Refractometer

[skae310]

I don't know much about refractometers other than they would give me a much more accurate reading than my current hydrometer. I plan on buying one sometime soon. What exactly should i look for? I have a link for one and was wondering if this would be a decent refractometer for the price? Salinity Refractometer 0-28% Salt Water Aquarium ATC - eBay (item 230402299357 end time Dec-20-09 20:27:55 PST)

 

[joy13]

It looks basically like mine, it does correct for the difference in temperature and this is important.

 

[CaptainAhab]

This is mine. Ships from the US, reputable company and built like a tank.
Not to mention $10 cheaper than I paid for it some time ago (grrr)

New! ATC Salinity+s.g Refractometer 4 Aquarium - eBay (item 380173136465 end time Dec-29-09 12:38:46 PST)

 

[joy13]

This is mine. Ships from the US, reputable company and built like a tank.
Not to mention $10 cheaper than I paid for it some time ago (grrr)

New! ATC Salinity+s.g Refractometer 4 Aquarium - eBay (item 380173136465 end time Dec-29-09 12:38:46 PST)

It says it isn't available! Do you know who the seller was so I can keep an eye out for them, I want to get a couple to give away.

 

[CaptainAhab]

Sorry for the bad link.

Here's the store....

eBay Store - INSTRUMENTS DEPOT: Brix and ABBE refractometer, Microscope, Prepared Slides

and item

http://cgi.ebay.com/New-ATC-Salinit...emQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item588415b251

 

[Ziggy953]

Marine Depot has a sale now and again for their "brand" refractometer. When buying I suggest getting one with a set screw adjustment rather then a dial and you want one designated as an "ATC" Automatic Temperature Compensation

 

[skae310]

That look like exactly what i want. Thanks. Just a question though. Why are some of these $30 and on other websites they are like 50 and 60? From my understanding they are already very accurate so whats the extra money even get you?

 

[Ziggy953]

A name brand on the item? Some of the more expensive ones are higher quality but not any more accurate. I had the marine depot version and was very happy with it.

 

[skae310]

I don't remember the name brand of the more expensive ones. I was just wondering if there was any real major differences.

 

[CaptainAhab]

None.. the science behind specific gravity is pretty str8 forward. I'm sure there are some exceptions out there but for the most part..nope.. $30/atc/screw calibration, metal housing, years of use...

I have no regrets. nor do my fish