Which refractometer is the best?

[Reef of Eden]

sometimes i worry that pointing my refractometer at a light bulb will give different reading from sunlight, because of spectrum. but this is something I conjured up in my head one day when using it outside. I don't know if there is any truth to it at all.

 

[leoslizards]

I bought this lighted refractometer off ebay for $42.70 shipped. I still haven't received it so I can't give a review on it. The average refractometer on ebay sales for $30 shipped so I thought it was worth spending the extra $12 for an LED version. I also ordered Pinpoint Salinity Monitor Calibration Solution/Fluid off ebay for $8.90 shipped.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

sometimes i worry that pointing my refractometer at a light bulb will give different reading from sunlight, because of spectrum. but this is something I conjured up in my head one day when using it outside. I don't know if there is any truth to it at all.

It does matter, but the exact wavelength of the light will likely make a difference too small to worry about, or even detect with such cheap devices, especially if you calibrate with the same wavelength.

 

[leoslizards]

I got my LED Refractometer today! I'm still waiting on the Pinpoint Salinity Monitor Calibration Solution/Fluid though. I found another useful use for a LED Refractometer, flashlight!

 

[on_ice]

Question, do you only really use the Refractometer for when you first set up your tank? After you first check the salinity you should be set until you do a water change right? I was wondering if I could borrow one and save the $$$.

 

[McTeague]

Is this a good one? http://www.premiumaquatics.com/aquatic-supplies/REFRACT-HD.html

 

[Lotus99]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11600794#post11600794 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by on_ice
Question, do you only really use the Refractometer for when you first set up your tank? After you first check the salinity you should be set until you do a water change right? I was wondering if I could borrow one and save the $$$.

Well, you'll also need to check it throughout the week, to make sure your topoffs are keeping up and that your skimmer isn't pulling out too much salt.

You'll also need it every time you make up saltwater for a water change (weekly, I hope).

It's also really useful when you bring livestock home to check the salinity of the water it has been kept in.

Some people will check their hydrometer against a refractometer, note the difference, then use their hydrometer with the adjustment. I know my hydrometer was .004 off, and I'll never use one again.

 

[HornetMech242]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11586840#post11586840 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by BloatedSwimBladder
I have the MD blue one. It works great. I bought the fluid and it was perfect right out of the box. I also agree that if you are too lazy to point it at a light then you should not be in the hobby:eek1:

Its not a matter of being lazy. Its a matter of my tank being near the bedroom door and do this stuff when i get home from work at about 11 PM when every one is sleeping. I dont want to turn the light on and wake the wife. I am tired of people on here not knowing why people need or want something and attack them.

Chris

 

[leoslizards]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11586840#post11586840 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by BloatedSwimBladder
I have the MD blue one. It works great. I bought the fluid and it was perfect right out of the box. I also agree that if you are too lazy to point it at a light then you should not be in the hobby:eek1:

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11606280#post11606280 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by HornetMech242
Its not a matter of being lazy. Its a matter of my tank being near the bedroom door and do this stuff when i get home from work at about 11 PM when every one is sleeping. I dont want to turn the light on and wake the wife. I am tired of people on here not knowing why people need or want something and attack them.

Chris

Plus you could use the LED version as a flashlight.