Refractometer's

[Skim]

Hi guy's I was wondering about Refractometer's  I have seen quite a few for sale and was wondering why? Do they not work well or is a pain to use. Hey that may be a good Poll who does and who does not use them.
What the scoop?

All the best.

Mike

 

[AdInfinitum]

I would never trust a plastic hydrometer unless I had recently checked it against a properly calibrated Refractometer or Conductivity meter. Lab grade glass hydrometers are as accurate as can be but who needs something delicate and glass around the tank that needs still water for accuracy.  Refractometers are easy to use and with proper care will stay in calibration almost indefinitely (still check occasionally).

 

[Poseidon]

Hi guy's I was wondering about Refractometer's  I have seen quite a few for sale and was wondering why? Do they not work well or is a pain to use. Hey that may be a good Poll who does and who does not use them.
What the scoop?

All the best.

Mike

ive sold quite a few, only because i get a few in now and then from buying packages of stuff.
i ALWAYS have one on hand and literally throw hydrometers in the garbage.

i actually have a spare one forsale if your interested.

 

[Boga]

I consider them as a must have. They are easy to use, maybe the easiest test that you can do, compared to other water parameters (other than temp )

If you want to buy one make sure is ATC (automatic temperature compensation). Some of the old ones do not have this feature and you have to apply a correction.

Many people sell them because get out of hobby, they have more, or it is out of calibration, or the glass has scratches, etc. If you buy a second hand, I would make sure it calibrates right at two points (i.e. 0 and 1.026 SG). They are easy to calibrate and/or verify calibration.

Anyway, some of them are not for saltwater, so make sure the scale is in specific gravity (SG) and ppt salinity (0/00).

 

[Petercar (RIP Dec 2017)]

i use the milwaukiee one.    ..no looking with the eye.  ..just put a drop on the readr and press. read.  ..it gives yu the salinity for the temp of the water ..also i use the red sea hydrometer  it has a suction cup amd temp reader.    so yu can stick it inside yur tank to.    just when i wamma read fast.  ..it has been loned up with the milwaukiie.

 

[Skim]

Thanks for the info guy's I was offered one for $20.00 WZ-211 but it is not a ATC would it be worth getting it looks brand new.

Mike

 

[Jewel]

I have two, that's why you might see mine for sale, They are a must.

 

[Boga]

Thanks for the info guy's I was offered one for $20.00 WZ-211 but it is not a ATC would it be worth getting it looks brand new.

Mike

Personally I would pay 10-20 more for an ATC.

 

[Boga]

Here is a good article if you want to read more about refractometers:
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-12/rhf/index.php