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radiata

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Essex, NJ
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radiata

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Essex, NJ
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Spsnut

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

Calibrate it by comparing it to water checked by a calibrated refractometer; you could also use 35ppt calibration solution. Sometimes air bubbles will stick to the arm; they stick to the sides too, but those bubbles arent a problem. Just be sure to look for any or the reading will be high. I used one for years, anyone who has been around for more than a 7-8 years probably used a hydrometer too. Corallife hydrometers were famous for being 3+ ppt low. I was very reluctant switching to cheap hobby grade refractometers; lab grade devices cost a couple hundred dollars. My refractometer can change its reading quite a bit between water changes; I stopped worrying about turning the screw, and instead just use the measuement the 35ppt solution is reading. I don't believe an arm that measures the buoyancy of salt water can have day to day fluctuations if it's properly cared for. I don't use my swing arms; haven't for a long time, but I still have them for the day when I drop refractometer.
 

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