Refractometers

[wontonflip]

So I saw you all talking about refractometers in another post. The first time I even saw one was a week ago at the lfs when I was getting my water tested. I thought it was cool :)

Anyway, I've asked them to send me a price list to see how much they could sell me one (since I shop there exclusively, they have given me the BEST deals on a lot of things, comparable if not better to online).

So from what I understand, unlike the swing arm testers should be replaced every 6 months (which I did not realize...my brother's had it for a couple of years :shock: -- luckily the store tested my salt with the refractometer and it was right at 1.023.) The refractometers, if used properly, don't lose accuracy? Is the correct?

And now, can you guys throw some brands out there so I can check prices online vs what the lfs can offer?

 

[dustin_P74]

if they lose accuracy all you have to do is recalibrate it. this is the one i got from the two doctors

 

[yote]

I'm using the same brand as Dustin.
And like he said,Just check it with a few drops of RO water ever so often and recalibrate it as needed.It'll be THE best invest in your tank equipment you'll ever make.

 

[messiah023]

Same one too.
I calibrate with distilled water every couple of months. It's really easy and very accurate.

 

[lightcs4]

Anyone use this one from the two docs?

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+4690+9957&pcatid=9957

It's the cheapest one I've seen that appears to be reliable.

 

[RyanG]

Did you all know that refractometers are temperature sensitive? Just found that out a few weeks ago and thought that I would share for those not in the know.

 

[lightcs4]

Did you all know that refractometers are temperature sensitive? Just found that out a few weeks ago and thought that I would share for those not in the know.

Nice to know. I thought just the hydrometers were temp sensitive.

 

[yote]

Thats why I use the salinity side:D
Temp does effect the specific gravity,the colder the water,the more dense it is.

 

[RyanG]

Mine doesnt have a salinity side.

 

[yote]

Where did you get yours Ryan?

 

[wontonflip]

Did you all know that refractometers are temperature sensitive?

That's probably why the link that Dustin sent mentioned that it has a rubber handle, which helps keep the temp stable.

Thanks for all the tips guys! A-shopping I will go!

 

[RyanG]

Where did you get yours Ryan?

At the LFS, it a RHS-10atc model not sure of the brand name.

 

[Piggy]

Thats why I use the salinity side:D
Temp does effect the specific gravity,the colder the water,the more dense it is.

I'll ask because I know others want to know. What is a salinity side?

 

[Bifferwine]

I'll ask because I know others want to know. What is a salinity side?

Mine has two sets of numbers. One is density (specific gravity), and the other is salinity.

 

[Bifferwine]

Like this:
http://leanne.be/refractometer.jpg

 

[reeffreak]

I thought all of them showed salinity on one side and sg on the other.Mine looks exactly like the cheaper model from DF&S. except it was from Premium Aquatics.

 

[Altohombre]

I got mine from the two docs as well. Most of the generic blue boxed ones are good.

 

[RyanG]

MIne is a blue boxed one but it only reads in Specific Gravity

 

[ccCapt]

At the LFS, it a RHS-10atc model not sure of the brand name.

If the refracto say ATC, as Ryan's does and virtually every refractometer made does too, temp does not affect it. ATC = automatic temperature compensation.

 

[wontonflip]

My lfs recommended this one:

http://www.saltysupply.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=CP3533&click=418

I'm not buying from that site; just picked the first link that google gave. It's the one they use at their customers' sites.