Where to get a Refractometer?
 

Where to get a Refractometer?
I am doing hyposalinity. Need a proper gauge to determine salinity but having problems getting a device to read it accuately besides my cheap swinding arm meter.

One pet store here was trying to order one in for me at a crazy rate of $260.00CND! Only have two other stores here that deal with saltwater & they weren't able to order one in & didnt stock it.

Anyone know where I might be able to order one online somewhere? What does everyone else use? Are they really this expensive?

Leeanne,

Most of the online mail order places stock them (e.g. Champion Lighting, Marine Depot) and I think you can even pick them up cheaply on eBay. They are not cheap, and expect to pay US$100 +/- US$50.

Thanks for the quick responce ATJ.

yeah I will check out those sites. Found one for $124.00 CND but gotta get it right. I have just hydrometers which are not acurate.

Hey have a Q: for ya. Had a guy from the LFS here tell me that doing hyposalinity the eyes pop out thats why they dont do it. Is the guy crazy? Or when he tried it the salinity was way to low? Is it something to watch for? he didnt have a proper gauge I know. He says you just to the math.

Any thoughts?

LOL that's a new one. No, the eyes don't pop out - even if you went too low. I suspect he's making it up on the spot.

[url]www.ditreef.com[/url] has them for $43 US (plus shipping).

I think you meant [url]www.diyreef.com[/url]

Yes indeed Thaxx. Thanks for catching the typo.

Thanks ATJ for confirming the eyes dont pop out. LOL thats hilarious! Wonder what that guys smoking then hey. Its not the first time he's told me that either.

Hey thanks for the tip dpaynter and the web link i will check it out.

Hey anyone know if there is another method gauge to test the salinity accurately? I seen a pinpoint salinity monitor on the web. would that do the job or any other methods of testing for salinity. I already know the hydrometer swing arm is crap. Any ideas? What do you use?

Leeanne,

Salinometers like the Pinpoint are good. A quality floating glass hydrometer will be accurate, although somewhat cumbersome to use.

FYI: The Oklahoma group has a "bunch-of-people-buying-one" thing going on.

ATJ: Ya gave me the creaps with that avatar!

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by ATJ [/i]
[B]Leeanne,

A quality floating glass hydrometer will be accurate, although somewhat cumbersome to use. [/B][/QUOTE]

cumbersome? Being hard or complicated. Sorry never heard that one before. But where in the world can you find a floating glass hydrometer? Are they really cheaper? Any ideas anyone?


Hmmm, maybe the salinity pinpoint gauge would be good.

To use a floating glass hydrometer correctly, you should place the water to be checked into a glass cylinder (e.g. a measuring cylinder). This allows you to check it accurately. You can take readings in the tank, but visibility can be a problem as will water movement.

Lab grade floating glass hydrometers are available from most lab suppliers. You can probably find a few in the 'phone book. They may also sell refractometers.

Thanks ATJ, you have always been great help!

Wish me luck! If I am successful this time, hyposalinity will be what I will be raving to everyone about. Thanks again for all your time on here. Like I said before, I couldn't do it without ya. Thanks again

Leeanne