What is the best refractometer

[Naes556]

What is the best refractometer made?

I have had the same ATC brand one for a bit over two years and the adjustment screw is now so rusted that I can't calibrate it at all anymore.

I would like to buy a better quality one. Any advise would be appreciated.

 

[Singlefin]

This would be good to know. I have to calibrate mine every time I use it. I am gentle with it and always put it back in its case. Is this normal?


Slow your roll..

 

[rsaha]

I am a big fan of my D&D. The tight saltwater range is very nice. Very easy to dial in the right salinity. I haven't noticed an issue with calibration. Every few months I check it with distilled adn it doesn't drift much.

 

[nemofish2217]

I have a BRS refractometer and I really like it. So far it has stayed accurate and I have not had to recalibrate... they have good prices too.

 

[Loserland]

The one in your hand.

 

[greg1786]

I just bought my first refractometer from brs. Its is ATC as well. I obviously don't have much experience with them but I got it on black Friday for 19 bucks and I love it. def. a million times better than my old hydrometer lol


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[TankednTN]

I just bought my first refractometer from brs. Its is ATC as well. I obviously don't have much experience with them but I got it on black Friday for 19 bucks and I love it. def. a million times better than my old hydrometer lol


Posted from ReefCentral.com App for Android

+1 on this.

 

[jerpa]

The best refractometer is one calibrated with 35ppt seawater calibration fluid. Some do have scales that are easier to read. ATC is a valuable feature as well. Using and calibrating it properly are most important though.

 

[Megatrev62]

I was told that sybon was the best. Can't beat the sturdy construction.

 

[dotcommer]

I just purchased the Milwaukee Digital Seawater Refractometer, and so far I really like it.
I love the digital display and I don't have to find a bright light to point it at like my other one.

 

[Ron Reefman]

I just purchased the Milwaukee Digital Seawater Refractometer, and so far I really like it.
I love the digital display and I don't have to find a bright light to point it at like my other one.

And I bet it was cheap too! LOL! I was talking to the rep from Milwaukee at MACNA and it sounds like a really nice unit, just way more than what we really need just to keep salinity under control.

 

[zeebies]

I also have a Milwaukee digital and I love it. Simple to calibrate with RODI water. Nice big readout. Gives water temp. Built very well. Price is around $125. I give it :thumbsup:.

 

[GPB]

I have the Sybon. I've had it for several years and it is like new. I was concerned recently that it needed to be calibrated. I bought 35ppt solution from BRS and tested it. It still still right on the money and didn't need any adjustment.

Recommended Highly!

 

[GPB]

I have the Sybon. I've had it for several years and it is like new. I was concerned recently that it needed to be calibrated. I bought 35ppt solution from BRS and tested it. It's still right on the money and didn't need any adjustment.

Recommended Highly!

 

[Subw00er]

I like the marine depot pro because unlike others it has a scale appropriate for saltwater (1.024-1.025 goal), so its really easy to see exactly where the level is.

If I were to do it again, I might go the digital route like the one above. I've seen them for $100 on marine depot.

 

[Subw00er]

I like the marine depot pro because unlike others it has a scale appropriate for saltwater (1.024-1.025 goal), so its really easy to see exactly where the level is.

If I were to do it again, I might go the digital route like the one above. I've seen them for $100 on marine depot.

 

[Naes556]

Thanks for the input.

Any other suggestions?

 

[MeanGreenEyes]

I have the BRS one, but I have a couple friend's that run a maintenance business that swear by/only use the Deltec refracto's. I believe they said it's around $70/$75...can't remember exactly.

 

[Michigan Mike]

I just bought my first refractometer from brs. Its is ATC as well. I obviously don't have much experience with them but I got it on black Friday for 19 bucks and I love it. def. a million times better than my old hydrometer lol


Posted from ReefCentral.com App for Android

Same here, well better than a hydrometer.lol
It seemed to be slightly high when I tried the 35ppt solution and I calibrated it down a tiny bit.
I've heard of them not staying calibrated before and BRS will send a new one your way if you got a bad one.

 

[Ostara]

I just purchased the Milwaukee Digital Seawater Refractometer, and so far I really like it.
I love the digital display and I don't have to find a bright light to point it at like my other one.

I also have a Milwaukee digital and I love it. Simple to calibrate with RODI water. Nice big readout. Gives water temp. Built very well. Price is around $125. I give it :thumbsup:.

Good to hear, I've been planning to buy one of those. I've grown to hate my constantly-uncalibrated refractometer. I have been wondering about calibrating the Milwaukee units though. It says to use distilled, like the instructions with many refractometers. Can you use calibration fluid instead? Which do you two use?