what is the best refractometer?

[bergzy]

is there really a difference?

or should i just save my money and get the blue handled ones that marine depot and drs foster n smith always have for about $40?

 

[drummereef]

I bought the Sybon from Premium Aquatics years ago and it's still going strong.

 

[THE ROOK]

I have the blue one. I really see no need to spend more. It works great.

 

[redfishsc]

I have the blue one from the Drs. It's one of the better investments I've made in the hobby.



I will say this, though, that I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend that you get some of the Pinpoint 53mS calibration solution (the kind they use to calibrate pH monitors)--- the Pinpoint brand is suitable for calibrating your refracto to 35ppt.


Mine will, on the occasion, loose it's calibration for no apparent reason. Therefore if I get a reading on my tank that seems a bit off, I will get out the Pinpoint solution and check it. Sometimes it gets off by 3-5 ppt, which could become a mess in a hurry.

 

[bergzy]

yeah,

i have been using the blue handled one for quite some time now but it seems to lose its calibration more and more. i was just wondering if it is because it is a lesser quality refractometer or it is breaking down either due to poor quality and/or just time to replace it.

do these things wear out?

thanks!

 

[iFisch]

See if you can find a "Vertex". They're a RC sponsor. I picked mine up for a few bucks more than the DFS/MD branded ones. Needs far less calibration than the ones mentioned.

I hear way to often the MD/DFS branded ones often need recalibration before every use.

I've calibrated mine once, and it's still going strong.



I highly recommend you check them out.

 

[Nanook]

Sybon hasn't needed it since I bought it. I also bought one about 8 years ago with a black handle, pretty heavy duty from Premium Aquatics that never needs recalibrating.

 

[luther1200]

I also went with the black handle. I haven't had a problem yet. And everytime I try to recalibrate it its alreay dead on.