Refractometer help

[akma]

I just purchased a refractometer from reefexotics.
Calibrated it with distilled water but it was already on 0, so looked like it was good to go.
I try to keep my tank at 1.25 and that's what my refractometer read. When I checked with my refractometer it said 1.30.
Not sure if I calibrated it right. Should I purchase a 3rd hydrometer just to check?

 

[Killerdrgn]

Yeah i have the same problem, i think it's cause the refractometer is cold or something. If i let it warm up in my hand a little before putting in the water the reading goes down.

 

[KathyC]

I try to keep my tank at 1.25 and that's what my refractometer read. When I checked with my refractometer it said 1.30.

Assuming the bolded refractometer should say hydrometer?

If you calibrated the refractometer..then why would you believe the hydrometer??
If you're concerned it isn't calibrated correctly..turn the screw a little and then recalibrate it back to zero. Don't waste your money on another hydrometer to check your refractometer..is there a full moon or something?? lol

i think it's cause the refractometer is cold or something

Might want to keep your refractometer in the same room as your tank..you shouldn't need to warm it up.

 

[meschaefer]

I just purchased a refractometer from reefexotics.
Calibrated it with distilled water but it was already on 0, so looked like it was good to go.
I try to keep my tank at 1.25 and that's what my refractometer read. When I checked with my refractometer it said 1.30.
Not sure if I calibrated it right. Should I purchase a 3rd hydrometer just to check?

That's why a lot of people recommended refractometers of hydrometers.

If you where really paranoid, you would double check it against another refractometer or a conductivity meter and not another hydrometer. I have three hydrometers, and they all have different readings. My refractometer and conductivity meter read the same (as does the high end hydrometer I have).

 

[DevIouS]

Yeah i have the same problem, i think it's cause the refractometer is cold or something. If i let it warm up in my hand a little before putting in the water the reading goes down.

Most newer models are ATC "automatic temperature compensation"

If he got it from ReefExotics, that is the model they sell.
Water temp will not affect readings.
Usually have to wait about 30 seconds for the correct reading.

 

[Killerdrgn]

ohhh hmmm i usually just look right away i'll try waiting 30 seconds next time.