Refractometer

Looking to buy one. Just trying to understand how they work? What is the solution? Do you mix saltwater with this?

 

The solution (caliberation fluid) insures that u can caliberate ur fract to 0. Then when u put ur sw on it it will give a 100% accurate reading. Im happy i got mine. U can get a fract off ebay for $30. U CAN use pure ro water to caliberate. Some will say no but if its pure water u should be fine. Or get some caliberation fluid and call it a day.

 

the calibration fluid actually lets you adjust to 1.026. at least mine does.

 

Ditto. Also, BRS has one for about $35 and it has worked great for me.

 

I saw them for 25 with free shipping on ebay. Might Look at brs. Thanks my hydro has been dropped too many times I think.

 

Ah. My mistake. You can tell i ust got my first refract. Lol mine came caliberated and without fluid so i thought it was to go to 0. Nevermind lol haha

 

I don't think the ones off Ebay are as accurate as a name brand. A lot of them have much too wide of a measurement and aren't "true" saltwater refracts. If i would buy one now I'd get one of the digital readers and a bunch of calibration fluid. If you don't use the fluid, there's a certain margin of error that's inevitable. I myself use aquafina to calibrate mine, so I'd be a hypocrite if i told you you had to use it, as long as you're consistently doing it one way or the other, you're fine.

I can sell you(or anyone else) mine and bring it to fall fest if you want a nice refract, I'm buying the $100 digital one eventually...

 

I use RO water so I can use it. Adam how much you want for yours? How old is it?

 

Here's the refractometer i have, it's a Milwaukee, very good brand. $30 seems fair. Keep in mind it'll be a month before i can get it to you at fall fest.
http://www.vividaquariums.com/10Expand.asp?ProductCode=04-2111-10

 

Box and instructions? Idk how to use is why. Yes month would be ok.

 

I calibrate my refractometer according to this article and have never had any problems with salinity at all. The calibration section is towards the bottom, alot of useful info in the article for those don't know about refractometers and the principles of how the work.

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-12/rhf/index.php