agreed, but there's also a benefit in not needing that $$ to reef, it makes for a nimble reefer. we work in solely smaller tanks and try to keep costs down, two different realms I guess
# of mis reading refracts I see online, lots, not much more reliable for sure. swingarms work just fine, for sure, and not some of them but any one that enters my home once a decade or so. not debating they aren't laser accurate (refracts) when on par, just that there's a thousand misread posts too and the animals nano reef keepers use don't require anything past swingarms.
this is like the uv, no uv debate or the salt brand debate heh. we want the least fail points possible and good old swingarm never lets down. its not that they vary in readings (though ten w be posted right now) its that they're X mark off true reading, and hold that measure, and its within tolerance ranges.
my refracts both read .024 against a calibrated refract from LFS at .023, not sig.
swingarms are fine but dated, agreed. I guess if I kept basket stars or linkia Id want a refract
