What Type Of Refractometers Are Best

[Kehaulani]

Hey guys and girls!
What type of Refractometers are being used in your tanks? I'm using a non ditigal one but thinking about upgrading since I hear the ditigals are nice to have.

 

[vic67]

I don't have a digital one but I do have one that has ATC (automatic temp compensation). It seems to be very accurate.

 

[hybridazn]

If you have the cash the Milwaukee digital refractometer is nice. I love mine

 

[SeahorseKeeper]

I don't have a digital one but I do have one that has ATC (automatic temp compensation). It seems to be very accurate.

This is what I use and I have no complaints.

 

[Kehaulani]

Ok when reading your ATC refractometer what exactly are you looking for? I get confused with the two columns and how to read it properly.

 

[Waters]

I also have the Milwaukee digital refractometer...don't think I could ever run a tank without one now that I have used it for 1+ years.

 

[berbotty]

If you have the cash the Milwaukee digital refractometer is nice. I love mine

+10

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Ok when reading your ATC refractometer what exactly are you looking for? I get confused with the two columns and how to read it properly.

You mean the ppt (like 35) or specific gravity numbers (like 1.025)?

You can read either one. Just be sure to calibrate it with a 35 ppt standard, and set that to 35.0 ppt or sg = 1.0264 and stick to that unit of measure. The ppt and specific gravity do not aline properly on refractometers used for seawater, unless they are a true seawater refractometer (most are not, they are meant for sodium chloride solutions (brine)).

 

[NanaReefer]

I also have the Milwaukee digital refractometer...don't think I could ever run a tank without one now that I have used it for 1+ years.

Yes you could-lol. Been running mine for 6yrs without one.

 

[Waters]

Yes you could-lol. Been running mine for 6yrs without one.

Ok, let me rephrase that.....don't think I could ever WANT to run a tank without one :bigsmile:

 

[Kehaulani]

Thanks guy

 

[AdamNC]

(most are not, they are meant for sodium chloride solutions (brine)).

Would that include the Red Sea and the BRS one? My LFS has both and I was contemplating on getting one or the other and ditching my hydro swing arm one.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I have not checked those, but unless it claims something like bring a "true seawater refractometer" it is almost certainly a brine refractometer, but will work just fine if calibrated with a seawater standard.

 

[las]

If you have the cash the Milwaukee digital refractometer is nice. I love mine

How is the accuracy on that thing? How often does it need calibrating?

 

[Paolissimo]

veegee refractometer

 

[Reefing Madness]

Milwaukee Digital would one of the best out there for SW use.

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-12/rhf/

 

[deerhunter06]

whats the difference between calibrating with something that is 1.00 sg vs 1.026sg?? I guess what im saying if you abosultely know your water is 1.00sg and you zero your refractometer to that solution wouldnt it accurately read anything else?

 

[hybridazn]

How is the accuracy on that thing? How often does it need calibrating?

I've found it to be spot on. Backed it with my refractometer a few times

It needs to be zero'd out before each reading but that only takes a second to do with ro water.

 

[las]

Do you have to have RO water with you to test everytime?

 

[JimWelsh]

deerhunter06: This article explains why the answer to your question is "No": Refractometers and Salinity Measurement by Randy Holmes-Farley - Reefkeeping.com