Salinity Refractometer

exotickeeper

exotickeeper

Member
Has anyone had any experience with a Salinity Refractometer? I've been using a hydrometer for the last several years but if this refractometer is good then I am considering it.
Thanks
 
almarktool

almarktool

Member
i use to use a glass hydrometer and they work pretty good,
i bought a refractometer 3 months ago and it is great i love it
 
exotickeeper

exotickeeper

Member
How often do you have to calibrate it and is it troublesome? From what I understand, all you do is put 3 drops of water on the glass and hold it up to the light. Is that correct?
 
almarktool

almarktool

Member
yeah u just have to put some pure water on it add make sure she reads 0 or 1.0000 as far as calibrating it u prob should not ever have to unless u drop it or start using it in different room temp i usually just give mine a quick check every 2 or 3 times i use it since i always have a drum of top off water nearby which is already the same temp as the tanks
 
dubba-r

dubba-r

Member
I just taste the water to see if it is salty enough:D Hahah, j/k. I am also thinking about one. But then again, the swing arm type have been working for me.
 
twoods71

twoods71

Active Member
I just ordered one and it is due to arrive today. I have been using a swing arm also and am curious to see if there is any difference in the reading.
Seems as though the older the swing arms get the less reliable they are. I have replaced them in the past and the difference from the new swing arm to the old was sometimes as much as .005 (example: 1.022 old - 1.027 new). Not good
 
frankl15207

frankl15207

Member
I just purchased one about a month ago.
I always preferred the glass hydrometers to the swing arms because of the inconsistency with the swing arms, but with the glass hydrometers a deep still water condition is necessary. I have three of the swing arms and none are anywhere near the other. Fortunately, one of the swing arms matched the refractometer reading perfectly, so I get to cheat a little when making water for changes. However I do use the refractometer as a last check and for checking the tank.
I checked the calibration on it when I received it and it was already set properly. Getting room temperature to 68 for the calibration test was a little tough though ;) .
In my opinion it was well worth the extra cost for peace of mind.
 
twoods71

twoods71

Active Member
My refracto came in yesterday. Here is the scoop.
The refracto reads 1.021 while the swing arm reads 1.025.
I trust the refracto results because when looking at pure distilled water it is perfectly calibrated.
By the way I only paid $69 for the refracto and feel it was a good investment.
I have a pin point pH monitor coming in today that I got for $69 also. Hopefully it will be as good as an investment as the refracto.
 
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