuracy would rarely cause any problem because there are natural fluctuations that occur. The time that accuracy really becomes a major factor is with hyposalinity treatment. Also, I don't use any calibration solution. My 30 year old bulb hydrometer still works great so I haven't found the need to purchase a refractometer. I have used refractometers many times but my old hydrometer is even easier to read and consistently nearly as accurate. __________________ Doc Dr Hank's 210 Build: http://www.reefsanctuary.com/forums/...nks-tanks.html

11-03-2007, 11:15 PM	#9 (permalink)
tbittner Watch this Ma! Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Northern VA Posts: 5,563 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Refractometers and Salinity Measurement I've shelved my refractometer in favor for my new Pinpoint Salinity monitor. Hands down, without a doubt, it's much more acurate and just easier to use. Don't get me wrong, the refractometer is VERY easy to use, but it just doesn't get any simpler then "Put the probe in the water, swirl it a little bit, let it sit for a couple minutes, compare the number to the chart to get the SG". And it measures SG down to x.xxxx and it's incredibly acurate. And with my not so good eyes anymore, the LCD is very easy to read. I don't even need to go get my glasses. __________________ Terry 150g predator tank full of killers. Soon to be upgraded to a 360g. 450g reef 300g sump.

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