Refractometer, not sure how to use?

[Tigerarmy]

Just got a refractometer, no instructions, not sure how to use it. I get a reading of 1.026 on my hydrometer and get 4 on my refractometer. I was told to multiply that number by 4 and that would give me my SG? If that's the case I'd be sitting at 1.016?
Here is a link to a meter that is almost identical to mine.
http://www.sciencefirst.com/vw_prdct..._mdl_cd=78-620

[slakker]

which model or brand... mine reads the salinity without doing any math.

But typically, just have to calibrate it with pure water to get "1" then read with tank water...

[christyf5]

Ok so typically with most refractometers you have SG running down the left side of the scale when you look through, and salinity running down the right.

You should not be getting a reading of "4" that would mean you hardly. Test it with RODI water or bottled water would work and make sure that the reading is either 1.000 SG or 0 salinity. If it isn't use the little screwdriver to move the blue line to that mark. Then do your test making sure you have enough water in the "chamber" and the lid is down tight enough that the water covers the blue grid of the chamber.

Not sure about multiplying by 4. Never heard of that.

Hope this helps

[Tigerarmy]

It only goes up to 28% and it has no salinity on the left hand side. It does zero out, and I get the same reading of 4.

[christyf5]

I'd return it, its not going to do anything for you as most SW tanks need a salinity of 28-32ppt.

I don't think its a salinity refractometer. Seems kind of odd to me that you don't have the full scale on it.

[Canadian]

Furthermore, if you do end up getting a refractometer more appropriate for a saltwater tank don't use RODI, distilled water, or the water provided with the refractometer to calibrate it. Spend the extra 4 or 5 bucks and get some of the PinPoint 53.0 mS Calibration Solution so you can ensure more reliable readings in the range that you will actually be running your tank.