do you need to buy this when you have a refractometer?

[jenreef]

i usually calibrate my refractometer with tap water and get it to 0ppt. but i read you can purchase a liquid to calibrate your refractometer. now i am wondering do i need this liquid? if i don't calibrate with this liquid will my refractometer be off? can i just calibrate the refractometer with tap water?

http://www.marinedepot.com/American...ent-Pinpoint_Monitors-AM1437-FITECL-4-vi.html

 

[jimrawr]

Thats for a probe. You dont need anything other than water to calibrate your refracto

 

[Technorch]

Sometimes tap water can be off, at least that's what happened with my tap water. I did a test with tap water and it was off, then with RO/DI and it was also a bit off, then I tried with a calibration solution and it was dead on with what the sg on the water was. I wouldn't calibrate with anything else than the solution, but that just my personal experience.

This is the one I use:

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store...ter/pinpointr-salinity-calibration-fluid.html

 

[willray]

Can also use distilled water.Boil water in a covered pan then collect the water from the cover(doesn't take much)...only takes several minutes

 

[Cheetos]

Because of offset miscalibration with the refractometers that we use, you should really use salinity calibration fluid. You can read all about it here: http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-12/rhf/index.php#11

 

[MikeG]

Salinity calibration fluid is best because it is closer to the actual range we use. Otherwise use distilled water not tap.

 

[mobie]

Mine came with a warning "do not calibrate with RO/DI" the one from BRS comes with the fluid

 

[jenreef]

i guess i should invest in a calibration solution. something else i need to add to my list of things i need to buy for the tank. does everybody have the 35ppt 1.026 one? i keep my salinity 1.025 is that solution still ok for me to use?

 

[Cheetos]

That would be the one to use. Pinpoint makes it.

 

[The Ng Thing]

Just make sure you use the specific calbration fluid intended for the specific refractometer. IIRC temperature also plays a role in the measurement. Some refractometers tolerate bigger temp ranges then others.