Why? (1 Viewer)

[decimal]

One of the most frustrating elements of this hobby for me is testing inconsistencies. Even something simple like salinity can trip you up. I keep everything at around 35psu. So I got an oceamo icp recently and the salinity came back as 32.9…. I confirmed that and my salinity probe reads 32.9 but it’s old and I have never really trusted it so I use a digital Hanna tester that was reading around 35psu. I pulled a refractometer and calibrated that to 35psu. That confirmed the low 32.9 salinity as well. So much for Hanna. I did a WC to raise salinity using the refractometer as the master. Now, salinity probe is reading 32.8, Hanna @ 35.6 and the calibrated refractometer at 35psu.. I mean.. it’s the dang salinity for crying out loud. The very base component of a successful tank. I just don’t understand how we have a space station but can’t get a reliable home test for salt content in a body of water..

 

[Erin]

Definitely frustrating!
I have a glass hydrometer (Tropic Marin) that doesn't need calibration, only correction for temp above/below 77F. Worth looking into...

 

[thangbom4321]

Imo refractometers are the most accurate and consistent way to measure salinity. The variations in water parameter readings is a nuisance but not a big deal. You just need to stay within the recommended range and don't worry about it. Trying to have rock solid parameters is too much work and costly imo.

 

[BigRick]

The only trusted way.

 

[air_run]

Definitely frustrating!
I have a glass hydrometer (Tropic Marin) that doesn't need calibration, only correction for temp above/below 77F. Worth looking into...

This what i have been using for a while as well in conjunction with the Hanna HI96822 Refractometer after finding my Hanna Pen Tester to also be inaccurate. I found the Hanna Pen Tester was actually reading low for me. I was running at 36ppt for quite a while before just deciding to check it against other testers.

 

[decimal]

i was using the salinity as an example.. the story repeats itself with alk and a few other things. My Hanna is reading 8.4 - 8.7 but icp came back as 7.8.. that is pretty low. Do I react to the low alk and increase dosing or do nothing and hope for the best? I’m going to run another set and then ship off another icp at the same time to have a more accurate comparison.

 

[air_run]

7.8 isn't really low. Tropic Marin suggest between 6.5 and 8.0 if running low nutrients and carbon dosing. Though, this is just one example of course. I guess it just really depends on your individual tank and what salt mix you choose as well. I could be wrong but, aren't you using TM Pro Reef Salt? I believe that mixes between 7 -8dKH.

 

[decimal]

I am using IO. Honestly have no idea what that mixes to and should probably check. Thing is, I had this all worked out and I am getting good growth and colors but wanted more.. smh

 

[Team Turtle]

Out of curiosity, i use the hanna checker as well. How often do you calibrate it? Hanna recommends every 5th test or something like that. I do it once a month regardless of how much i test. @rossthereefer mentioned at the Christmas get together they also losse calibration if the battery % drops below a certain point. I haven't noticed that but will let him chime in on that one.

 

[BigRick]

I am using IO. Honestly have no idea what that mixes to and should probably check. Thing is, I had this all worked out and I am getting good growth and colors but wanted more.. smh

Do you know.... what you really want?

 

[decimal]

all of it. I’m going to want all of it.

 

[BigRick]

all of it. I’m going to want all of it.

Correct answer.... now making it happen

 

[jrounding]

The only trusted way.

This is what I use and as a backup I have a normal refractometer. I mix Randy Holmes Farley's refractometer juice to calibrate. I have the salinity pen and while it is convenient it is almost never right unless you calibrate it right before. You also see people saying that the Hanna Salinity pens have crashed their tanks.

 

[thangbom4321]

Look, from my experience for all its worth (maybe 4cents) your reading accuracy is not as critical as everyone think it is. If you keep it within the parameters then you are in the safe zone. You just have to keep it in those ranges and have as little swings in chemistry as you can. Changes in those numbers are okay as long as it was a gradual change. Coral are living things and are more resilient than people give them credit for. Sure they can die but, also remember that we cut and crack them into pieces, transport them with no air exchange, deprive them of light and so much more yet they survive and grow.

 

[mittens]

Buy 2 Hanna checkers and check salinity with both.

 

[Reefahholic]

The most consistent and accurate IMO is the Tropic Marin Hydrometer:

High Precision Hydrometer - Tropic Marin

Float it in a graduated cylinder for the reading:

1000ml Plastic Graduated Cylinder, Printed and Molded Graduations, Single Metric Scale, Polypropylene, Karter Scientific 237O2 (Single) https://a.co/d/6NKUmtE