Refractometer? Yes or no?

[bonebrake]

I have yet to purchase the basic necessities for marine aquarium maintenance. Is a refractometer worth the extra dough? Please follow your poll choice with a why or why not. I want to do things right the first time as much as possible to save time, money, pain, and suffering.

 

[hot883]

I finally broke down and bought one off the auction site. My swing arm hydrometer said I was 1.024-25 and the LFS tested it repeatedly at 1.030-31. Thats why I went with one. If a swing arm type is "seasoned" correctly they are supposed to be good. Mine never was. HTH

 

[bonebrake]

Originally Posted by hot883
I finally broke down and bought one off the auction site. My swing arm hydrometer said I was 1.024-25 and the LFS tested it repeatedly at 1.030-31. Thats why I went with one. If a swing arm type is "seasoned" correctly they are supposed to be good. Mine never was. HTH
Did the LFS have a refractometer or a swing arm coming up with a different reading?

 

[hot883]

Originally Posted by Bonebrake
Did the LFS have a refractometer or a swing arm coming up with a different reading?
very well seasoned swing arm. There are ppl that swear by them. In order for a swing arm to be accurate as I said you will need to let it soak in salt water.
But the deal is, 2 LFS checked mine and came up with the same S.G.

 

[bonebrake]

I see, thanks for the reply!

 

[hot883]

Originally Posted by Bonebrake
I see, thanks for the reply!

Plus I got tired of tapping it to get the bubbles off the arm etc. Has to sit on a perfectly level space. With a refracto. ;2 sec. I'm done!

 

[acrylic51]

Refractometer is worth the money spent

 

[thomas712]

Absolutely worth it, I would be absolutely lost without mine.

 

[thejdshow]

Bone Break... you play paintball?

 

[bonebrake]

Originally Posted by Thejdshow
Bone Break... you play paintball?
Never tried it. I would love to sometime.
I am big into martial arts and osteopathic manipulative medicine so the name fits.

 

[bonebrake]

Well it is 5-0 for refractometer! I am buying a refractometer from saltwaterfish.com as I type!

 

[thejdshow]

oh, there was a once pro paintball player who went by the name of bonebreak. just seein what the meaning was.

 

[bonebrake]

Originally Posted by Thejdshow
oh, there was a once pro paintball player who went by the name of bonebreak. just seein what the meaning was.
Bonebrake is actually my last name.

 

[ophiura]

If you are going fish only, I would say....eh, could probably do without. If a reef, absolutely, positively need it...and for a QT with hypo you MUST have one.

 

[beth]

https://www.saltwaterfish.com/vb/show...30&postcount=5

 

[bonebrake]

Originally Posted by Beth
https://www.saltwaterfish.com/vb/show...30&postcount=5
Very informative Beth! Thank you!
I remember pictures of broomer5's tanks, they were always spectacular. Is he still around on the forum?

 

[nm reef]

Mine ran around $50 and was well worth the expense. I'd definitely vote "YES"......even if it was a Republician supported agenda!!!!

 

[wax32]

My swing arm and my refractometer both give the same reading. The refractometer is WAY easier though, so I vote for the refractometer!

 

[broomer5]

Thanks Bonebrake - and yeah I'm still around now and then.

 

[drew2005]

I just ordered my refracto 2 days ago. Waiting for it to arrive.