My friend is giving me a Refractometer

Paul B · 07/08/2013, 04:22 PM

OK, I am getting a refractometer, I didn't ask for one, didn't expect to ever own one, didn't think I ever needed one but I am getting one. I am excited beyond belief, not because I will know what my salinity reading is, as I think it is close to whatever it is supposed to be as reported by "experts" who know such things. I don't know what I am going to do with my $3.00 swing are hydrometer, maybe I will have it bronzed. But now I will be able to go on those technical threads where someone will ask something like this:

"I looked at my refractometer and my salinity is 28.07934 so I know that is exactly the same reading as the Cayman Islands were last tuesday at 4:30pm. But I see 2 strands of hair algae and my blue legged hermit crab has a canker sore on his left knee and cyano is covering the treasure chest bubbler. Should I tweek the magnesium or adjust the Kelvin ratings on my Chinese Royal blue LEDs with the electronic ballasts? Or should I just add "Purple UP" while I disperse kalk to my closed loop sump?"

Those threads are the kind I like to get into so I can learn how to do this fish thing. That is why I am excited to own a refractometer.

RayL · 07/08/2013, 04:26 PM

Haha what a great post. What's your salinity at?

gone fishin · 07/08/2013, 04:29 PM

Treasure chest, is it real sunken pirates treasure from the Sound

Paul B · 07/08/2013, 04:31 PM

Quote:

What's your salinity at?

Well the swing arm is half way up so I guess the tank is half full of salt.

I didn't get the thing yet so I can't give an accurate answer, for all I know my tank could be freshwater and I should be put kissing gouramies in there.

Quote:

is it real sunken pirates treasure from the Sound

You know if it is in my tank, it is a real treasure chest. It may even have real treasure like a discount coupon for Burger King.

gone fishin · 07/08/2013, 04:33 PM

Well half up is better than half down just my 2 cents

phantomg23 · 07/08/2013, 05:34 PM

LOL great thread haha. although you shouldn't be talking about people treasures chest, you have glass bottles in yours

greech · 07/08/2013, 05:37 PM

You can do what I did and store the refractometer in your fish box and continue to use your swing arm.

Paul B · 07/08/2013, 05:38 PM

That may be what I will do.

outssider · 07/08/2013, 05:48 PM

I have two quickie tips for you...

1...don't use ro/tap/distilled water to calibrate it at -0-. use calibration fluid like this
http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/index....t/view/id/861/
and calibrate at 1.026

2....my refractometer is very temperature sensitive. so it you calibrate at room temp of 70 then use it at room temp of 85, it will be way off

tanked37 · 07/08/2013, 07:24 PM

What is the point of this thread?

reefgoddess808 · 07/08/2013, 07:42 PM

We used them in college because someone with money donated them. I use my instant ocean hydrometer just fine. Although a refractometer is fun to use! I enjoyed looking through it anyway

SBV · 07/08/2013, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tanked37

What is the point of this thread?

Free post!

wii64brawl · 07/08/2013, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tanked37

What is the point of this thread?

You have to learn to take Paul's threads with a shred of seriousness...

tanked37 · 07/08/2013, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wii64brawl

You have to learn to take Paul's threads with a shred of seriousness...

Fair enough, I guess I wasn't sure if he was really excited to get one or just excited to be able to post his view on the subject. If you don't want to use one, then don't. No "experts" needed for that.

devimik · 07/08/2013, 09:16 PM

Geez Paul, next thing ya know you'll be getting a controller and dosing chemicals!

Paul B · 07/09/2013, 04:02 AM

Quote:

1...don't use ro/tap/distilled water to calibrate it at -0-. use calibration fluid like this
http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/index....t/view/id/861/
and calibrate at 1.026

2....my refractometer is very temperature sensitive. so it you calibrate at room temp of 70 then use it at room temp of 85, it will be way off

I may just check to see if my swing arm hydrometer is close to what it is supposed to be, then use it to open peanuts.

Quote:

What is the point of this thread?

Absolutely no point at all. I wanted to raise my post count because I heard there was a lottery and I could win a percula clownfish. If I were you, I would not read anything by me.

Quote:

I wasn't sure if he was really excited to get one or just excited

The only way a refractometer could get me excited is if Christie Brinkley showed me how to use it.

Savant · 07/09/2013, 05:18 AM

I feel especially smart and techie when I pull out my refractometer in front of guests, put a carefully gathered drop of water on the blue "analytical" zone, close the evaporation mitigation shield and look through it like I might discover cold fusion or the like....they are always suitable impressed by my "scientific" skills when I pronounce a specific gravity of 1.025 and I assure them that saltwater tanks can only be managed by the most sophisticated equipments and exotic chemicals like sodium-chloride

Spyderturbo007 · 07/09/2013, 06:33 AM

I'm laying 2:1 that even after being given a refractometer, PaulB still won't check his salinity.

Just to be clear, I'm not making fun of you in any way. I'm actually envious of your success using the hands off, don't listen to Internet experts that regurgitate what they have read and to which they have no direct experience.

It's because of a lot of your posts that I've tried to detach myself from the constant fiddling of my tank.

Paul B · 07/09/2013, 08:19 AM

Quote:

I feel especially smart and techie when I pull out my refractometer in front of guests, put a carefully gathered drop of water on the blue "analytical" zone, close the evaporation mitigation shield and look through it like I might discover cold fusion or the like....they are always suitable impressed by my "scientific" skills when I pronounce a specific gravity of 1.025 and I assure them that saltwater tanks can only be managed by the most sophisticated equipments and exotic chemicals like sodium-chloride

I feel especially smart when guests come over and I stick my finger in the tank to test the temperature and then stick it in my mouth to state that the salinity is 1.025.

Don't get the wrong impression, my tank is not neglected and my 19 year old spawning fish will agree with me, I just know everything is correct by the look of the animals.
I also test the salinity by asking what the salinity is in the bag when I buy a fish, then test that same water with my hydrometer, then I put a line on the thing at the reading that they got with their refractometer. I want it close and don't care if anything is exact as there is no exact. As for experts on the internet, there is no such thing as a fish tank expert. They don't give doctorates for a hobby and this is not marine biology as many marine biologists have no idea how to keep a reef tank unless you put whales or dolphins in it. It is also not oceanography, biology, insectology, cosmetology, immuneiology, photography, astrology, chronology, or any other type of ology, it is a combination of common sense and, OK mostly common sense with a little money. OK, a lot of money.

Quote:

It's because of a lot of your posts that I've tried to detach myself from the constant fiddling of my tank.

Don't go by me, remember I run a UG filter but I do fiddle with my fiddler crabs, that is what they are for. I keep them on the roof.

Palting · 07/09/2013, 08:24 AM

Thread made my morning. Your posts go well with a cup of coffee, Paul.

Savant · 07/09/2013, 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul B

It is also not oceanography, biology, insectology, cosmetology, immuneiology, photography, astrology, chronology, or any other type of ology, it is a combination of common sense and, OK mostly common sense with a little money. OK, a lot of money.

Spendology?

Bolivian Ram · 07/09/2013, 09:45 AM

Paul owning a refractometer.

Thought I'd never see the day.

Paul B · 07/09/2013, 10:19 AM

I just went to a large LFS and got a couple of fish, I also brought some water to be tested just so I can post the readings.
nitrate 40
Phosphate .25
Calcium 420
and salinity 1.026

Now I disagree with the salinity reading and I think his refractometer is wrong and he should crack open peanuts with it. I tested my water with my swing arm hydrometer and 2 glass hydrometers and I get a reading of 1.022 and a couple of months ago I measured my swing arm with a refractometer from another LFS and it was fine so I am keeping my salinity according to my swing arm hydrometer and I will test it again when my new refractometer comes in. Technology is sometimes stupid.

thegrun · 07/09/2013, 10:27 AM

No! No! No! No! No!!! You should never use the Tuesday Cayman Islands salinity readings during July! As the flow of the Mississippi River declines and the Gulf Stream current shifts Tuesday salinity readings on the Cayman Islands are notoriously high. I supose if you took the readings off the Southeast corner of Cayman Brac Island on a Tuesday between 2:30 and 4:15 pm after a rainstorm the numbers would be useable, but otherwise why would you recommend it?

Paul B · 07/09/2013, 10:48 AM

Thats where I took them, off Cayman Brac as we all know the best diving in the Caymans is off Cayman Brac. I brought the refractometer SCUBA diving with me

07/08/2013, 04:22 PM	#1
Paul B Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Long Island NY Posts: 15,549	My friend is giving me a Refractometer OK, I am getting a refractometer, I didn't ask for one, didn't expect to ever own one, didn't think I ever needed one but I am getting one. I am excited beyond belief, not because I will know what my salinity reading is, as I think it is close to whatever it is supposed to be as reported by "experts" who know such things. I don't know what I am going to do with my $3.00 swing are hydrometer, maybe I will have it bronzed. But now I will be able to go on those technical threads where someone will ask something like this: "I looked at my refractometer and my salinity is 28.07934 so I know that is exactly the same reading as the Cayman Islands were last tuesday at 4:30pm. But I see 2 strands of hair algae and my blue legged hermit crab has a canker sore on his left knee and cyano is covering the treasure chest bubbler. Should I tweek the magnesium or adjust the Kelvin ratings on my Chinese Royal blue LEDs with the electronic ballasts? Or should I just add "Purple UP" while I disperse kalk to my closed loop sump?" Those threads are the kind I like to get into so I can learn how to do this fish thing. That is why I am excited to own a refractometer. __________________ I used to get shocked when I put my hand in my tank. Then the electric eel went dead. Current Tank Info: 100 gal reef set up in 1971

07/08/2013, 04:29 PM	#3
gone fishin Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Wyocena Wi Posts: 6,936	Treasure chest, is it real sunken pirates treasure from the Sound __________________ Tony Current Tank Info: 180gal DT, BM NAC77 skimmer,3 Maxspect razors, Maxspect Gyre 150, 30g QT

07/08/2013, 04:33 PM	#5
gone fishin Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Wyocena Wi Posts: 6,936	Well half up is better than half down just my 2 cents __________________ Tony Current Tank Info: 180gal DT, BM NAC77 skimmer,3 Maxspect razors, Maxspect Gyre 150, 30g QT

07/08/2013, 05:37 PM	#7
greech Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Tallahassee, FL Posts: 3,133	You can do what I did and store the refractometer in your fish box and continue to use your swing arm. __________________ ~Graham Current Tank Info: Tank: 40 breeder; 20H sump w/SWC 120; Sicce 3.0 return; Vortech MP-10; Sundial T5, DIY Actinic LED (3W Cree). Livestock: Pair of Black & Whites; Midas Blenny; Firefish; Yasha/pistol; Black Leopard Wrasse; LPS and SPS

07/08/2013, 05:38 PM	#8
Paul B Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Long Island NY Posts: 15,549	That may be what I will do. __________________ I used to get shocked when I put my hand in my tank. Then the electric eel went dead. Current Tank Info: 100 gal reef set up in 1971

07/08/2013, 04:26 PM	#2
RayL Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Canada Posts: 1,267	Haha what a great post. What's your salinity at?

07/08/2013, 05:34 PM	#6
phantomg23 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 624	LOL great thread haha. although you shouldn't be talking about people treasures chest, you have glass bottles in yours

07/08/2013, 05:48 PM	#9
outssider Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Reseda, Ca. Posts: 1,717	I have two quickie tips for you... 1...don't use ro/tap/distilled water to calibrate it at -0-. use calibration fluid like this http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/index....t/view/id/861/ and calibrate at 1.026 2....my refractometer is very temperature sensitive. so it you calibrate at room temp of 70 then use it at room temp of 85, it will be way off

07/08/2013, 07:24 PM	#10
tanked37 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Posts: 262	What is the point of this thread?

07/08/2013, 07:42 PM	#11
reefgoddess808 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Eastern North Carolina Posts: 382	We used them in college because someone with money donated them. I use my instant ocean hydrometer just fine. Although a refractometer is fun to use! I enjoyed looking through it anyway

07/08/2013, 09:16 PM	#15
devimik Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: KC, KS Posts: 637	Geez Paul, next thing ya know you'll be getting a controller and dosing chemicals! __________________ Mike D Coral Beauty, Green Filefish, One Spot Foxface, Springeri Dottyback, 2 Ocellaris Clowns, Yellow Watchman Goby, Flame Hawkfish, Spotted Mandarin Current Tank Info: 90g Softie Reef, 150# live rock, 30g sump w/refugium, Tunze Osmolator 3155 ATO, Octopus NWB 150 Skimmer, Mag 950 return, Maxspect 120w Razor 10K LED light X2, BRS Phosphate Reactor; Apex Lite

07/09/2013, 05:18 AM	#17
Savant Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: N.E. Pa Posts: 402	I feel especially smart and techie when I pull out my refractometer in front of guests, put a carefully gathered drop of water on the blue "analytical" zone, close the evaporation mitigation shield and look through it like I might discover cold fusion or the like....they are always suitable impressed by my "scientific" skills when I pronounce a specific gravity of 1.025 and I assure them that saltwater tanks can only be managed by the most sophisticated equipments and exotic chemicals like sodium-chloride __________________ ____________ Will Tank Info: 105g DT l 100g sump l remote fuge 40g l Photon 48V2 LED l Diablo XS200 l APEX to run the show

07/09/2013, 06:33 AM	#18
Spyderturbo007 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: PA Posts: 2,564	I'm laying 2:1 that even after being given a refractometer, PaulB still won't check his salinity. Just to be clear, I'm not making fun of you in any way. I'm actually envious of your success using the hands off, don't listen to Internet experts that regurgitate what they have read and to which they have no direct experience. It's because of a lot of your posts that I've tried to detach myself from the constant fiddling of my tank.

07/09/2013, 08:24 AM	#20
Palting Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Ohio Posts: 6,912	Thread made my morning. Your posts go well with a cup of coffee, Paul. __________________ Anything I post is just an opinion. One of many in this hobby. Believe and follow at your own risk of rapid and complete annihilation of all life in your tank :) Current Tank Info: Incept 3/2010, 150 RR, 50g sump, 20g fuge, 150w 15K MH x3, T5 actinics x8, moonlight LED x6, 1400gph return, Koralia 1400 x4, 300 g skimmer, 4 tangs, 2 mandarins, 2 perc, 6 line, 3 cardinals, 2 firefish, SPS, LPS, zoas, palys, shrooms, clam

07/09/2013, 09:45 AM	#22
Bolivian Ram Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 128	Paul owning a refractometer. Thought I'd never see the day.

07/09/2013, 10:19 AM	#23
Paul B Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Long Island NY Posts: 15,549	I just went to a large LFS and got a couple of fish, I also brought some water to be tested just so I can post the readings. nitrate 40 Phosphate .25 Calcium 420 and salinity 1.026 Now I disagree with the salinity reading and I think his refractometer is wrong and he should crack open peanuts with it. I tested my water with my swing arm hydrometer and 2 glass hydrometers and I get a reading of 1.022 and a couple of months ago I measured my swing arm with a refractometer from another LFS and it was fine so I am keeping my salinity according to my swing arm hydrometer and I will test it again when my new refractometer comes in. Technology is sometimes stupid. __________________ I used to get shocked when I put my hand in my tank. Then the electric eel went dead. Current Tank Info: 100 gal reef set up in 1971

07/09/2013, 10:27 AM	#24
thegrun Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Garden Grove, Ca Posts: 17,023	No! No! No! No! No!!! You should never use the Tuesday Cayman Islands salinity readings during July! As the flow of the Mississippi River declines and the Gulf Stream current shifts Tuesday salinity readings on the Cayman Islands are notoriously high. I supose if you took the readings off the Southeast corner of Cayman Brac Island on a Tuesday between 2:30 and 4:15 pm after a rainstorm the numbers would be useable, but otherwise why would you recommend it?

07/09/2013, 10:48 AM	#25
Paul B Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Long Island NY Posts: 15,549	Thats where I took them, off Cayman Brac as we all know the best diving in the Caymans is off Cayman Brac. I brought the refractometer SCUBA diving with me __________________ I used to get shocked when I put my hand in my tank. Then the electric eel went dead. Current Tank Info: 100 gal reef set up in 1971