WOW! Refractometer vs Hydrometer (New people read!)

[king_neptune]

Originally Posted by BS
http:///forum/post/3257952
Does anyone recommend one refractometer over another?
I got two milwakii meters. I like them both. Both have ATC(automatic temp control). Compenstes for water temp fluxiations.
One I got used for $50. The other I got new for $110. I like the older model myself, my dad preferes the newer model. Both are great peices.
Another cool thing about refractometers is they tell you visually when its time to do a WC.
When your tank has fresh pristine saltwater, the line is razor sharp and in focus.
After a week or two you will notice the water line slightly more blurred and harder to define.
Its gradual, so you dont catch it at first. But the difference beetween my water thats about to go into the tank, and the water that is comming out is very noticable.

 

[bs]

I've been searching online, and I'm finding a pile of no-name refractometers. There is a huge price jump between a brand name vs. no-name. Has anyone had any bad experiences with these no-name ones?
I have a hydrometer and now I'm scared!

 

[dingus890]

Yeah I just re-checked after correctly calibrating my new refractometer, and my SP was 1.030!! My hydrometer said it was 1.025. Wow. No wonder my multifora starfish died.
One question though, do I have to calibrate it before I use it every time?

 

[king_neptune]

No. but it is good practice. Some people insist you do it every time.
A monthly calibration should be fine. It just takes a couple drops of distilled water to calibrate.
Now that Ive said that, I need to go calibrate mine XD
Hey, thats one reason I got two. And they always measure up