How often do you calibrate your refractormeter??

[Flash]

I don't do many water changes.... But once ever few months! Lol it only takes a second!

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by Flash

But once ever few months! Lol it only takes a second!

Ya, but that little bottle of calibration fluid dries up the first week

[Flash]

Lol oh it's been a long time! I forgot how much fun this site was!

[lastlight]

Never have maybe I should check it lol.

[Myka]

I check mine about once a month. I check my clients' refractometers about once a month too. I find they all can use an adjustment by that time.

[mikellini]

I've read that light and temperature both have an effect on accuracy. For instance, if you're checking specific gravity on your water change mix in relation to your tank, you'll want to do it at the same temperature (unless you adjust for the difference) and definitely with the same light source.

It's probably more important to be accurate if you're running at 1.026, but if you run at 1.025 you have a bit more margin for error.

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by mikellini

I've read that light and temperature both have an effect on accuracy.

I've tested the same water in kitchen under 100w lighting and against 800w of MH, same reading. And both my units are ATC, so temp shouldn't be a factor either.

[kamloops_reefer]

everytime - I have a vertex one and find that its a pretty touchy instrument. and can fluctuate +/- 0.03

[mikellini]

Originally Posted by kamloops_reefer

everytime - I have a vertex one and find that its a pretty touchy instrument. and can fluctuate +/- 0.03

My vertex unit is touchy too. I calibrate with a 35ppt solution every time.

[Nicole.]

I never calibrated mine since the day I first got it which was prob a couple years ago...big mistake. Just recently had a buddy test my water and it was at 1.022 even though it would show as 1.025 on my refractometer. Who knows how long it's been at 1.022??! I've had a bunch of nice corals die and gave up on them because I couldn't figure out why at that time... Now I will calibrate mine after a couple uses. A bottle of proper calibration solution is only $5 so it's worth it.