What exactly is a Digi-Lab TSS Meter?
Will an inexpensive floating or swing arm hydrometer be adequate?
Salinity & Specific Gravity – Are they the same?
Why is temperature so important when it relates to Specific Gravity?
How does the Digi-Lab TSS compare to a refractometer?
What is the ideal range for a saltwater aquarium?
How often do I need to calibrate?
Q: What exactly is a Digi-Lab TSS Meter?
A: The Digi-Lab TSS Meter is a revolutionary 3-in-1 tool that simplifies measuring the 3 most important parameters in a saltwater environment.
1. Temperature
2. Salinity
3. Specific Gravity
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Q: Will an inexpensive floating or swing arm hydrometer be adequate?
A: There are many measuring techniques to acquire the salt level in an aquarium. Many of the inexpensive hydrometers are not accurate and fail to provide true temperature compensations. Although, these devices may be adequate to provide general guidelines, we feel obtaining precise, accurate, and reliable measurements are vital to achieving a healthy and thriving biotope.
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Q: Salinity & Specific Gravity – Are they the same?
A: Salinity and Specific Gravity are terms commonly used to measure the salt level in an aquarium. Although they are related, these two terms are quite different and should be understood for their own importance.
1. Salinity: is defined as the amount of dissolved salts contained in seawater.
2. Specific Gravity : is defined as the ratio of the density of a liquid (at a specific temperature) compared to the density of pure water (at a specific temperature)
a. It is imperative that temperature corrections are made to obtain a TRUE specific gravity reading.
* Digi-Lab Meters are the only testers that auto-correct for Specific Gravity
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Q: Why is temperature so important when it relates to Specific Gravity?
A: The temperature of seawater dictates the Specific Gravity measurement. As seawater is heated, it expands. And when it is cooled it contracts. As a general rule as the temperature increases the density decreases and as the temperature decreases the density increases.
Click here to view the effects of Salinity and Specific Gravity based on Temperature
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Q: How does the Digi-Lab TSS compare to a refractometer?
A:
1. The Digi-Lab TSS – is in the family of conductivity meters, which are recognized as the most accurate, precise, and reliable measurement methods used in the scientific industry. Ease of use, automatic conversions, and multi-parameter testing in a single tester are the primary benefits.
a. How it Works: Salt exists as sodium and chlorine ions that are positively and negatively charged moving freely in water. Once an electrical field is present, positively charged ions move toward a negatively charged electrode, and negatively charge ions move towards a positively charged electrode to obtain a reading.
b. Application: Simply dip the probe into the aquarium and press a button to receive an instant display of temperature (F), salinity (ppt), and temperature compensated specific gravity (eg.1.024)
2. Refractometer – Measures the salt level by a Refractive Index.
a. How it Works: A refractometer works on the principle that the speed of light varies depending on the density of the medium that it travels through. Hence, the less dense the medium, the faster light travels. When light passes from a medium of one density to a medium of another density at an angle, the rays of light are refracted and displayed onto a scale on the refractometer.
b. Application: Add a few drops of water onto a prism located on top of the refractometer. Water must cover the entire prism and must be free of air bubbles to obtain accurate results. Turn dial until scale is focused to obtain a reading.
Most refractomers require a light source for operation
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Comparison Chart
|
|
Digi-Lab TSS |
Refractometer |
| Measurement Method |
Conductivity |
Refractive Index |
| Salinity Measurement |
Yes |
Yes |
| Temperature Measurement |
Yes |
No |
Specific Gravity Measurement
(Temperature Compensated)
|
Yes |
No |
| Easy Push Button Testing |
Yes |
No |
| Digital Display |
Yes |
No |
| Measurement Hold Feature |
Yes |
No |
| Instant Readings |
Yes |
No |
| Laboratory Grade |
Yes |
Depends on Model |
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Q: What is the ideal range for a saltwater aquarium?
A: Most saltwater organisms should be kept within the following parameters:
1. Temperature: 76 – 80F
2. Salinity: 33-35 ppt
3. Specific Gravity: 1.021- 1.026
Note: Guidelines may differ for individual organisms.
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Q: How often do I need to calibrate?
A: We recommend recalibrating 1-2 times a month to maintain accuracy. Recalibrating frequency may vary depending on usage. Please refer to your manual for proper calibration procedures.
* Calibration solution may be obtained at your local dealer or by contacting us at support@jbjlighting.com
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