Refractometer Suggestions

Henchman24

Henchman24

Member
I am needing to buy a refractometer & would like some suggestions as to what kind to buy. I was thinking about buying one at reef culture as it is really close to where I live & work. I believe it was Bug who recommended this Vee Gee Scientific STX-3 Handheld Refractometer but it is $107 & I am a cheap son o B.
41in2alk5cL._SL500_AA300_.jpg


I think this is what I was looking at last time at reef culture for like $60
yhst-127861755510203_2258_47014116


All comments, thoughts, & insults appreciated.
 
I have an ATC like the one on the bottom but its not a name brand on the box. I got it from Dr foster and Smith's for like 35 bucks on sale. I don't think it matters much as long as its temp correcting and I think most are.
 
If you think you are in the hobby to stay, a lifer....I would get a Vee Gee and you will never need another one!
:)
 
Have you seen the Milwaukee MA887? They are quick, easy, and can be calibrated, with temperature compensation, a digital read out if you have bad eyes, and 3 different scales of measure to choose from.

The bad side is it's that weird bright green, which is handy if you forget where you put stuff. And the little feet are on the bottom don't stay on very well.
http://www.milwaukeetesters.com/MA887.html
MA887.jpg


The D&D might be harder to get locally very soon.
 
I love my milwaukee ma887. Its worth the money I think.

Before that one I loved my marine depot PRO refractometer. The reason is that the scale is appropriate for SW, so the scale covers less range and thusly is larger and easier to read, so its more accurate than most others. Take a look at it. The pro version is the one you want. I think its like $45-50
 
Frick said:
Have you seen the Milwaukee MA887? They are quick, easy, and can be calibrated, with temperature compensation, a digital read out if you have bad eyes, and 3 different scales of measure to choose from.

The bad side is it's that weird bright green, which is handy if you forget where you put stuff. And the little feet are on the bottom don't stay on very well.
http://www.milwaukeetesters.com/MA887.html
MA887.jpg


The D&D might be harder to get locally very soon.
Click to expand...


that is super nice!!! With glasses and contacts my vision still sucks! haha

I have a Sybon FG100a.... i love it! I believe in calibrating it every time i use it. So i don't end up like some guy MR. Saltwater talked about that never calibrated his refractometer and was loosing fish but read 1.025 but was really 1.033.
 
Frick said:
Have you seen the Milwaukee MA887? They are quick, easy, and can be calibrated, with temperature compensation, a digital read out if you have bad eyes, and 3 different scales of measure to choose from.

The bad side is it's that weird bright green, which is handy if you forget where you put stuff. And the little feet are on the bottom don't stay on very well.
http://www.milwaukeetesters.com/MA887.html
MA887.jpg


The D&D might be harder to get locally very soon.
Click to expand...

When I put 1.026 calibration fluid on the Milwaukee, it shows 1.028. No way to calibrate it using fluid, only RO water. So it's always off by .002 for me.
 
It's not accurate is what I'm saying. Calibrated with ro. Then tested with 1.026 fluid and it's off, showing 1.028. Not a huge deal. But for the money... Meh
 
With refractometers, and this applies to pH probe as well, you always want to do a two point calibration. For a refractometer this means calibrating with R.O. water first then using a 1.026 calibration fluid, dialing in to the 1.026 to get an accurate reading, and using the difference from the RO water to let you know how off the instrument is off all together.

With pH, same concept. You calibrate to the solution that is close to what you are monitoring (the aquarium water 10.01, and Ca reactors 4.01). Then verify with 7.01 solution. The more the two numbers deviate, the closer it is time to buy a new pH probe.
 
I ended up buying a Double D brand refractometer & calibration solution. I calibrated it with rodi like the instructions say then used the fluid which should be read 1.026 & it was measuring like 1.0265. I dialed it down to 1.026 figuring the solution is more accurate than rodi water. I can see myself buying a higher end instrument in the future. I bought some Ca & KH tests as well. I want to add an anemone & corals at some point but want to research / test more things than I have been. I just started cycling my first tank about 3 months ago so I think I am on the right path.

Thanks for all the feedback Everyone

DDrefractometer_zps82d6801c.jpg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

J
feeding
Replies
5
Views
3K
austin_socal
A
jeffrey_ropp
System Replacement - Lost in Eaton Fire in California
Replies
2
Views
185
albano
albano
K
Fluval Reef 4.0 LED Nano Power Level for 15G?
Replies
3
Views
83
kingyking888
K
P
DIY Hang on back Sump Tank
Replies
14
Views
3K
kharmaguru
kharmaguru
davisl
SOLARIS PFOaquatics with I5 Power Supply - AUTO settings question, there a manual?
Replies
5
Views
555
oreo57
oreo57
Back
Top