Refractometer Help

[swaziland]

I was told by a few people to ignore the Sg side and only be concerned about the sal. is this true????

 

[lexluethar]

This is what i was told as well. Aim for a reading between 34 - 37 Sal.

 

[swaziland]

a

 

[jba6511]

they correspond with each other if I am not mistaken. you want an s.g between 1.023 -1.026. I keep mine at 1.025 which is 34

 

[dawman]

Why ignore the sg side . They both equal to each other .

 

[petjunkie]

Refractometers can only test salinity, the other side is an estimate of about where it would be on specific gravity, not a true reading. I aim for 35ppt.

 

[saltyshogun]

I also shoot for a reading of 35 and haven't had any problems.

 

[dawman]

Originally Posted by petjunkie
Refractometers can only test salinity, the other side is an estimate of about where it would be on specific gravity, not a true reading. I aim for 35ppt.

True , but the equation will still be the same .

 

[92protruck]

fwiw, I don't think they can test salinity either. I think a refractometer can only test the refractive index of the fluid placed on the prism (the bend in the light). The refractive index is then applied to a formula to come up with a salinity or sg in the case of units sold for use in the aquarium hobby. Both units of measure are fixed together on the refractometer so I too don't get why everybody says ignore the sg. I understand that sg has to be compensated for temperature where as salinity is not effected by temp but in the case of a refractometer reading they are both tied together.