Refractometers

[shibumi]

It is essencial to have a refractometer?

And, if it is - does anyone know a good place to buy one? (good place = cheap)

Thanks,

 

[Travis L. Stevens]

It's not essential, but I wouldn't recommend not having one. You could use a swing arm or floating hydrometer, but their accuracy is very questionable. You might as well save your self the trouble and money in the long run and get a Refractometer. You can order one through Drs. Foster and Smith and Marine Depot.

 

[Sailor_jon]

I have both. I was using the lever arm for a while, then won a refractomer in a raffle! (thanks ORCA). Turns out the lever arm was WAY off, but consistent. So beware. The refractomer is a cinch to use..and extemely accurate. I would consider any test kits and devices as important as live rock and filters. If you dont know what you have how can you maintain things in a proper fashion? my $.02

 

[Gimplar]

Yeah, i also use a swing arm, but i dont know the accuracy of it. I'm in the process of buying a refractometer as well. I see that ebay has some for really cheap, does anyone know about the ATI brand? and if there is any difference between medical refractometers and the ones we use? sorry for highjacking your thread.

 

[wardworld]

Check out this for further fodder for confusion:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ca/volume_3/cav3i4/hydrometers/Impressions.htm

 

[Gimplar]

Oh no doubt that the swing arms do work whe they are new, but the results im getting now, after using my 2 year old swing arm, is a bit questionable, of course im goign to ge tmy water tested this weekend to verify my water parameters and my salinity.

 

[wardworld]

good point...i've heard their long-term accuracy is questionable...

 

[Sailor_jon]

They must have upgraded their quality controls, my swing arm is definately off. Off by .05 on every reading. It makes a big difference...between 1.027 and 1.022. Im suing a Sybon refractomer as well, as in the tests in 'Impressions'. Like I said...be aware.

 

[shibumi]

Thanks Gimplar
I was going to ask the same question ...
Ebay? goor or bad?

 

[adnup]

I just switched to a refractometer after a year or so of using a hydrometer and found that the latter was off by 4 points!

I got mine <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=20755&item=220009640720" target="_blank">HERE</a>

P.S. Hey Travis hows the DIY tank coming?