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Calling Iowa City resources!

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by PeterS, Dec 7, 2009.

  1. Dec 7, 2009 #1
    PeterS

    PeterS Inactive User

    23
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    I was wondering if theres anybody in the Iowa City/Coralville area with a decent refractometer I could calibrate my hydrometer against for the time being?
    Ive seen the guys at Petland on Muscatine use a similar swing arm hydrometer and have reason to suspect mine is off by the way my livestock has been behaving since recently upping the SG to (what I assume to be) 1.026 (slowly, and over the period of several months with all parameters in check and a fine filtration system, my zoanthids have slowly spent less and less time with full polyp extension - seems suspiciously coincidental)
    If the gentleman at Coralville Bay uses one, I would happily patronize his establishment - I just haven't asked.
    Ultimately, Its just one more variable I would like to eliminate.
    Please advise
     
  2. Dec 8, 2009 #2
    Rustin

    Rustin Inactive User GIRS Member

    509
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    I have had horrible luck with the swing arm hydros. I have had brand new ones be way off right out of the box even. Make sure you wash it out after every use. I would suggest investing in a refractometer as soon as possible. Good luck! I hope someone is able to help you out. You might see if the LFS can help you out and test your water.
     
  3. Dec 8, 2009 #3
    Eric West Des Moines, IA

    Eric Experienced Reefkeeper

    1,170
    West Des Moines, IA
    Ratings:
    +33 / 0 / -0
    Hello!
    I've had varying results with a swing arm in the past as well...if I remember when I purchased a refractometer I found my salinity to be waaaay off!
    I would be more than happy to bring my refractometer over, but I've never actually calibrated it and verifying a zero reading w/RO/DI doesn't count.  I have relied on it for 6 years with no issues, though.
    Also, I threw a Wiki article up a while ago about salinity & creating your own calibration fluid:
    http://www.greateriowareefsociety.o...fault.aspx
    -Eric
     
  4. Dec 8, 2009 #4
    PeterS

    PeterS Inactive User

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    Rustin - I intend on getting one eventually (yay paychecks!). I guess my reasoning is that if I can "calibrate" my hydrometer (know how much its off by, and where I want to be) then Im hoping at least its consistent. Key word "hoping"

    Eric - Thanks! I will try that method... now all I need is a graduated cylinder accurate to the mL... /DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default/emoticons/biggrin.gif
     
  5. Dec 9, 2009 #5
    Eric West Des Moines, IA

    Eric Experienced Reefkeeper

    1,170
    West Des Moines, IA
    Ratings:
    +33 / 0 / -0
    Posted By PeterS on 12/09/2009 12:59 AM
    Rustin - I intend on getting one eventually (yay paychecks!). I guess my reasoning is that if I can "calibrate" my hydrometer (know how much its off by, and where I want to be) then Im hoping at least its consistent. Key word "hoping"
    Eric - Thanks! I will try that method... now all I need is a graduated cylinder accurate to the mL... /DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default/emoticons/biggrin.gif
    The problem that most people have with the swing arm is that it can give you a different reading every time as things like microbubbles have an impact on the reading.
    Gauging how it reads against some sort of calibration is a great idea along with saving to buy a refractometer.  As you're finding there's deals to be had on them!
    -Eric
     

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