Calibrating Salinity

[cmantis]

I am confused. I just tried to calibrate my pinpoint salinity monitor using the calibration fluid and dialed it into 53. However it is reading different then my refractometer which reads .0131 with the solution.

With a test batch of water monitor reads 43.9 and refratometer is .0125.

The calibration solution says 53 @ 77f but the room is about 67. So what should I do. Is refractometer really that off (I have been trusting it up until now)? Do I really need to warm the calibration solution?

If it is off that means my salinity in my tanks is low and what is the best way to go about raising it?

reference: http://www.americanmarineusa.com/pdfs/SalinityMonitor.pdfhttp://www.americanmarineusa.com/pdfs/SalinityMonitor.pdf

 

[Widdy]

I usually float the bottle of 53mS in the sump for an hour or so. This way the solution is the same temp as the tank when calibrating.

 

[guarda]

I swear I read celebrating celibacy

 

[cmantis]

Does the solution ever go bad? I know its pretty old or can I trust it once I float it in my sump to bring the temp up?

 

[cmantis]

Also can I resuse the solution? I put it into a shot glass and when done covered it.

 

[tomtoothdoc]

not sure if the calibration fluid "goes bad" but it does evaporate.....i would just buy a new calibrating fluid just to be on the safe side. you'll also need to re-calibrate every now and then.