Salinity Testing

[taylored_projects]

I’m setting up an 32 Gallon Nano reef and am looking for a tool to test the salinity. I’ve used the BRS Refractometer but is it really worth the $90 between that and the Milwaukee Digital Refractometer? I plan on having my tank rely on weekly water changes to keep everything stable. Or is this $90 best used elsewhere?

 

[ccombs]

Most would probably say (including myself) that the BRS unit is just fine and the digital one is a luxury.

 

[Mastiffsrule]

You do want any accurate measure on smaller tanks since minor changes in salt mix could throw off sal8nty quicker than a big tank.

I am old, I use these, and occasionally pull out a refractor

 

[ccombs]

You do want any accurate measure on smaller tanks since minor changes in salt mix could throw off sal8nty quicker than a big tank.

I am old, I use these, and occasionally pull out a refractor

What is that? Was it in storage with your typewriter and original edison bulb? ;);)

 

[NinnJinn]

Last year I either got my refractometer from BRS or Marine Depot and it was only like $45

 

[ccombs]

Last year I either got my refractometer from BRS or Marine Depot and it was only like $45

I think OP is saying BRS is around $50 and digital is around $140.

 

[Mastiffsrule]

Operator get me Milwaukee 555-75

 

[NinnJinn]

I think OP is saying BRS is around $50 and digital is around $140.

I could have very possibly read the Op wrong....

I’ve used the BRS Refractometer but is it really worth the $90

 

[Eggs]

You do want any accurate measure on smaller tanks since minor changes in salt mix could throw off sal8nty quicker than a big tank.

I am old, I use these, and occasionally pull out a refractor

Baumé hydrometer, man I haven’t seen one of those in a long time. Took me a minute to remember the name.

 

[Pdash]

I use the Milwaukee, comes with 1.000 water for calibration and 1.025 for double checking. My reading is always +.001, so a reading of 1.027 is actually 1.026. I've double checked on other people's systems. Its been rock solid over 3 months and counting, I've calibrated it a bunch but it hasn't ever deviated. Overall I'm happy with it, it's easy to use, consistent, and gives good piece of mind.