Problem finally concluded

[Jarrett]

So i just have to face the facts the refractometer i spent 80$ on failed on me. i did the test i was recommended to do and mixed a 5 gallon bucket of salt lastnight and checked the salinity this morning it was 1025. went back home at 2:00 and the salinity was 1022. checked my aquarium this morning it was 1024 checked at 2:00 it was 1022. so clearly my refractometer is broken. so now i have a few questions.

1. what would cause a refractometer to break the only thing i have done diff was calibrated it with calibration fluid
2. should i bother buying another refractometer or is there a more accuarate tool i can use.
3. i dont want to spend this much money again i want this to be the last time if a refractometer is my only option what do you guys recommend i buy that can be calibrated with calibration fluid.

 

[kidninja]

people will hate me for saying this but i have been using a hydrometer since i first started this hobby, has never failed me =) keep it simple, keep it basic

 

[Jarrett]

yea i have been there and those are to inconsistent for my liking.

 

[44santababy]

why not return the damaged/faulty equipment and ask/demand for a new one. I'm assuming this refrac. is somewhat new...

 

[Jarrett]

no its not its about 5 months old. still not an excuse for an 80$ refractometer to crap out. 5 months is not a long time.

 

[44santababy]

i agree, 5 months should get you a new refrac...not 5 years...i use an APC refrac., it was like 45-50$...no problems with it...good luck

 

[MatthewScars]

http://www.google.com/products/cata...=X&ei=D0J_T_idOae70QG1w8znBw&ved=0CJABEPMCMAI

1. 'stuff' happens man. Could literally have been anything
2. Nope, Refrac or nothing
3. if sucks, but you NEED to buy one. there is absolutely no way around it. Shop around, you can get one for like $75

 

[Cris007]

I bought the new D&D Refractometer for under $60. It's well built had it for 8 months so far. The intructions say to check calibration with Rodi or distilled water which people say is inaccurate so I purchased the calibrating solution tested it and it was right on the money. If u decide to buy another I would recommend the D&D.

 

[Jarrett]

thats the exact one i have matt, i am going to staw away from that for now. Cris can you link me to a site with some info n the D&D refractometer i tried searching it but google only brings me to forums discussing it not a website to purchase and read info on it.

 

[Cris007]

Here u go. I believe I caught it on sale or used a discount code. Still it's under $60...lol
http://www.thatpetplace.com/dd-seawater-refractometer

 

[Jaftica]

is the temperature always the same when your testing?

 

[Jarrett]

alright you think thats deff my best choice,

 

[Jarrett]

its a tempature controlled refractometer jaftica but it should be always the same i only test it in my bedroom where the tank is.

 

[Cris007]

alright you think thats deff my best choice,

I would stick to Refractometer. The hydrometers r inconsistent some r accurate if your lucky and most r off by +\-3 which is what I have found when comparing my old hydrometer and others to the Refractometer plus you have to always make sure there r no bubbles on the swing arm which is a pain.

 

[Jaftica]

water inside tank will be warmer than water in a bucket unless your using a heater in bucket....make sure temps are the same, i think your refractometer may show good results

 

[Jarrett]

how could it be showing good results if this morning at 8:00 am the readnig inside my tank was 1024 then at 2:00 pm it was 1022. there is no possible way that is correct no leaking, no wet skimming. and i have an ATO that is maintained my water at my marked line consistently.

 

[Jarrett]

As far as the tempeature no the bucket wasnt heated but i thought the tempeature in the room is what mattered not the actual tempature of the water in the bucket. and that still dosent explain the magical 2 pt drop from 8:00 to 2:00

 

[Jaftica]

the sample should be at the same temp, maybee the ph has something to do with the salinity..ph is usually a little lower in the am, than pm...just a thought

 

[Jarrett]

i dont know if that was the case then that is way to many factors to ever get a true reading for salinty lol. we would have to be doing multiple test just to get a simple answer. i am just going to order the new refractometer and put this ordeal behind me, to much frustration