WTB Used Refractometer

[sugaree]

I do believe it's time I graduate to something better than a hydrometer. Preferably used to save me some cash. Would like to also buy from someone that will be at the swap.

 

[Off The Deep End]

I dont know if this is an option but they are pretty cheap on ebay.

 

[sugaree]

I wasn't sure if the cheap ones on fleabay would be good. Maybe I'll give one a shot.

 

[Off The Deep End]

From what i hear thats what half the people on here use and they haven't had issues. Anybody tell me if im wrong.

 

[SAZAMA]

thats what I bought. it was off ebay for 25$ shipped, from one of the best rated sellers. just make sure that it's in the correct range. cheers

 

[sugaree]

Can't beat 25 bucks. Thanks for the info.

 

[spstimie]

I will have some home made calibration fluid at the april meeting if you want to double check it.

 

[Wicked Color]

Why does everybody think these are so cool? Rangerbobb had some major salinity issues due to one of these, and a hydrometer is what he used to CORRECT the issue.
Hydrometers do not need calibration, are cheap, and are usually very close.

 

[dv3]

they are cool if calibrated using a known source ...conductivity meters are even coolerest
but if i was going to rely on a hydrometer i would get a glass floaty one

 

[Wicked Color]

I will stick with my instant ocean, its been dead on for 6 years.

 

[Heffe01]

I use both...but only use my hydrometer like once a month to check my refractometer. Its nice being able to keep the salinity more stable using them. Hydrometers can have a 2-3 ppm swing depending on how well you maintain them. I always rinse mine out so the salt doesnt build up on it. But I have had some that were just as bad a refractometer in the past...being way off. But unlike a refractometer you cant correct the problem. Guess QC isnt a big deal to some manufacters.

 

[Wicked Color]

+1^, I have seen poor quality tools of every type.

 

[dv3]

well to be honest i have 2 conductivity meters, 3 hydrometers, and one refractometer and still am not sure exactly what my salinity is ....i know its somewhere between 1.024 - 1.026 ....need to recalibrate again today ...lol

 

[KhensuRa]

Like everything in our hobby, some people have good luck with certain tools and others no luck at all. When I first started I went through three hydrometers, as they where off by a ton and one didn't even work at all. So I found a super cheap refractometer on ebay and it has been dead on for two years now, every so often I grab some RO water to recalibrate it and sometimes it needs to be adjusted, but it takes like 5 seconds. The refractometer that I use looks just like the expensive ones, just minus a cool sticker.

 

[Wicked Color]

I worked at AI, so they let me go through the shelf till I found one I liked, and I still have it.

 

[djkms]

I have the digital refract by Hanna and it is spot on accurate. I check it against 35ppt solution and calibrate it with 0 tds RO/DI water.

Sent from my Droid Incredible.

 

[sugaree]

I will have some home made calibration fluid at the april meeting if you want to double check it.

That would be awesome. Appreciate the offer.

Why does everybody think these are so cool? Rangerbobb had some major salinity issues due to one of these, and a hydrometer is what he used to CORRECT the issue.
Hydrometers do not need calibration, are cheap, and are usually very close.

I don't want one for the cool factor. I usually can't afford most cool things in this hobby. I was under the impression they are a must have in marine keeping.

 

[Wicked Color]

All I can say is do what works for you!

 

[dv3]

That would be awesome. Appreciate the offer.



I don't want one for the cool factor. I usually can't afford most cool things in this hobby. I was under the impression they are a must have in marine keeping.

i think the majority of people feel that way but its still not fool proof and you can't rely on that alone

 

[sugaree]

Right now all I have is a swing arm. I had a floater but I broke it and just never replaced. Makes sense though to measure with more than one instrument.