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Old 05-10-2012, 06:06 PM
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Default refractometer calibration

I've always calibrated my refractometer using plan old RO water and although I knew some error would be involved I was under the impression the amount would be so small it would not make a difference. However I keep hearing more and more lately people stating after reading a few articles that this isn't the case and you need to calibrate your refractometer with some kind of calibration fluid otherwise you'll be off a noticeable amount.

Just wanted to share that after receiving some PINPOINT Salinity Calibration Fluid to calibrate my conductivity probe I stuck some in my refractometer and it's it reads exactly 1.026 as it should, not even out the slightest bit as far I can tell.

So regardless what articles my suggest it seems I can conclude that RO water is certainly an acceptable calibration solution. Anyone else try this and get similar or different results?
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Old 05-10-2012, 08:33 PM
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Yes, my refractometer came with 18 megaohm water(pure) for calibrating at 0, I compared that to my RODI and it was the same, I bought calibration fluid after reading (probably the same) an article and checked the calibration and yes it was correct. All 3 gave the same results, so now I can use my RODI water to check my calibration fluid.
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Old 05-10-2012, 09:49 PM
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What is calibration fluid? Sounds like RO water in a fancy container with a pretty label for a stupid amount of $$$. Somebody always out to make a buck...lol Good to know this has been double checked, I always use RO water to check mine. Thanks for posting....
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Old 05-10-2012, 09:54 PM
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most LFS will calibrate for you.. Or so I have heard... mines over due to be calibrated, I'm sure my salinity is off by now
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Old 05-10-2012, 09:59 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Nano View Post
most LFS will calibrate for you.. Or so I have heard... mines over due to be calibrated, I'm sure my salinity is off by now
Why bother? You got RO water?
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Old 05-10-2012, 10:01 PM
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yeah, not great RO though I dont trust it to be as accurate
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