Best refractometer under $50

[BLUElobster99]

I want to purchase a refractometer and was hoping for some suggestions

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[Sniperhank]

You can find them pretty cheap off of ebay I've been told. Places like craigslist or any local vendor forums may provide such to you as well.

[dragonfisher33]

Originally Posted by Sniperhank

You can find them pretty cheap off of ebay I've been told. Places like craigslist or any local vendor forums may provide such to you as well.

is this one good enough?
Portable Salinity Refractometer for Fish Tank 0 10 Hydrometer Tester Meter | eBay

[Oscarr19]

I've heard good things of the eBay ones as well. You just want to calibrate it more frequently.


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[jeffaquarius]

I have used refractometer before. It will be accurate only if it is calibrated properly. If you notice the graduation is just too small. I am not sure why would it be considered as accurate when you can hardly see where exactly the reading falls into. The most important thing in reef keeping is not to deviate too much from its parameter. IMO as long as you use the same salinity equipment and keep the same readings on both, it is all that matter. I now use the regular salinity tester.

[Mebbid]

Originally Posted by jeffaquarius

I have used refractometer before. It will be accurate only if it is calibrated properly. If you notice the graduation is just too small. I am not sure why would it be considered as accurate when you can hardly see where exactly the reading falls into. The most important thing in reef keeping is not to deviate too much from its parameter. IMO as long as you use the same salinity equipment and keep the same readings on both, it is all that matter. I now use the regular salinity tester.

If you cant see exactly where the line on the refractometer is then you're either not focusing it properly, bought a bad brand, got a faulty one, or have very bad eyes.

The refractometer I bought off eBay has a crisp well defined level on it and hasn't needed to be recalibrated since I bought it a year and a half ago. Couldn't be happier.. especially since it cost about $25

By regular salinity tester do you mean hydrometer?

[jeffaquarius]

Originally Posted by Mebbid

If you cant see exactly where the line on the refractometer is then you're either not focusing it properly, bought a bad brand, got a faulty one, or have very bad eyes.

The refractometer I bought off eBay has a crisp well defined level on it and hasn't needed to be recalibrated since I bought it a year and a half ago. Couldn't be happier.. especially since it cost about $25

By regular salinity tester do you mean hydrometer?

So what refractometer do you recommend?

[Mebbid]

Originally Posted by jeffaquarius

So what refractometer do you recommend?

Sorry, wasnt at home when I posted last night. The refractometer I have is a sybon.

[dragonfisher33]

Originally Posted by Mebbid

Sorry, wasnt at home when I posted last night. The refractometer I have is a sybon.

can you find the refractometer that you're referring to? the one sybon that I found is more than $25

[Mebbid]

Originally Posted by dragonfisher33

can you find the refractometer that you're referring to? the one sybon that I found is more than $25

Looks like the price either went up on them or I got a heck of a deal

This is the one I have

Sybon Heavy Duty Salinity Refractometer FG100SA w ATC | eBay

... Still *technically* under $50

[dragonfisher33]

Originally Posted by Mebbid

Looks like the price either went up on them or I got a heck of a deal

This is the one I have

Sybon Heavy Duty Salinity Refractometer FG100SA w ATC | eBay

... Still *technically* under $50

thanks, that's the same one that I found. just wanted to make sure there's no mistake on the brand

[Sniperhank]

If the funds ever come your way, Milwaukee makes a great refractometer. Digital for 100 bucks. I've never had to recalibrate, though I have tested to ensure and done it anyway. Love it.


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