Refractometer or salinity tester from Amazon?

[drippyfish]

I just set up a new tank and I got a hydrometer but im not too sure how accurate it is. I’ve been looking on amazon and I’m wondering if I should get the 5 in 1 sawfly salinity tester or a refractometer?
I would get a Hanna checker but don’t have the budget for it yet

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

Welcome to your new home for saltwater reef aquarium resources and fun! Welcome to the family! :D

 

[Crabs McJones]

Welcome to R2R! Refractometers are more accurate in my experience

 

[fishyjoes]

The only thing I suggest is the tropic marin high precision hydrometer.

It's big, takes a lot of water to do a reading, and is easily broken if you bang it around - but it's simple, accurate, and does not lose calibration.

I've seen people have good results with electronic readers like the hanna for a while, but eventually they drift and if you don't notice your corals may suffer.

 

[djf91]

The large Fauna Marin hydrometers are going to be your most accurate measurement tool for salinity. I use that as my for sure proof and then use a Hanna salinity checker for quick measurements.

 

[Just John]

I am happy with a refractometer. Btw, I bought a relatively inexpensive refractometer on Amazon and compared it to medium and high priced ones my friends have and they all gave the exact same results. Spending a lot of money is not worth it in my opinion.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Refractometers more reliable and should be calibrated periodically

 

[vetteguy53081]

 

[slingfox]

I had a cheap $30 refractometer. It was not accurate or consistent enough. I bit the bullet and purchased the VeeGee refractometer off of Amazon and it is my favorite way to track salinity. I also have Hanna checker as well as a cheap salinity probe from China which means I have three ways to measure salinity. The VeeGee is the reading I trust most. I have been using it for a over a year now and have had zero issues with accuracy when I check the accuracy/recalibrate every six months

 

[exnisstech]

Greetings
Ive been using one of These for 8 years and its been fine. I check calibration often using Randy's DIY calibration fluid I also have a TM hydrometer in case I get a strange reading

EDIT I also have a Hanna tester but I'm not too fond of it because it consistently reads 0.002 low when calibrated with their fluid. I had another and it was the same

 

[Ocean_Queenie]

Hello & Welcome!

 

[edsbeaker]

Hello and welcome!
Tropic Marin hydrometer user here. It never needs to be calibrated, so readings are always consistent. It is temperature dependent, but I use this calculator when needed.

https://www.hamzasreef.com/Contents/Calculators/SalinityCorrection.php

 

[Kilman805]

I bought a cheap salinity meter on Amazon when I was getting started and it was a waste of money. I couldn’t get a consistent reading even right after calibration.

The thing about refractometers is that their precision is very limited. The gradations on the scale are typically 0.001, which means it’s sort of a guess between 1.025 and 1.026, for example. They also need periodic recalibration.

For me, the Tropic Marin high precision hydrometer can’t be beat. Its gradations are 0.0001 and it never requires calibration. So it really takes away guesswork and uncertainty.

 

[1112-425XL]

Tropic Marin Hydrometer

 

[Liquid361]

The most accurate device and not expensive.
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/high-precision-hydrometer-tropic-marin.html

 

[fishface NJ]

Welcome to R2R!

 

[kevgib67]

Welcome, glad you are here!

 

[Jimbhoy13]

Welcome to R2R. I suggest refractometer but calibrate often.

 

[Peace River]

I have a Hanna salinity meter and still calibrate it with a refractometer. Definitely start with a quality refractometer.

 

[Fish Styx]

Greetings and welcome to the reef! Invest in the digital refractometer from Milwaukee. Money well spent.