refractometer
Printed From: Utah Reefs
Category: Help
Forum Name: General Help
Forum Description: The place to ask about pest, problems, hitchhikers, etc.
URL: http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=47116
Printed Date: July 25 2025 at 9:09pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.03 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: refractometer
Posted By: BnK
Subject: refractometer
Date Posted: February 25 2011 at 5:29pm
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it says use distilled water can I use bottled water?
------------- Brett and Kristine | Layton, UT | Brett's e-mail: [email protected] | Kristine's e-mail: [email protected] |
Replies:
Posted By: Piscavore1
Date Posted: February 25 2011 at 9:17pm
| I'm guessing that this question is in reference to cleaning the refractometer after use? You can use tap water to clean it, but the final cleaning should be a rinse with distilled or R/O water. Any ions that are left on the glass after cleaning will mix into the next drops of water and be included as part of your next measurement/reading. |
Posted By: Piscavore1
Date Posted: February 25 2011 at 9:18pm
| What I meant to add to the previous post is that if the bottled water is distilled or R/O you should be fine. |
Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date Posted: February 25 2011 at 9:53pm
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Huh? Let me explain the easy way to use a Refractometer. Dip your fingers in the tank and let the water drip on the lens. When putting water on a refractometer lens use enough water so that when the cover is set down water squeezes out. After reading the refractometer, just gently wipe the lens dry with a rag. A second reading can verify the first. If you want to clean the lens with purified water go ahead but it won't make any difference. Feel free to try it both ways and check the results. ------------- Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks: www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member 
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Posted By: bfessler
Date Posted: February 25 2011 at 10:27pm
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For cleaning the refractometer it won't matter what type of water you use as long as you dry it throughly with a soft cloth. If you're trying to calibrate the refractometer use distilled water or RODI water to calibrate it. To dispense a sample onto the refractometer I like to use a pipet to apply the sample to the glass.
------------- Burt An equal opportunity reefer, I support all hobbyists and organizations involved in Marine Aquarium Keeping. [email protected] |
Posted By: BnK
Date Posted: February 25 2011 at 11:53pm
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I dont know why i wrote that message like that lol. I ment to calibrate it cuz it the instructions said use distiled water. but when i looked it was already set to 0 with the blue and white meeting there.
------------- Brett and Kristine | Layton, UT | Brett's e-mail: [email protected] | Kristine's e-mail: [email protected] |
Posted By: bfessler
Date Posted: February 26 2011 at 12:02pm
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I figured that's what you were trying to do. The reason for using Distilled or RODI water is that there will be no impurities in it that will affect the reading. Tap water and even bottled water have minerals that can alter the reading and shouldn't be used for calibration. ------------- Burt An equal opportunity reefer, I support all hobbyists and organizations involved in Marine Aquarium Keeping. [email protected] |