refractometer

[greerh]

What is everyone’s feeling about refractometers? I’ve just got the regular swing arm hygrometer but I’ve read that they are not very accurate. Since I’ve solved my algae problems and things are going well with the tank I’m looking for new toys.
Thanks
Heather

[skipm]

I was able to get in on a group order that the Boston Reefers did a couple of years back and got one pretty cheap. I was quite surprised at the difference between the readings on my swing arms (I had several) and the refractometer. I had swing arms reading much higher and much lower than the refractometer. It is a worthwhile investment IMO. If it is not within a reefers budget then I would say go with a good grade thermometer type or have someone with a refractometer "calibrate" your swing arm so you know how to make adjustments to its readings. HTH, Skip

[jchough79]

Every cople months or so I fill my swing arm with viniger and let it sit for a few hours then rinse it out really good to clean it. After that I check my water then take some to TL and have them check it then remember the difference and adjust. I'm cheap though! If I had the extra cash I would get one but I'm too cheap!

[gallivanmk]

You can get them for like $40 on Ebay. That is where I got mine. Works great and it is nice to know that everything is accurate. My swing arm was a POS.

[minfinger]

I love my Refracometers, I've got 2 of them. Bought them both on Ebay for dirt cheap. Tideline was selling them a while back I know for just about the same price.