Refractometer or salinity tester from Amazon?

drippyfish · Mar 23, 2025

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 · Mar 23, 2025

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

Crabs McJones · Mar 23, 2025

Welcome to R2R! Refractometers are more accurate in my experience

fishyjoes · Mar 23, 2025

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 · Mar 23, 2025

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 · Mar 23, 2025

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 · Mar 23, 2025

Refractometers more reliable and should be calibrated periodically

vetteguy53081 · Mar 23, 2025

slingfox · Mar 23, 2025

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 · Mar 23, 2025

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 · Mar 23, 2025

Hello & Welcome!

edsbeaker · Mar 23, 2025

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.

Salinity Correction Calculator

Aquarium calculator; Correct a relative specific gravity (sg) measurement taken with a non-temperature-correcting unit.

www.hamzasreef.com

Kilman805 · Mar 23, 2025

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 · Mar 23, 2025

Tropic Marin Hydrometer

Liquid361 · Mar 23, 2025

The most accurate device and not expensive.

High Precision Hydrometer

Ensure that your equipment is reading correctly and your aquarium is at the right salinity with Tropic Marin's High Precision Hydrometer. Many tank inhabitants are sensitive even to minor changes of the water conditions. Unfortunately as we've all experienced, salinity reading equipment as...

www.bulkreefsupply.com