Refractometers and the color of light used: important!

Discussion in 'Water Chemistry' started by Mr. Bill, Sep 28, 2014.

to remove this notice and enjoy 3reef content with less ads. 3reef membership is free.

  1. Mr. Bill

    Mr. Bill Native Floridian

    Joined:
    May 28, 2011
    Messages:
    4,874
    Location:
    USA
    I don't typically link to threads from a different forum, but considering the trustworthy source and the urgency of the article, I believe it's important for such information to be shared in any manner possible.

    "So the color effect on refractive index is as large as the entire difference between salt and fresh water."

    http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2445582
     
    Billme likes this.
  2. Click Here!

  3. Billme

    Billme Eyelash Blennie

    Joined:
    Sep 9, 2013
    Messages:
    1,287
    Location:
    Bakersfield, Ca
    Thanks for posting this Mr Bill. I'll no lounger go between the florescents in the garage to natural light to 10k light of the aquarium to read the refractometer.
     
    Mr. Bill likes this.
  4. DSC reef

    DSC reef Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Dec 16, 2012
    Messages:
    3,817
    Location:
    Cocoa, Florida
    Ha! I knew I wasn't crazy! I was bouncing between rooms testing with different light sources and could never get the same reading. Thanks Mr bill, this proves my sanity.
     
    Mr. Bill likes this.
  5. Mr. Bill

    Mr. Bill Native Floridian

    Joined:
    May 28, 2011
    Messages:
    4,874
    Location:
    USA
    You're welcome. :)
     
  6. Todd_Sails

    Todd_Sails Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Jul 3, 2011
    Messages:
    4,732
    Location:
    A Texan in S.E. Wisconsin
    Mr. Bill, Mr. Bill,.... ( you have to use that squeeky voice from SNL),

    Now it's time to use my calibration fluid, and look at the difference between the different lights I might use and see how much it differs.

    Thanks for the share! And, it was from the Dark Side too!
     
    Mr. Bill likes this.
  7. DSC reef

    DSC reef Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Dec 16, 2012
    Messages:
    3,817
    Location:
    Cocoa, Florida
    I wonder if there's a difference between 0 tds water or calibration fluid? The directions on my red sea refractometor says to use ro and says nothing about fluid. Honestly, the nicer test kits I've invested in has seem to make it harder to read my tanks params? Maybe it's just me
     
  8. Click Here!

  9. Mr. Bill

    Mr. Bill Native Floridian

    Joined:
    May 28, 2011
    Messages:
    4,874
    Location:
    USA
    I knew someone would have to go there... :mad::p:rolleyes::D

    You're welcome. :)

    IIRC, calibration fluid is actually 35ppt. Calibrating with 0 tds can give a false reading with some models.
     
  10. DSC reef

    DSC reef Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Dec 16, 2012
    Messages:
    3,817
    Location:
    Cocoa, Florida
    I wonder if the red sea model doesn't require it then. Makes me nervous but I guess if I needed it the instructions would tell me.
     
  11. Todd_Sails

    Todd_Sails Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Jul 3, 2011
    Messages:
    4,732
    Location:
    A Texan in S.E. Wisconsin
    My Refractometer, reads about -.02 with 0 TDS water, when I calibrate it with my 35ppm calibration fluid!
     
  12. DSC reef

    DSC reef Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Dec 16, 2012
    Messages:
    3,817
    Location:
    Cocoa, Florida
    Do you have the red sea refractometor todd?