How often do you calibrate your refractometer?

[camellia]

I have to check and adjust my refractoeter substancially every time I use it. I bought a new (ATO) from a LFS less than a year ago!

 

[spankdog]

This is what I use. Maybe one of the local LFS will have some.

 

[jbdreefs]

Calibrated mine over a year ago. I actually checked it a couoke days ago and it was still pretty close to the mark. Maybe I am just lucky.

 

[spankdog]

Sorry I think I answered before I finished reading your question. I have the $39 one from marine depot and I have had to adjust it a lot. Last few times I've used it though its been spot on.

 

[redstang]

I calibrate mine monthly but it's been dead on for the last 6 months or so. Mine was the first thing I bought through this forum lol!

 

[brandonmason]

Before every use here because I lost the rubber gasket that kept the adjustment screw from moving so easily

Sent from my XT907 using Tapatalk 2

 

[ralph atl]

I check mine once a year or so, but has never needed adjusting. I've had it now 6-7 years...

 

[skriz]

Before every use. But I use a digital one, so there's no adjustments on my part.

 

[grouper therapy]

Never

 

[ringo®]

Almost never, I check it seasonally and haven't had to adjust it yet.

 

[smoothound]

I have never done mine and it's spot on ,and I won't touch it until it goes off there is just no need to mine is from BRS.


Sent from my iPad using

 

[skriz]

smoothound;919829 wrote: I have never done mine and it's spot on ,and I won't touch it until it goes off there is just no need to mine is from BRS.


Sent from my iPad using http://tapatalk.com/m?id=1">Tapatalk</a>[/QUOTE]

How do you know it's spot on unless you calibrate it?

 

[atlorange]

Digital here too. You zero it with distilled water before each use. But still SO much easier then analog.

 

[redstang]

Skriz;919854 wrote: How do you know it's spot on unless you calibrate it?

Wondered the same thing.

 

[camellia]

BrandonMason;919765 wrote: Before every use here because I lost the rubber gasket that kept the adjustment screw from moving so easily

Sent from my XT907 using Tapatalk 2

BULLS EYE!!!

Thanks Brandon, that's my problem!

I calibrate mine every time also because its off and NOW I know Why:doh: it doesn't fit correctly, so its moving. I hadn't ever checked that. I didn't think I should have to calibrate and adjust it so often!:blush:

Edit:

grouper therapy;919772 wrote: Never

I'm assuming, knowing you it's because you don't have one?!? Other wise....

Edit:

smoothound;919829 wrote: I have never done mine and it's spot on ,and I won't touch it until it goes off there is just no need to mine is from BRS.


Sent from my iPad using http://tapatalk.com/m?id=1">Tapatalk</a>[/QUOTE]

Do you check your salinity at a LFS?

Edit: [QUOTE=][B]mysterybox;919766 wrote:[/B] I check mine once a year or so, but has never needed adjusting. I've had it now 6-7 years...

[IMG]http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=12132">http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=12132</a>[/QUOTE]

Thanks it might be time!

 

[grouper therapy]

Actually I had two but I very seldom used them, maybe a half a dozen times in five years. When I did they were with in .001 of the instant ocean hydrometer that I rarely used. So I guess I did calibrate in the sense of checking them, I just never adjusted them. IMO the keys to keeping them and hydrometers fairy accurate is to always rinse well with rodi water and keep them in a secure place where they will not get bumped ,hit, dropped, etc.

 

[camellia]

grouper therapy;920015 wrote: Actually I had two but I very seldom used them, maybe a half a dozen times in five years. When I did they were with in .001 of the instant ocean hydrometer that I rarely used. So I guess I did calibrate in the sense of checking them, I just never adjusted them. IMO the keys to keeping them and hydrometers fairy accurate is to always rinse well with rodi water and keep them in a secure place where they will not get bumped ,hit, dropped, etc.

Ok I'll start rinsing after use, don't do that now (ops). I keep it in the original case that is foam lined but will also be more careful about that.
Thanks

 

[jbadd99]

Digging up an old thread to reiterate a good point.

My refracto was of .004. Couldn't for the life of me figure out why everything was so upset.... Now I know.

 

[tbub1221]

I check mine once every month or so , but I've only ever once had to adjust it and it was because I dropped it.

 

[myreefclub0070]

I have checked mine 3 times in 2 years just to make sure she is still on point and she is still good to go!