Refractometers-Which to stay away from?

[BaaMNYC]

Now that im focusing on building a reef tank. I have decided to invest in a refractometer. Yes i know i should have done this from the get go but now that i am getting deeper into the hobby. I will be getting one.

Question? what companies do you guys recommend? which ones to stay away from? does it even matter? Obviously get a salinity refractometer but suggestions are appreciated.

what sets the $100 ones from the $40 ones?

 

[skene]

The price... otherwise they all do the same thing.
Maybe some might be temperature compensating... but otherwise if you keep the water temp approx at 75* you'll get a fairly accurate reading.
If you have lower than 70* it will affect the reading.

I could be wrong tho.

 

[BaaMNYC]

It seems some have a smaller salinity range in the viewer? 1.015 to 1.030 as opposed to 1.00 to 1.070? Or am I wrong?

 

[duke62]

well boomer explained most of the cheaper versions of the refractometer only test "salt water" meaning table salt.you need to be sure hey are they type that test for sea salt which are more money.

 

[CHEMCHEF]

I read that thread about the table salt. But havnt these table salt refractometers been working for all of us so far?
I see very succesfull tanks that use Marine depot style refracts. Also hydrometers.

 

[BaaMNYC]

As long as its calibrated and accurate, does it matter?

 

[lindsay]

I read that thread about the table salt. But havnt these table salt refractometers been working for all of us so far?
I see very succesfull tanks that use Marine depot style refracts. Also hydrometers.

Its the same over here in the UK,i use what many call a brine Refractometer and not one of the more improved refractometers that is more accurate when reading tank sg levels,when it comes to calibrating it i take a good hydrometer and take water out of the tank and let it drop a little to the right temperature for the hydrometer then calibrate the refractometer so it reads the same as the hydrometer,this normally works well for me.That said when the time comes to replace it i will get one of the new breed of refractometers.

 

[xxxAngeloxxx]

well boomer explained most of the cheaper versions of the refractometer only test "salt water" meaning table salt.you need to be sure hey are they type that test for sea salt which are more money.

1+ good times Duke huh lol

 

[smoq]

I read that thread about the table salt. But havnt these table salt refractometers been working for all of us so far?
I see very succesfull tanks that use Marine depot style refracts. Also hydrometers.

+1 Most of us use the one made for measuring brine just fine.