Anyone using the Milwaukee Digital Seawater Refractometer?

[fredro]

I'm tired of unreliable refractometers. I have the Red Sea one that's supposed to be for seawater, but I'm having a hell of a time calibrating if and getting accurate readings. I'd love an apex with a salinity probe but that'll be $800 I don't have. Any reviews on the Milwaukee??

 

[Widdy]

Milwaukee MA887? Love mine...been using one for about 2+ years now. Easy to calibrate and clean up. More in-depth review -- http://www.reefaddicts.com/content.php/384-Product-Review-Milwaukee-Digital-Refractometer

 

[cmantis]

They are awesome!

 

[marrone]

I just got one, black Friday sale, and it's very easy to use but I'm still not 100% confident in the readings and I find myself comparing it to my refractormeter just in case.

 

[Lsnyc]

Excellent

I been using it for about 6 months and it's fantastic. Money well spent.

 

[Reef Reaper]

been using one for over three years. Great instrument! It is cheaper is than the Hanna Instrument version.

 

[Long-Island-Mike]

I'm sold!! I will order mine this week :smile:

 

[friedwilly]

Love mine, very easy to use.

 

[don]

mil digital refac used for over a year great, must remember to clean sample ss holding and lens plate or otherwise sample will dry and leave salt deposit on lens ,if so just clean with vinegar and paper towel

 

[greg 45]

fredro the salinity probes are useless and not reliable / need to be cleaned often and recalibrated / stick with one that fits your budget
marrone I also used to compare the two / two different animals / they were always close when I checked like comparing thermometers.
Milwaukee makes a decent product also there po4 tested is easy to use / yes pricy but you will own 4 a long time .

 

[NYreefNoob]

been using one on customers tank for several years with no issues

 

[SIReefer]

Got mine on a BRS black friday sale - handy & easy to use. Same readings as the refractometer.

 

[fredro]

I hadn't seen the Milwaukee PO4 testers... I see one that's big like the salinity tester and also one that's a small checker that looks like the Hanna. The small ones are going for around $50 on eBay which is reasonable. But the big one is pretty pricey.

 

[greg 45]

the larger unit seem to be more accurate in my opinion

 

[fredro]

I ordered the Milwaukee MA887 Digital Salinity Tester. Kinda bummed that it doesn't come with the case, which they want another ~$20 more for, after you already pay $115 for the tester. Whatever. Maybe I'll get one later on down the line. I held off on the digital PO4 tester for now. I did order a Hanna Digital Marine Alkalinity Checker. Depending on how I like the Hanna, I'll either order the Hanna or the Milwaukee PO4 checker. I like to stick with the same brands when it comes to stuff like this and I hate to start replacing all the Red Sea Pro test kits I bought, but I think the digital checkers may be the best way to go.

 

[MWoodhill]

me. really worth the money.

 

[fredro]

I finally bought mine a few months back after seeing all these positive reviews. I absolutely love the tool. I wish it came w the carrying case, instead of tahini to fork over another $25 for it, but I'll likely get that in time. I just wanted to add my recommendation for it and think that it's so simple to use and really accurate. Thanks for the advise!