Drip or Dip?

[Retro Reefer]

So I have always used a pipette to drip a few drops of water on my refractometer when checking my salinity.. A while back I was watching a show on a start up brewery company and I saw them using a refractometer by just dipping the end into the solution they where testing and taking reading, I have been using this method for a couple weeks and it seems to work great and is much easier however for some reason the first dip always seems to read a little high, I rinse my refractometer in distilled water and wipe it off after each use. Anyone else use this method or thoughts? I make sure not to dip past the hing pins on the cover plate so they don't fowl and of course avoid getting water in the calibration adjustment screw hole.

 

[hybridazn]

I use the same method as yourself. But I have seen others use the dip method as well and get theverything same results. I use the pipette because its easier to keep everything clean.

 

[rjl45]

I drip a few drops. Easier to clean up, especially if I need to run multiple tests quickly (mixing water). I also think it will last longer, keeping the salt water away from the hinge and screws.

 

[paraletho]

Most people rinse their refracs but forget to clean their pipettes. When you pull the small amount of aquarium water the dried salt in the pipette affects your reading. Also the cover does not always seat properly on the first drop. You should see a crisp line not fuzzy or double. I always do multiple drops until I get a stable repeatable reading. Not all refracs are ATC (Auto Temp Compensated)most are and we usually don't have that large a difference from room to tank water. In my job doing field work in the winter it can make a big difference. I use a pipette.