Best Salinity Measuring device

[vetteguy53081]

Really liking the icecap digital tester

 

[Jay York]

Anyone like the Hanna meter.

I really like mine!

 

[Rich Klein]

Anyone like the Hanna meter.

I have the Milwaukee digital, the BRS Refractometer, and the Hanna. I really like the Hanna - seems very accurate and goes out to a decimal place further than the Milwaukee. I want to know if the water is 1.025x and not just 1.025 The BRS Refractometer is the best hand held Refractometer that I have used (have tried several), but really like the digital read-out of the Hanna.

 

[nycfishy]

I’m glad to see this really can be as complicated as I thought. Unlike some other things that needed to be tested for in a reef tank this seems like an area with no clear consensus.
Probably fair to say most people have at least a analog refractometer with no clear winner and once we get into something digital opinions are all over the place.

 

[bugiguy]

My Hanna Salinity checker works great. Calibrated once and it seems to hold pretty well over time, though periotic calibration is necessary.

 

[divewsharks]

Honestly, not to make an expensive hobby even more expensive, but it’s good to have multiple devices employing different methods to measure salinity, the most important parameter of our water. Your conductivity probe may drift its calibration and you double check with the digital refractometer, and vice-versa. One measurement is questionable, and you use the other to verify. Plus, can’t overstate the importance of having calibration standards on hand and availing yourself of them occasionally. The only major difference between Hanna and icecap is Hanna can be calibrated with a reference solution while the icecap cannot.

The icecap can be calibrated using conductivity solution.
There is a procedure online or if you contact coralvue.

 

[nycfishy]

My Hanna Salinity checker works great. Calibrated once and it seems to hold pretty well over time, though periotic calibration is necessary.

Which Hanna the handheld or the digital refractormeter?

 

[Why-Me]

Which Hanna the handheld or the digital refractormeter?

The tester is the handheld one, seems to be a great unit especially for the price. I'm going to get one after reading through this, was set on getting the milwaukee but now feel it's good enough to save money and do the same consistent measuring.

 

[WVNed]

The great value of the pinpoint is its ability to read continuously hands free. Drop the probe in, turn it on and set it somewhere. Do what you have to do while you watch the change.

 

[nycfishy]

The great value of the pinpoint is its ability to read continuously hands free. Drop the probe in, turn it on and set it somewhere. Do what you have to do while you watch the change.

That's a great point! would be helpful when mixing water to make final tweaks. This might be the "killer feature" for me as I was all set to go with hanna hand held before you made this point.

 

[Cory]

Ive used all of them for the hobby. Refractometer, milwalkee digital, swing arms, pinpoint conductivity, and now a floating tropic marin hydrometer and thermometer. I use that and like it better than all of them.

 

[Mhoover1481]

I have used several different types and brands over the years, including Milwaukee, Pin Point. I really liked the VeeGee STX 3 until I dropped it and scattered the prism. I never had to recalibrate it, it was always spot on when I tested it. Having said that, I now own a Misco PA202. I LOVE this refractometer! Yes, it is very expensive at around $450. One of my favorite tools for this hobby.

Edit: I you spend this kind money on the Misco, make sure you get the ARMOR JACKET to go with it. Yu want to protect that baby!

Edit: should be Model PA202x

Hey there, I know this is an old thread, but, I am seriously thinking about purchasing the MISCO PA202!

I am so sick of dealing with analog refracto’s and constant calibration and not being able to trust my readings.

I hope you see this and respond! I’d love to get your updated take on the MISCO and ask you some questions!

Thanks so much!!!

 

[vetteguy53081]

Hey there, I know this is an old thread, but, I am seriously thinking about purchasing the MISCO PA202!

I am so sick of dealing with analog refracto’s and constant calibration and not being able to trust my readings.

I hope you see this and respond! I’d love to get your updated take on the MISCO and ask you some questions!

Thanks so much!!!

Best is recognized as tropic Marin glass but many will have a favorite. Mine is Hanna digital. Some like Milwaukee as well as Pinpoint.

See this test:

 

[Shirak]

I use a regular atc refractometer and DIY calibration fluid. I have the glass TM hydrometer but it's a pain to deal with IMO and my Hanna digital was all over the place even after calibration I would get different readings in different containers of the same water.

 

[Mhoover1481]

Hey there, I know this is an old thread, but, I am seriously thinking about purchasing the MISCO PA202!

I am so sick of dealing with analog refracto’s and constant calibration and not being able to trust my readings.

I hope you see this and respond! I’d love to get your updated take on the MISCO and ask you some questions!

Thanks so much!!!

@MrsBugmaster

 

[n2585722]

I didn't see how old this post was before posting sorry.

 

[MrsBugmaster]

@MrsBugmaster

I absolutely love the Misco model #PA202X
Very accurate and easy to use. I only need to recalibrate it once a year when I change the battery. Well worth it if you can afford it!!

Edit to say I have been in the hobby for 17 years now and have used a few different ones. This is by far my favorite

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Just my opinion, but I cannot really see a strong argument against a high end conductivity meter not being best, except for cost, which many may not want to pay. The entire PSU salinity scale is built around conductivity.

They are way more convenient and versatile than a big glass hydrometer. But for cost, the TM is a good way to go.