Milwaukee Digital Refractometer - anyone use it?

[Robert4025]

Pretty accurate and consistence reading. I always use in conjunction with Aqua Craft Salinity calibration fluid for sanity check whenever in doubt. And I always have two/three units laying around so I can cross reference accuracy between each.

 

[Mark SF]

I own one, on my second unit (first one was destroyed when it fell off the table). It is a very convenient tool, but the problem is that it is inconsistent in my experience.

It is not terribly accurate, but not so far off that it is a huge issue. For example, last night's testing produced results of 34, 35, 35, 34, 35. Probably on par with the user error from a typical refractometer. However, I find that it is easy to contaminate the test, and I use a syringe that I flush in and out with tank water BEFORE I test with the Milwaukee. Do NOT use the pipettes provided as you cannot get out all of the previous water and it will skew the test.

Also, calibrating with RO/DI water is not recommended per the instructions. On my new unit, they provided a special distilled solution that is recommended, as well as a solution mixed to 1.025 salinity to check for accuracy.

Still, I would recommend the unit, but to a more detail oriented aquarist, for the reasons above.

-Mark

 

[Jyetman]

I've been using one and it works great. I've heard it's best to zero it out each time before you use it but all it takes is a few drops of RODI. I have two other standard refractometers and it matches up. One thing I really like about it is that it will show in ppt and it's super fast. You just put a few drops of water on it, wait a minute or two for temp to equalize then press the button.

On a side note, one thing I've never been able to get to work right is my stupid Apex Salinity module/probe. The latest support says is that +2ppt is normal for refractometer readings.

Refractometers (all match) - 35ppt
Apex - 37.5ppt

I just ordered a Pinpoint Salinity probe from BF. I hate not knowing for sure!

Curious is to how old is your apex salinity probe? Planning to buy one on black Friday as well as the digital hanna .

 

[fishlee]

I use one for over a year it is highly accurate

 

[DloG]

Now I'm thinking of getting one lol.. Where did you end up getting it D-Nak? you save more than the 15-16% sales going on?

You can also try AquaCave. It's also 83.99 but their shipping is more cost effective.

 

[D-Nak]

Curious is to how old is your apex salinity probe? Planning to buy one on black Friday as well as the digital hanna .

I considered buying a salinity probe for my Apex as well. But after reading up on the calibration headaches and lack of consistency, I opted not to purchase one.