quads4_lif
Member
I am looking to buy a refractomert but there are so many on the auction site. Which is a decent one to buy?
What is a good refractometer
- Thread starter quads4_lif
- Start date
T
thomas712
Guest
Hmmmm, I'm not sure.....Now where did I see them for sale before :thinking: ....the good ones.........
Ah hear it is. :jumping:
https://www.saltwaterfish.com/site_11...7e65a8e2385dea
Ah hear it is. :jumping:
https://www.saltwaterfish.com/site_11...7e65a8e2385dea
quads4_lif
Member
Ok thank you. I get so wraped up in the forums I completely forget they sell stuff other than fish
chipmaker
Active Member
Just about all the refractometers you see advertised at $50 or less are essentially the same....about the only differences in them may be the color of the body and the method of adjusting the scale. SOme use a thumb screw others need a tiny screw driver (usually included) and either way its imaterial as its not like it has to be calibrated every time you use it. Unless dropped or abused, it should stay where its set at for a long long time if not indefinately....
Whatever place you buy from make sure it has automatic temperature compensation at least.....I have a Baush & Lomb refractometer, with interchangeable scales for various liquids.....cost uncle sam over $1,500. Its a superb piece of craftsmanship......It was missing the salt scale when I purchased it at a government auction. It cost me $40 for a scale to check salt water.....I also have a $40 complete refractometer I purchased in additon from an online source.....NOt one once of difference between the top end B & L unit and the made in China one......they both read perfect, so in all reality IMHO cost is not a factor here with manufacturer and ability to do what it does..
Whatever place you buy from make sure it has automatic temperature compensation at least.....I have a Baush & Lomb refractometer, with interchangeable scales for various liquids.....cost uncle sam over $1,500. Its a superb piece of craftsmanship......It was missing the salt scale when I purchased it at a government auction. It cost me $40 for a scale to check salt water.....I also have a $40 complete refractometer I purchased in additon from an online source.....NOt one once of difference between the top end B & L unit and the made in China one......they both read perfect, so in all reality IMHO cost is not a factor here with manufacturer and ability to do what it does..
quads4_lif
Member
Thank you I purchased me one because of all the horror stories of the swingarm style which have been useing since I set up my tank so far no probs but I dont have any fish or corals in it yet so I dont want to risk any problems.
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oreo12
Guest
bump
sarwiz100
Member
We have the cheaper one, and it is very accurate. We also have a swingarm piece'0's*** and a glass hydrometer. When we got the refractometer, we calibrated it and went to the LFS to check their water. They were using a swingarm!!! but they read the same. Our other 2 read .02 and .04 UNDER. Just now getting the salinity down to 1.025 after 2 weeks. (It was 1.028, and taking it VERY slow.) Got ours from the doc site for 40.99, and uses a screwdriver to adjust. Just make sure your calibration water is at the proper temp for calibration--VERY IMPORTANT--read the instructions.
badoleross
Member
I purchased the same one a the Dr.s and am very happy with it. I trashed my old swingarm.
quads4_lif
Member
Yeah I had used a swing arm deepsix to do mine it said that my salinity was at 1.024 adn I checked it with a friends refractometer and it was actualy 1.028 I ordered one imediatly
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oreo12
Guest
I bought on for 29.99 and it showes my water right where the swing arm had all along. I do find this easier to read than the swing arm.
nemo's mom
Member
I ordered mine on this site and LOVE it!!