Best way to check salinity

[TRUKINGNY]

OK so i have a hanna refractometer and i dont feel to sure about it sometimes the readings just seem weird to me.. what are you guys using was thinking of getting just a regular refractometer to double check the hanna one..

 

[Spsnut]

IM not sure of the proper procedures for the Hanna; do you calibrate it before use? Hanna makes some very good equipment for our purposes. Using a 35ppt calibration fluid each a refractometer is used is essential.

 

[Reefcowboy]

Buy a regular refractometer..worth the money. Dont play with salinity.

 

[greenstreet.1]

Just me but after my phosphate checker problems don't trust Hanna any more. Get a better one.

 

[prattreef]

Refractometers are the easiest and best way to check salinity, but they do need to be calibrated frequently.

 

[kenconnect]

the refractometer i used was the d&d there was a thread about it. so i got that 1

 

[jdnumis]

Refractometer

 

[kenconnect]

heres the link

http://reefbuilders.com/2010/07/12/dd-seawater-refractometer-scaled-calibrated-seawater-saltwater/

 

[tunicata]

Hmm I use a regular refractometer and when I think the number is iffy, I check it against tap water. If it is a bit higher than zero, then I wash it off really well then test again.

It's usually that i've forgotten to clean it properly after putting salt water on it that my numbers are off.

i think the directions said to calibrate with freshwater on my refractometer.

 

[albano]

i think the directions said to calibrate with freshwater on my refractometer.

Maybe you should recheck those directions!

 

[tunicata]

lol, it did actually say that.

A while back, I had one that actually required a specific solution.

 

[duke62]

Yeah never heard of using tap. Maybe distilled water

 

[vio]

the refractometer i used was the d&d there was a thread about it. so i got that 1

+10 on D&D refrctometer.

 

[lnevo]

Yea if your going to calibrate with fresh then use some ro/di

That will work but the scale will be based on a 0 value and be further from where you are measuring

If you calibrate with 35ppt solution then your measurement will be much closer to the real value.

 

[nyj]

i use a 10$ plastic meter pointer...

 

[Spsnut]

Maybe you should recheck those directions!

Second that! Buy some 35ppt solution and check before EVERY use.

 

[Tonyscoots84]

You need to calibrate your refractometer with a salinity calibration fluid. I would not even use rodi. Never had a problem with my salinity doing it this way.

http://premiumaquatics.com/store/me...ode=PA&Product_Code=REFRACT-SF&Category_Code=

 

[Spsnut]

i use a 10$ plastic meter pointer...

There is nothing wrong with using swing arm hydrometers as long as you calibrate it, as well as know it's inherent problems. I believe they remain rather consistent between calibration checks. They need to be kept clean; bubbles will also gather on the swing arm causing it to float higher. Don't trust them without first comparing it to a properly calibrated refractometer!

 

[nyj]

There is nothing wrong with using swing arm hydrometers as long as you calibrate it, as well as know it's inherent problems. I believe they remain rather consistent between calibration checks. They need to be kept clean; bubbles will also gather on the swing arm causing it to float higher. Don't trust them without first comparing it to a properly calibrated refractometer!

How do you even calibrate these things? Just keep bubbles out?

 

[Tonyscoots84]

Why use a swing arm hydrometer when you have a refractometer. A refractometer is more accurate then a hydrometer.