Refractometer, salt brand?

[jinoue]

I'm spinning up my tank this weekend, I'm looking to buy a refractometer and my first batch of salt (I'll be buying RO water, but I don't have enough containers to do 50+ gallons of water to start, so I'm making my own).

It's a FOWLR tank (at least it will be), I know many people use salinity but I feel like that's overkill for my tank.

 

[jinoue]

I was hoping to get some guidance on refractometers, there's a huge variety out there, with many people recommending some random ebay one. I'd rather invest in a better quality unit, assuming it makes a difference.

 

[Gryphon]

I bought mine from BRS for $40+shipping. I haven't had a chance to break it out and use it yet, but it seems to be a pretty standard refractometer.

 

[user 26995]

Get a Milwaukee brand.
I am using this one now for a few years and am happy with it
Milwaukee Salinity Refractometer with ATC by Milwaukee Instruments MR100ATC - AquaCave.com
there are also new digital ones
Milwaukee Seawater Digital Refractometer
Milwaukee Digital Seawater Refractometer - Bulk Reef Supply

 

[smoknreefr]

veratex refractmeter ..... 1.020 for a fish only ..... and id go with the salinity for the money and the streching it down to .020 will make it last longer or go for the orange bucket at petco and always mix 24-48hrs before using in you tank also heating it to temp gets a better reading on your refracto

 

[mfinn]

A lot of good choices for a refractometer so far. I use Instant Ocean salt. Can't go wrong.

 

[smoknreefr]

A lot of good choices for a refractometer so far. I use Instant Ocean salt. Can't go wrong.

thanks marty couldn't think of the name of the orange bucket @ petco

 

[mfinn]

thanks marty couldn't think of the name of the orange bucket @ petco

I kind of thought that was what you were thinking of. lol

 

[Thrawn]

The orange bucket is instant ocean's reef crystals salt, btw. Purple bucket is normal instant ocean salt.

Following this thread, been thinking about getting a refractometer but no idea which one.

 

[rainydave]

Refractometer from BRS Refractometer for reading salinity w/ Free Calibration fluid - Bulk Reef Supply
Instant Ocean for salt.

 

[HUNTER01975]

I bought a D&D at OBD used it last night first time ever seems to work good tested 0 on tap water.. and then started testing my tank as i added salt.

 

[burning2nd]

i would go with tropic marin sea salt....

The best of the best IMO (others will agree)

 

[mfinn]

The orange bucket is instant ocean's reef crystals salt, btw. Purple bucket is normal instant ocean salt.

Following this thread, been thinking about getting a refractometer but no idea which one.

Ooopps missed that one. I use both salts. I still say for most tanks, especially a fish only, Instant Ocean is priced right and is a excellent salt.