What is the best way to test for Salinity?

[Zoa]

Ok guys and gals.......


As you know these plastic hydrometers are a crap shoot.....


SO....in terms of long term and EASY to use and maintain, do you prefer the refractometers or something like the pinmoint salinity meters? Any specific brand recommendations?


Thanks....

 

[DgenR8]

I can't tell you about the pinpoint salinity monitor, but I think a refractometer is necessary reef equipment.

 

[Zoa]

What type would you recommend? Are they easy to 'read'?

 

[romain]

I use a Milwaukee MR100ATC.

 

[MIKE NY]

I think a refractometer is necessary reef equipment.

totally agree ......I have two of the those plastic swing arms from two different companys and neither are reliable or accurate. In terms of ease of use I like my refractometer..... I just calibrated it with some r/o/di water and its good to go....no power source, no probes to keep clean or replace.

 

[Spracklcat]

Definitely go with the refractometer--I used one at work for years; they are very accurate and stand up to heavy use. You'll only ever have to buy one if you take care of it--

 

[Reefrus2003]

Refractometer by all means alot better than swing arms. They are worth the money.

 

[JR719]

Get a refractometer. Can't remember where I bought mine, either Custom Aquatic or Premium Aquatics. I think it was around 40 bucks. You can definately find them cheaper now.
Sure beats the swing arms. I went to calibrate when it first arrived, right on the money. Checked it a couple of times in the last year and still no need to adjust.
Might check ebay for one really cheap.

 

[cb747]

Tony C (www.acropora.net ) carries refractometers. Give him a call. Hes is West Hempstead but im sure could bring one to the meeting if you dont want to make the trek here.

 

[reef bini]

Dont waste your money on a refractometer.Good old glass hydrometer
will do the trick.

 

[onegreenray]

refractometers are the way to go. the hydro meters lose there effectiveness after a few nmonths.

 

[reef bini]

I have never heard that before?
I usually drop them before they have a chance to lose their effectiveness

 

[onegreenray]

if you say so....

 

[DgenR8]

 

[emelton]

Atmospheric conditions can interfere with the use of any of these measurement devices. But a refractometer is the only measuring device that can be calibrated by you to (0) on any given day.

 

[JB NY]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7494608#post7494608 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Spracklcat
Definitely go with the refractometer--I used one at work for years; they are very accurate and stand up to heavy use. You'll only ever have to buy one if you take care of it--

Exactly. Refractometer is the way to go!

 

[DEXTER SOLIS]

refractometer, plus you DONT have to drop them before they loose theire efecetiveness...LOL

 

[Zoa]

wow thanks everyone...was hoping to get one asap....will have to pick on up.....overall it doesn't matter what type correct? do you need one that adjusts for temperature?


thank you!

 

[Spracklcat]

Check ebay--as long as the glass where you put the sample isn't scratched, used is fine. Refractometers are used for measuring the specific gravity for all sorts of things, from aquarium water to wine, beer, honey, and even urine (don't ask). Make sure the one you choose has a scale for specific gravity (or ppm if you don't mind doing the conversion) and you'll be good to go.

Christine

 

[DgenR8]

There are high priced units out there, but I don't think it's worth spending a couple hundred bucks. You can get one with temp compensation that will perform just fine for $50.00.
http://www.reefexotics.com/misc.htm I think Tony will give you a discount if you're a LIRA member, too.