Refractometer Use...

neilw_uk · Post by **neilw_uk** » Tue Jul 11, 2006 10:53 am

Hi All,

I am about to configure my refractometer and it mentions to use distilled water. Can i use my normal tap water with some stress coat for this?

Thanks,

Neil

Post by **RTR** » Tue Jul 11, 2006 11:18 am

No, you cannot control zero the unit with water of unknown composition. You need high purity water with the minimum available dissolved materials, so DI or RODI at least.

Phaedrus · Post by **Phaedrus** » Tue Jul 11, 2006 11:57 am

You can usually find high purity water at a drug store, either distilled, or something. It should list the TDS on the bottle.

TheDragonLord · Post by **TheDragonLord** » Tue Jul 11, 2006 2:37 pm

your local aquatics store (none chain store like pets @ home) should have/sell RO water, they shouldn't mind u using a bit to do your job

Post by **Hilly** » Tue Jul 11, 2006 3:00 pm

Or if your LFS isn't that local, battery top up water from somewhere like Halfords it's De-Ionized water.

neilw_uk · Post by **neilw_uk** » Tue Jul 11, 2006 4:37 pm

I have a new bottle of De-Ionized water!

I purchased it for the job, but when i read the idiots guide it didn't mention this.

If this is ok i will use it.

Thanks.

neilw_uk · Post by **neilw_uk** » Wed Jul 12, 2006 8:46 am

Just one more question:

I am looking to increase my SG by .002 as members have said this is a good idea not to kill off good bacteria etc.

My refractometer scale reads 1.020. Is this the same?

lisalisa · Post by **lisalisa** » Wed Jul 12, 2006 9:10 am

NO it's not the same!!!!

1.020 is almost full SW!

Your refratcometer should read from 1.000 at the very bottom, and have little incrament dashes of .001.

neilw_uk · Post by **neilw_uk** » Wed Jul 12, 2006 10:29 am

I didn't think so!!!

This is what i have purchased:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... :IT&ih=013

So i guess from the zero line i am looking to have the scale move by 2 of the small notches.

Post by **Pufferpunk** » Wed Jul 12, 2006 11:01 am

After you drip the DI water on it, hold it up to the light & calibrate it to 0.

lisalisa · Post by **lisalisa** » Wed Jul 12, 2006 11:31 am

It's not zero, it's actually labeled as 1.000, which is FW. When you're doing a wc, ya neilw_uk, 2 of the small notches means .002

Post by **Pufferpunk** » Wed Jul 12, 2006 11:54 am

Oops!

LL is correct, it's 1.0000000000000000!

lisalisa · Post by **lisalisa** » Wed Jul 12, 2006 11:55 am

lol I say that too! I just didn't want him to be confused when he's looking at it.

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Refractometer Use...

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