refractometer.

stevie-o · 04/05/2011, 03:57 PM

Hey i've been looking at refractometers i currently am using a hydrometer I was wondering how accurate hydrometers really are, and if it's worth spending the money on a refractometer. If i do decide to get a refractometer which one would you recommend, also which one gives the best bang for the buck?

joeychitwood · 04/05/2011, 04:38 PM

Here is the refractometer I purchased. It is so simple and quick, it's worth every dime.

Randy Holmes-Farley · 04/05/2011, 04:49 PM

If you get a refractometer, just be sure to calibrate it with a seawater standard.

As to hydrometers, good glass floating hydrometers like the Tropic Marin are perfectly adequate. Plastic swing arm hydrometers are frequently inaccurate.

OTOH, I prefer to measure salinity by electrical conductivity. There are several such brands of meter around, like the Pinpoint.

snupa · 04/05/2011, 06:03 PM

I love my refractometers. I barely had to calibrate it and it was every dollar. Mine was bought from marinedepot.com and was 39.99 I believe.

award212 · 04/05/2011, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snupa

i love my refractometers. I barely had to calibrate it and it was every dollar. Mine was bought from marinedepot.com and was 39.99 i believe.

+1

JordanB8810 · 04/05/2011, 07:06 PM

I've heard of the plastic swing-arm hydrometers being up to .004 off. Not a good feeling when you think your salinity is 1.026 only to find out it's really 1.030! That being said, I've seen some hydrometers that are relatively close to the refractometers readings. So I think it depends on the specific hydrometer you have. Bottom line is, a refractometer is always going to be more reliable and (especially in comparison to everything else in this hobby) not that bad of a wallet killer.

tjsmk8 · 04/05/2011, 07:28 PM

I bought my refractometer off ebay for 35 shipped to my door. It looks just like the blue one at Foster & Smith but it included 35ppt calibration fluid. Might be the best money I've spent in this hobby.

tjsmk8 · 04/05/2011, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tjsmk8

I bought my refractometer off ebay for 35 shipped to my door. It looks just like the blue one at Foster & Smith but it included 35ppt calibration fluid. Might be the best money I've spent in this hobby.

The ebay seller is nis_sales if you want to check out the one I bought.

04/05/2011, 03:57 PM	#1
stevie-o Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 338	refractometer. Hey i've been looking at refractometers i currently am using a hydrometer I was wondering how accurate hydrometers really are, and if it's worth spending the money on a refractometer. If i do decide to get a refractometer which one would you recommend, also which one gives the best bang for the buck?

04/05/2011, 04:49 PM	#3
Randy Holmes-Farley Reef Chemist Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Arlington, Massachusetts Posts: 86,233	If you get a refractometer, just be sure to calibrate it with a seawater standard. As to hydrometers, good glass floating hydrometers like the Tropic Marin are perfectly adequate. Plastic swing arm hydrometers are frequently inaccurate. OTOH, I prefer to measure salinity by electrical conductivity. There are several such brands of meter around, like the Pinpoint. __________________ Randy Holmes-Farley Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef

04/05/2011, 07:06 PM	#6
JordanB8810 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Auburn, AL Posts: 46	I've heard of the plastic swing-arm hydrometers being up to .004 off. Not a good feeling when you think your salinity is 1.026 only to find out it's really 1.030! That being said, I've seen some hydrometers that are relatively close to the refractometers readings. So I think it depends on the specific hydrometer you have. Bottom line is, a refractometer is always going to be more reliable and (especially in comparison to everything else in this hobby) not that bad of a wallet killer. __________________ 55g Reef. 30g sump w/ fuge. 75 lbs live rock DSB. 20g nano. 20 lbs live rock. Current Tank Info: 55g Reef

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04/05/2011, 04:38 PM	#2
joeychitwood Schrödinger's Mod Join Date: Apr 2001 Posts: 3,488	Here is the refractometer I purchased. It is so simple and quick, it's worth every dime.

04/05/2011, 06:03 PM	#4
snupa Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: NJ Posts: 136	I love my refractometers. I barely had to calibrate it and it was every dollar. Mine was bought from marinedepot.com and was 39.99 I believe.

04/05/2011, 07:28 PM	#7
tjsmk8 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Evansville, IN Posts: 23	I bought my refractometer off ebay for 35 shipped to my door. It looks just like the blue one at Foster & Smith but it included 35ppt calibration fluid. Might be the best money I've spent in this hobby.