reefrunner69
Aquarium Advice Addict
How often do you calibrate your refractometers? I just got one yesterday, the paperwork said it was callibrated before it left the factory, and when I got it, it was off a bit. I recalibrated, and tested my tank water, the deep six hydrometer said it was a hair over 1.025, but the refractometer said it was 1.028. so I have started lowering it a bit at a time and testing with the refractometer. So that got me thinking, what impacts the need for recalibration? I assume any jolts to the instrument or possibly large sudden temp changes, but what else, and how often do you need to calibrate when it sits in a box on your desk?
Another question, All the light fixtures in my house use low wattage bulbs, that do not facilitate reading the refractometer (probably shoulda got the one with the light), works great outside though when the sun is shining. What is the wattage of the bulb you point it at to get a good reading? I suppose I could just get a little closer to the light or open the canopy and point it at the MH, but it would be a lot easier to buy a cheap walmart lamp and use it.
Another question, All the light fixtures in my house use low wattage bulbs, that do not facilitate reading the refractometer (probably shoulda got the one with the light), works great outside though when the sun is shining. What is the wattage of the bulb you point it at to get a good reading? I suppose I could just get a little closer to the light or open the canopy and point it at the MH, but it would be a lot easier to buy a cheap walmart lamp and use it.