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One of the very basic parameters that we need to maintain is that of salinity which can directly and indirectly effect all other parameters.
http://reef2reef.com/threads/optima...-reef-aquarium-by-randy-holmes-farley.173563/
Being able to accurately test for and read what that salinity is can be challenging. There's many methods to be able to determine what your aquarium or new saltmix salinity is at.
http://reef2reef.com/threads/salinity-determination-by-density.238209/
For many years I've used many different devices including different probes, many different refractometers, digital refractometers, floating hydrometers, and even swing arm hydrometers.
All need and should at least be checked for calibration and if possible calibrated periodically and properly.
Refractometers and Salinity Measurement
http://www.reefedition.com/refractometers-salinity-measurement/
I've used in the past a few different calibration solutions. It's important to know though that sometimes they are not accurate. Either when you first get them if bought pre-made or over time with any kind you have due to potential evaporation.
When purchasing I usually buy two to cross check each other. Usually there's a very slight and acceptable variation. Sometimes though there's large discrepancies. In the past 10 years or so I've maybe have had 3 or 4 bad bottles of calibration fluid sent to me.
Add one more to that count.
In comes the home brew calibration vs store bought
Article worth repeating
Refractometers and Salinity Measurement
http://www.reefedition.com/refractometers-salinity-measurement/
In there is how to make your own solution.
I used canning and pickling salt as its only ingredient is salt (sodium chloride). Some kosher salts will work too. Morton's Kosher salt has an anti-caking agent in theirs. Used RO/DI for the water to mix the salt in.
I also picked up that bottle as it mixes up the 2L volume version easily (I still used my cylinder and scale)and the bottle keeps sealed from evaporation even when pouring a tiny bit out for use. It has a pop top for drinking
After mixing up here's the DIY calibration solution readings (used my digital refractometer for easy reading for this post. It was just calibrated to 0 with RO/DI.)
New bottle of 35ppt calibration solution.
And its reading
Not good. So, I added some RO/DI to bring it to 35ppt and realized why when I have 2L of perfectly good calibration solution I just made and tossed the small bottle out.
http://reef2reef.com/threads/optima...-reef-aquarium-by-randy-holmes-farley.173563/
Being able to accurately test for and read what that salinity is can be challenging. There's many methods to be able to determine what your aquarium or new saltmix salinity is at.
http://reef2reef.com/threads/salinity-determination-by-density.238209/
For many years I've used many different devices including different probes, many different refractometers, digital refractometers, floating hydrometers, and even swing arm hydrometers.
All need and should at least be checked for calibration and if possible calibrated periodically and properly.
Refractometers and Salinity Measurement
http://www.reefedition.com/refractometers-salinity-measurement/
I've used in the past a few different calibration solutions. It's important to know though that sometimes they are not accurate. Either when you first get them if bought pre-made or over time with any kind you have due to potential evaporation.
When purchasing I usually buy two to cross check each other. Usually there's a very slight and acceptable variation. Sometimes though there's large discrepancies. In the past 10 years or so I've maybe have had 3 or 4 bad bottles of calibration fluid sent to me.
Add one more to that count.
In comes the home brew calibration vs store bought
Article worth repeating
Refractometers and Salinity Measurement
http://www.reefedition.com/refractometers-salinity-measurement/
In there is how to make your own solution.
I used canning and pickling salt as its only ingredient is salt (sodium chloride). Some kosher salts will work too. Morton's Kosher salt has an anti-caking agent in theirs. Used RO/DI for the water to mix the salt in.
I also picked up that bottle as it mixes up the 2L volume version easily (I still used my cylinder and scale)and the bottle keeps sealed from evaporation even when pouring a tiny bit out for use. It has a pop top for drinking
After mixing up here's the DIY calibration solution readings (used my digital refractometer for easy reading for this post. It was just calibrated to 0 with RO/DI.)
New bottle of 35ppt calibration solution.
And its reading
Not good. So, I added some RO/DI to bring it to 35ppt and realized why when I have 2L of perfectly good calibration solution I just made and tossed the small bottle out.
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