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my85flyby
04/22/2007, 12:35 PM
what makes a good Refractometer I am looking for the best. help me choose.
ReefRockerLive
04/22/2007, 01:24 PM
Sometimes dropping good amounts of money is not a wise decision. This refractometer is a good one to use: Click here (http://www.reefexotics.com/refractometer.htm)
my85flyby
04/22/2007, 04:31 PM
Looks good and nice price
Kaos
04/22/2007, 06:02 PM
I use one of these: Lit ATC Refractometer (http://cgi.ebay.com/LIGHTED-ATC-SALINITY-REFRACTOMETER-HYDROMETER-AQUARIUM_W0QQitemZ320104187567QQihZ011QQcategoryZ20755QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem). IME, it has been very accurate and easy to read. The only gripe I have w/ it is that I had to modify the lid to the battery compartment. When I recieved it I had a hard time unscrewing the lid using the slot that was cut into it. It was nothing a little Dremel action couldn't fix (I cut the slot a little deeper). Now everything works great. YMMV.
my85flyby
04/22/2007, 08:47 PM
bump
RobbyG
04/22/2007, 08:57 PM
The good ones have Temperature compensation, Thumb screw calibration and are made out of sturdy material. The one's that have built in lighting cost more but I was a bit hesitant because I was not sure if it was worth the extra.
my85flyby
04/22/2007, 09:00 PM
Thanks RobbyG
RobbyG
04/22/2007, 11:05 PM
Your welcome :)
BTW the one I got was this one.
http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Salinity-Refractometer-0-10-Aquarium-Hydrometer_W0QQitemZ230118217849QQihZ013QQcategoryZ10323QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
I was also stunned by the huge selection and what seemed like similar items having vastly different prices. In the end I took a chance with this unit and I am very happy. The optics are very clear, the unit is Temp compensated, has thumb screw calibration.
it's has very solid construction, mostly out of Aluminum. The only things I did not like was that the Prism cover hinges, they look like they would definetly break off if you drop the unit. I think most refractometers would break the cover if dropped. For the price of this unit you can buy a spare if you want :)
In the end I agree with ReefRockerLive's post, you might not wan't to spend a whole bunch of money on this, you most likely will not see a whole lot of difference.