Refractometer

[iamspeed]

Hi,

I am wondering if a good hydrometer, like the one that says "temperature corrected and accurate to +/- .001" can give a refractometer a run for its money.

I am sure there will be a lot of opinions, but has anyone compared the two?

Thanks

 

[Rhodes19]

Hi,

I am wondering if a good hydrometer, like the one that says "temperature corrected and accurate to +/- .001" can give a refractometer a run for its money.

I am sure there will be a lot of opinions, but has anyone compared the two?

Thanks

Never heard of one like that. Do you have one in mind?

 

[BigJay]

there will be no variety of opinions the answer is No. If anyone tells you that a hydrometer will ,then they are either selling you a hydrometer or they have never used a refractometer and are speaking from lack of experience.

 

[OHmariner]

there will be no variety of opinions the answer is No. If anyone tells you that a hydrometer will ,then they are either selling you a hydrometer or they have never used a refractometer and are speaking from lack of experience.

I completely agree with Jay. I got a cheap (but good) refractometer on ebay and it has been fantastic. Salinity is so important and the risk far out-weighs the benefit so get a refractometer and call it a day. Hydrometeres are never consistent and they leave a lot of room for error. I have tested three different types of hydrometers and they all yielded inconsistent results when tested back to back. The refractometer gives rock solid results over and over.

 

[BigJay]

on top of everything a refractometer is actually easier to use and is less messy.

 

[nanoreefing4fun]

$47

Saltwater Aquarium Salinity & Specific Gravity Testing: Portable Refractometer

 

[Rhodes19]

on top of everything a refractometer is actually easier to use and is less messy.

Ditto.

 

[Eric]

$34.00 shipped

Salinity Refractometer 4 Aquarium Sea Water Hydrometer - eBay (item 390192873452 end time Oct-04-10 11:18:28 PDT)

 

[BigJay]

$39.99

https://www.petsolutions.com/Default.aspx?ItemID=12518098
(appears to be same as foster and smith has for $8 less)
hehe I wanted to have a link too!

 

[BigJay]

FYI the OP has a refractometer and was just asking for clarification between the two products.

 

[Eric]

For the low price of $34-$40.00 you to can have a piece of mind, knowing your salinity is perfect is priceless!

Accept no substitutes

 

[Rhodes19]

FYI the OP has a refractometer and was just asking for clarification between the two products.

Refractometers are more accurate, reliable, easier and cleaner to use.

 

[Exo]

FYI the OP has a refractometer and was just asking for clarification between the two products.

I have used both in my job (not in saltwater tanks) and I have found both to be equally accurate. The problem is that my hydrometer is more money than a basic refractometer.

The choice of which one to use really comes down to the application and I can't imagine many would prefer the hydrometer for a saltwater tank. Whatever you do, do not get a swing arm hydrometer.