Need help on Refractometer purchase

[Plan>B]

I am wanting to buy a Refractometer. Now I have two questions as follow:

What types/brands are good, or which ones should I stay away from.

Would it be better to just buy a new one or would it be ok to get used. Been kinda worried about buying used testing items.

 

[ricde]

I like the one from Bulk Reef. It's reasonably priced ($40) but comes with the calibration fluid for free.

 

[Plan>B]

thanks for the reply ricde... is there different types... settings or what not. I have no clue, just really tired of the bubble meter.

 

[ricde]

For a hobby grade refracs, they're all going to be fairly accurate, if calibrated correctly.

There are various options, automatic temp compensation, adjustment knob (no screwdriver needed) and an internal light. The only really important option to look for is the temperature compensation.

Keep it calibrated with the calibration fluid (not R/O water) and it should give you years of accuracy. I always re-calibrate mine before each use because my cheap one tends to loose the calibration quickly.

 

[Toadally]

Why not use RO water? Mine says to use distilled water, what's the difference? Thanks!

 

[ricde]

To get the most accurate reading from the refractometer, it's better to use a calibration fluid that's closer to the reading of the water your checking. The 53. fluid equates to 1.026 sal. ,a lot closer to the 1.024 I run my tank at.

For reference, my refract measures almost .002 difference when calibrated with R/O. My cheap IO hydrometer is also .002 off.
Without the calibration fluid there's little to no difference to justify the cost of the refract.

Higher quality refract's may not have this problem. To me, the $10 fluid cost more than pays for itself when you look at the cost of the higher quality refractometers.

 

[Plan>B]

Thanks for all the reply guys. I remembered that their were some type of options... just couldn't remember the ones that were really needed.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15623146#post15623146 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ricde
I like the one from Bulk Reef. It's reasonably priced ($40) but comes with the calibration fluid for free.

Is there any 'name' brands some one can have a say about? Or which ones to stay away from?

 

[pmrossetti]

Hi Plan>B, It's a bit expensive but the best one I ever bought was the Vital Sine refractometer from DRsFoster Smith.(green handle) It costs 109.00 but the display is so much bigger than the regular kind it's a pleasure to use. I gave one to my local fish store owner as a present and he LOVED it. So, if you can afford the purchase, get it. It's a dream. I'll never use anything else. 3 years and going strong. Just check it out.