Refractometer help

trish&dave

trish&dave

Member
What are the absolute parameters needed in a Refractometer? Looking at several sites, and I am confused. Some are around $50, then some around $80. I can see the difference in range and increments, but what do I really need for a reef? I have had many frustrations with FW and the difference in colors on the dip sticks (not accurate anyway), but don't want to regret the purchase. Thanks for any advise.
 
7

75bownut

Guest
Originally Posted by trish&dave
What are the absolute parameters needed in a Refractometer? Looking at several sites, and I am confused. Some are around $50, then some around $80. I can see the difference in range and increments, but what do I really need for a reef? I have had many frustrations with FW and the difference in colors on the dip sticks (not accurate anyway), but don't want to regret the purchase. Thanks for any advise.

A refractometer IMO is one of the most important things you can purchase for a reef. #2 would be a ph monitor. If you buy one then you will look back at this post and thank me and yourself for asking! NO doubt buy one!!!
 
trish&dave

trish&dave

Member
That is why I am asking for a reference on the type, accuracy, etc. Just don't want to buy one and eventually want to upgrade. Thanks for the response!
 
7

75bownut

Guest
Originally Posted by trish&dave
That is why I am asking for a reference on the type, accuracy, etc. Just don't want to buy one and eventually want to upgrade. Thanks for the response!

I use one made by ***********, it has atc "automatic temper control", it is very accurate when looking into the eyepiece there are graduated lines corresponding to sg example 1.025, 1.026 etc......, you wont need to upgrade they are all fundamentally the same just make sure it has atc.
 
maxalmon

maxalmon

Active Member
Just about any of the units that have the Temp control thingy will be fine, usually they cost around $45. To calibrate, all you do is use a few drops of RO water, then dial the image to zero and tighten the

[hr]
down, takes all of 30 seconds. Best piece of equipment you will ever buy.
 
m0nk

m0nk

Active Member
Originally Posted by maxalmon
Just about any of the units that have the Temp control thingy will be fine, usually they cost around $45. To calibrate, all you do is use a few drops of RO water, then dial the image to zero and tighten the

[hr]
down, takes all of 30 seconds. Best piece of equipment you will ever buy.

Mine is a brand called Sybon and it was $43 at my LFS. It includes the auto-temp control.... this feature isn't really something you can see, it's internal, just fyi.
 
sammyjoe

sammyjoe

Member
I have looked at two LFS here and cannot find one. The one guy at the lfs didn't even know what it was haha. I also looked at
this website and cannot find one on here either. Is there another name for these??
 
willlovesfish

willlovesfish

Member
Originally Posted by Sammyjoe
I have looked at two LFS here and cannot find one. The one guy at the lfs didn't even know what it was haha. I also looked at
this website and cannot find one on here either. Is there another name for these??
Nope, no other name for them. My LFS knew what it was but didn't carry them either, had to special order them for some dumb reason. They also told me a hydrometer was very accurate. Needless to say I don't take their advice on much of anything anymore.
SWF.com doesn't seem to sell them anymore.
Like others I got mine from ***********, it's the cheaper one made by them. Not cheap quality by any means though, comes with a nice case and all. Would highly recommend it to anyone, must have!
 
sammyjoe

sammyjoe

Member
Thanks I will continue looking for one because my hydrometer is either broken or I know this sounds crazy but i'm using it wrong because water does not stay in it long enough for me to get an accurate reading.
Now the LFS guy swears by it and said that it's really accurate and blah blah but wants me to bring the one I have back so he can check it out.
 
willlovesfish

willlovesfish

Member
Just go to *********** and you will find it there, it's $50 and is made by them.
I wouldn't trust your LFS if they say hydro's are accurate. Just imo though.
Good luck either way.
 
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