treesprite July 22, 2014 Share July 22, 2014 Please tell me what holding, handling, and viewing practices will get me a clear line every time. Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kjamaya July 22, 2014 Share July 22, 2014 I use my metal halide light to get a clear view. Is it blurry or cloudy? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gmerek2 July 22, 2014 Share July 22, 2014 every time I take it out of the case it knocks the focus out of wack. My LEDs give a bad view so I have to turn a light on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Origami July 22, 2014 Share July 22, 2014 I put 3 to 5 drops of water on the viewing stage before flipping the cover glass over the top. Make sure that there aren't any trapped air bubbles under the plate and that the plate is completely flat against the refractometer body (so that the water sandwiched inside is an even thickness). Then, just point it up towards a bright light source (I use a fluorescent bulb on the ceiling). You should get a clean, clear shadow line to help you take the measurement. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zygote2k July 22, 2014 Share July 22, 2014 I test the water 3 times with a refractometer then average the results. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YHSublime July 22, 2014 Share July 22, 2014 I do like Tom, in that I use the florescent that we have in the kitchen. My water mixing station is in a closet, so when I test my new made saltwater, I have been known to walk around like a drunken pirate trying to get the best light to read in. Now I usually just go into the kitchen. I also add a liberal amount of water to the glass pane. I don't know if that is good practice or not, but everything seems to be alive. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flowerseller July 22, 2014 Share July 22, 2014 I add a couple drops of tank water from my finger and then aim towards a light source until I get a clear reading. Don't press the water out from between the glass and the flap when you shut it. The "focus" does not change the reading, just the clarity of the scale. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaddc July 22, 2014 Share July 22, 2014 I test the water 3 times with a refractometer then average the results. This. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Origami July 22, 2014 Share July 22, 2014 I test the water 3 times with a refractometer then average the results. ...to six decimal places. Bring a calculator. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sachabballi reef July 22, 2014 Share July 22, 2014 for my old eyes the best light for me is the natural light...so I take it to the window whenever possible Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlanM July 22, 2014 Share July 22, 2014 I have to take off my glasses to see it well through the eyehole. Also, I calibrate mine every time with 35ppt solution. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zygote2k July 22, 2014 Share July 22, 2014 nearest thousandth is fine. It's not like we're breeding whales. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flowerseller July 22, 2014 Share July 22, 2014 I test the water 3 times with a refractometer then average the results. Are you taking the test water from 3 different areas of the tank? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Origami July 23, 2014 Share July 23, 2014 I normally take only one measurement, but I'll tell you what I do: I use a pipette and draw my water from several inches below the water line in an area with some decent flow. I also flush the pipette four or five times to make sure tha any salt residue is gone. Then, after the test, I wipe the refractometer down to keep it clean. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sachabballi reef July 23, 2014 Share July 23, 2014 I normally take only one measurement, but I'll tell you what I do: I use a pipette and draw my water from several inches below the water line in an area with some decent flow. I also flush the pipette four or five times to make sure tha any salt residue is gone. Then, after the test, I wipe the refractometer down to keep it clean. +1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Mc July 23, 2014 Share July 23, 2014 I do like the others but maybe I am missing part of your question. If it is blurry turn the focus which is normally the end where the eye hole is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaddc July 23, 2014 Share July 23, 2014 I'll add some more science. If the scale is clear, then the device is in focus. If you want a clear sharp refraction line, there are two thing to consider: 1) The film of saltwater must be thin. I load a few drops on the glass surface and press down on the lid, squeezing out the excess. Check that there are no air bubbles. While reading I press down on the lid (from the edges) and the line sharpens. 2) Light source. Point directly at the brightest light you can find. The brighter the light, the sharper the line will appear. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sen5241b July 23, 2014 Share July 23, 2014 1+ you need strong light Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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