Refractometers and Salinity Measurement

[DonW]

ive got one of those salinity meters from pinpoint, and i noticed that the meter fluctuates often. do u guys own one of these? i calibrated with the solution and backed it up with a refractometer. when i sit the pinpoint in calibration its steady 53mS. when i stick inside the tank it would start fluctuating. could it be flow, or temp causing it? it sits midway towards left side of aquarium...just curious
also, ive been running my skimmer wet and noticed that my salinity would dip a little from the automated kalk reactor topoff. how do u you guys combat salinity fluxuations in your display tank?

I gave up on mine it was more hastle than it was worth. Refract is easy enough. Unless you have a bunch of salt creep salinity fluxuations should not be a issue. The salt stays for the most part and your just topping of fresh water. I cant even remeber the last time I had to make a salinity adjustment.

Don

 

[apollothesun]

don, u know how sometimes salt gets on equipment and pvc in your sump, should you then spray it with ro/di water and try to get it back into your system, or should you wipe clean and makeup for the loss in your next water change?

 

[DonW]

don, u know how sometimes salt gets on equipment and pvc in your sump, should you then spray it with ro/di water and try to get it back into your system, or should you wipe clean and makeup for the loss in your next water change?

I dont know about right or wrong but I just rinse it back into the sump. I also use car wax on and hoses that leave my sump. Almost eliminates salt creep as does never fog stuff for your car.

Don

 

[Snowboarda42]

I dont know about right or wrong but I just rinse it back into the sump. I also use car wax on and hoses that leave my sump. Almost eliminates salt creep as does never fog stuff for your car.

Don

Wow I never thought of doing that, I might have to try it...

 

[Boomer]

Me too Don, just put it back in the sump. Never heard of that wax idea, I like it.

 

[rrcg50]

whats the name of the refrctors you are using

 

[Boomer]

I prefer the Vital Sine or the Vee-Gee, which are the same but are ~$100

 

[NaH2O]

I use one called the Premium blue, but the label on it is RHS-10ATC.

 

[Boomer]

I just want everyone to know that the PinPoint 53 mS is nothing more than seawater, as in home made IO @ 35 ppt more or less. So, if you buy one bottle of the PinPoint 53mS just make up a L of salt mix to read 53 mS on the recalibrated refract and you now have more of same solution as in the bottle. So, I do I know this. I had this bright idea, as how can it work on a refract to begin with, as real std 53mS solutions can't work, as they are made form KCl. So, I had a friend who had bottles of this this stuff and told him to test his Tropic Marin Hydrometer. Well, it read the same 1.0264, the same as his refract. The only solution that can work on all 3, i.e., a refract, conductivity or a hydrometer is seawater.

 

[Boomer]

Nikki

The RHS-10ATC. is a very common number on refracts and is the modle number used by Huake Instrument Co.,Ltd China. All refracts "we" buy with this number are this refract no matter what name is on them or what color they are.

http://www.instrument-china.com/refractometers/rhs10atc.htm

 

[DonW]

I just want everyone to know that the PinPoint 53 mS is nothing more than seawater, as in home made IO @ 35 ppt more or less. So, if you buy one bottle of the PinPoint 53mS just make up a L of salt mix to read 53 mS on the recalibrated refract and you now have more of same solution as in the bottle. So, I do I know this. I had this bright idea, as how can it work on a refract to begin with, as real std 53mS solutions can't work, as they are made form KCl. So, I had a friend who had bottles of this this stuff and told him to test his Tropic Marin Hydrometer. Well, it read the same 1.0264, the same as his refract. The only solution that can work on all 3, i.e., a refract, conductivity or a hydrometer is seawater.

:lol: I lost mine so had spectra make me some with IO, he said the same thing but I just sort of blew it off denile i guess. FWIW riteaid and wallgreens both can mix up your IO to 35ppt. It took a few tries at different ones but I found two out of 6 that were willing to do it.

Don

 

[Boomer]

Don you can make a 53mS out of lots of stuff, to include peeing in a glass to the right concentration :lol:

 

[DonW]

Don you can make a 53mS out of lots of stuff, to include peeing in a glass to the right concentration :lol:

What is the formula for that one? Something like 6 beers and two bags of potato chips.


Don

 

[Boomer]

Yes, more or less but the chips to beer ratio is critical

 

[Scooterman]

So what are you saying here, 53mS isn't good to calibrate our refracts. ? What is the best way then if we don't live near the sea?

EDIT:

Ahhh use Pinpoint, read your other thread, I thought you made this clear long ago the Pinpoint was the proper one to use.

 

[DonW]

So what are you saying here, 53mS isn't good to calibrate our refracts. ? What is the best way then if we don't live near the sea?

It just means you can use it as a standard to mix up your own. So If your low or your buddy needs some, mix up a fresh qt and store it for later use.

Don

 

[Scooterman]

That leads me to another question, how often do you need to calibrate your refract? Seems like once you set it, your good for a long time, unless you drop it or knock it around?

Beer & chips I got covered BTW
Pretzels maybe?

 

[DonW]

That leads me to another question, how often do you need to calibrate your refract? Seems like once you set it, your good for a long time, unless you drop it or knock it around?

Beer & chips I got covered BTW
Pretzels maybe?

I do both of mine monthly. They have never been off so its more for peace of mind since I dont take care of them and just leave them laying around. I dont check my tank very often usually every couple of months.

Don

 

[Jobiwan]

I've used a vital Sine for a couple of years with great results, never had any change that would require recalibration. I've heard some concern about temp variation and the slight affect that has on accurate readings, if your refractometer is stored at room temp, wouldn't the thermal mass of the prism give consistent results by immediately bringing the tested sample to 70 degrees (or whatever you keep your house at...)? Just thinking this might be another benefit of refractometers...

 

[Scooterman]

I have a TM glass floater, rather long & I used one of Boomer Charts & made a permanent mark on the spot for 35ppt. You have to turn off all the water & get down eye level to read it but It seems to be very reliable, I use it to back up my refract. but really the two & the floater I user to get the make up water close is probably a little overboard but I guess I have to spend all of my money on something as it may seem!