Refractometers .....

[KrautBurner]

I did a quick search,
didn't find much (other than everyone saying you "need" to use one)


are some better than others?

are there some to avoid?

my LFS said they were like $70-75 (or something)
I've found them online for alot less.
(I would rather give my business to my LFS, they are great to deal with, but I'm not UNICEF (I don't like giving away my money)


anyone familliar with these?

Sybon HD Refractometer - FG100sa
$59.95
http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merc...duct_Code=REFRACT-HD&Category_Code=Hydrometer

Premium Blue Refractometer - RHS-10ATC
$44.95
http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merc...n=PROD&Product_Code=REFRACT-PA&Category_Code=

or this from ebay:
$29.90
http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-SALINITY-RE...ryZ20755QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[KrautBurner]

oops,

answered my own question

 

[KrautBurner]

nobody here knows anything about refractometers?

 

[Scooterman]

The important thing here to remember is to get the PinPoint 53Ms solution to calibrate it correctly.
Probably, I'd go with the Blue one, although I have a Sybon!

 

[surf_buddy]

The important thing here to remember is to get the PinPoint 53Ms solution to calibrate it correctly.
Probably, I'd go with the Blue one, although I have a Sybon!

I just bought one and was told to use RO or distilled water to calibrate. Next time I'm at my a store I'll get the solution suggested about just to be sure. I'm glad I saw this thread. Thanks!

 

[Scooterman]

I found RO/DI water to be close but not the same as the Pinpoint solution.

 

[Curtswearing]

Yes,

Scooterman is correct. Very few refractometers are designed for NSW (Natural Salt Water). They are designed for NaCL or Sodium Chloride. If you were only wanting accurate NaCL, calibrating with distilled or RO/DI water would be fine. But NSW has all sorts of additional elements in it so you would be off in salinity for NSW.

The pinpoint calibration fluid and adjusting to 35 PPT salinity is definately the way to go.

EDIT: I'm sure I didn't explain that well. This might be better. http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-12/rhf/index.php

 

[surf_buddy]

Yes,

The pinpoint calibration fluid and adjusting to 35 PPT salinity is definately the way to go.

EDIT: I'm sure I didn't explain that well. This might be better. http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-12/rhf/index.php

You explained this well. The link is good, but a little TMI for me, or at least a bit too much to digest in the morning. Thanks!

 

[ziggy]

Curtswearing and Scooterman,

Revive the thread for now-


I have been reading alot about refractometers. I'm smart in many ways but for some reason I can't digest all the ppppttt's and .000001 ..0002, 35 36 37% and come to a conclusion about the +/- in the accuracy. The link above explained alot but made me a little gun shy to make a decision, can you help. Below are the stats for one I'm serious considering. What is your honest opinion.

Thank you in advance,
Chad

Measuring Ranges: 0-100 ppt of NaCl and 1.000 to 1.070 Specific Gravity (0-10%)
Divisions: 1 ppt / 0.001 Specific Gravity
Accuracy: ±1 ppt / 0.001 Specific Gravity (± 0.10%)
Length : 205mm
Weight: 220g
Heavy duty (Durable Aluminum)

 

[Scooterman]

http://www.thefilterguys.biz/refractometers.htm

This is the one Boomer recommends as being the best, little pricey but one time deal & your done. That said as long as you calibrate with the Pinpoint solution for calibrating.

 

[ziggy]

Man I knew I was walking into a 100$ answer:shock:
Thank you for your response.
Chad

 

[Scooterman]

Man I knew I was walking into a 100$ answer:shock:
Thank you for your response.
Chad

Well, as much as we rely on good RO/DI for make-up water, water changes, salt mixes, then the Refract is the next step to getting it right, so coff up a few buks extra & do it right the first time
JMO I know some people can't afford these things & have to deal without, so regardless at least your looking into & improvement & that is very important IMO!

 

[ziggy]

Yeh I agree, it is the basic solution surrounding our hobby.
Thank you,
Chad

 

[salmonslayer]

Zig. I think that $30 Ebay one may be junk?????. I didn't know you needed cal fluid. I was using RO water .