Refractometer problem

[Jarrett]

I thought these things were suppose to be accurate. i always have an issue with mine its a pain in the a** its telling me my reef tanks salinity is 1022 which i know isn't possible because i checked it yesterday and it was 1025 and all my corals are opend up as normal. i am trying to do a water change but my new make up water gives me diff readings every time. i recallibrated it with RO water and i am still getting the same readings. its like 6 months old i dont see how it would be going bad on me or something. any advice?

 

[James404]

You need to calibrate it with a 53mS solution. Calibrating with RO will lead to inaccuracy. I calibrate mine before every time I use it, I find that just knocking it around can throw it off.

Heres what I use:

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store...ua-craft-refractometer-calibration-fluid.html

 

[Jarrett]

do you know any LFS that sell them

 

[James404]

Not that I have seen. If you order from BRS and choose USPS Priority you'll have it in 2 days though.

 

[allenjj]

Refractometer

Boomer recommended that I buy a Vee Gee one which is specifically made for salt water. His testing indicates that it is the most accurate one made. I posted on a new post tonight where he provides all the data describing the different ones. Have to say that he is right. But a Vee Gee which I think u can probably only order online.

 

[Jarrett]

yea i was reading it allen its just a 250$ price tag for a refractometer is just way out of my league to be spending on one piece of equipment. i just bought the calibration fluid that james recommended hopefully that will do the trick for me.

 

[allenjj]

Cost

It was pricey, but have to say it was very well worth it as doubt I will ever have to buy another one.