Electronic salinity meter -vs- Refractometer?

JT101 · 02-04-2008, 12:30 PM

Has anyone here ever used both of these and found that one was better than other?

I initially thought that a pinpoint salinity meter was going to cost a small fortune, but when comparing the cost to a refractometer the prices are very comparable.

Does anyone have any experience with both that would make you lean one way or the other? Seems the pinpoint method is a lot easier than the refractometer method…

Thanks
John

lcstorc · 02-04-2008, 12:37 PM

Never tried the pinpoint but refractometer is pretty darn easy.

AQTCJAK · 02-04-2008, 12:38 PM

John my only concern with Pinpoint is that it is battery operated as the betteryies drain so will the accuracy IMO

JT101 · 02-04-2008, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AQTCJAK

John my only concern with Pinpoint is that it is battery operated as the betteryies drain so will the accuracy IMO

Agreed, but you can get around that by using a battery replacement such as a wall transformer rated for the same output as the battery.

Reefwerks · 02-04-2008, 01:03 PM

I have one and rate the purchase a 1 out of 10 right along with my pinpoint ca meter. My refracts are by far much more useful.

Don

tippMANn98 · 02-04-2008, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reefwerks

My refracts are by far much more useful.

Don

I would say that a refractometer is far more versatile as well, especially if you have to go from tank to tank, clean, re calibrate with R/O and ready to test!

boozeman · 02-04-2008, 01:29 PM

I say get both ...you never know when Murphy can strike

JT101 · 02-04-2008, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tippMANn98

I would say that a refractometer is far more versatile as well, especially if you have to go from tank to tank, clean, re calibrate with R/O and ready to test!

Thanks but I'm not sure I understand what you mean by "versatile". I only have one tank, so the ability to go from tank to tank would not mean anything to me. Also, what about the calibration of a refractometer is different from a pinpoint meter? My understanding is that you calibrate a pinpoint by swirling it in a solution, adjust a screw and you're all set, then you just dip, swirl and take a reading...what about a refractometer would be easier than that?

JT101 · 02-04-2008, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reefwerks

I have one and rate the purchase a 1 out of 10 right along with my pinpoint ca meter. My refracts are by far much more useful.

Don

Sorry, again I'm not sure what you mean here. Don't both instruments do the same thing (i.e., check SG/salinity)??

Thx

tippMANn98 · 02-04-2008, 01:43 PM

a drop of R/o water on the lens, and that would depend on individual products, so sometimes no calibration is even necessary on some.... sorry, didnt know you had only one tank, was maybe listing Pros/cons......thats what you asked for....

Reefwerks · 02-04-2008, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JT101

Thanks but I'm not sure I understand what you mean by "versatile". I only have one tank, so the ability to go from tank to tank would not mean anything to me. Also, what about the calibration of a refractometer is different from a pinpoint meter? My understanding is that you calibrate a pinpoint by swirling it in a solution, adjust a screw and you're all set, then you just dip, swirl and take a reading...what about a refractometer would be easier than that?

The meter has so much drift your forever calibrating it. The refract rarely if ever need calibration.

Don

tippMANn98 · 02-04-2008, 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JT101

Does anyone have any experience with both that would make you lean one way or the other? Seems the pinpoint method is a lot easier than the refractometer method…

Thanks
John

Basically Pros/cons of both....

JT101 · 02-04-2008, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reefwerks

The meter has so much drift your forever calibrating it. The refract rarely if ever need calibration.

Don

Wow, I wasn't aware of that! The online manuals don't seem to indicate drift as being an issue. Thanks for the info.

JT101 · 02-04-2008, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tippMANn98

Basically Pros/cons of both....

So, neither one stands out over the other one I guess? Is it like the old "six of these, half a dozen of the other" kinda things?

tippMANn98 · 02-04-2008, 01:56 PM

i think the refractometer is a better choice, IMO of course....

02-04-2008, 12:30 PM	#1 (permalink)
JT101 Plate Coral Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Hicksville NY Posts: 741 View Gallery Karma Komment	Electronic salinity meter -vs- Refractometer? Has anyone here ever used both of these and found that one was better than other? I initially thought that a pinpoint salinity meter was going to cost a small fortune, but when comparing the cost to a refractometer the prices are very comparable. Does anyone have any experience with both that would make you lean one way or the other? Seems the pinpoint method is a lot easier than the refractometer method… Thanks John

02-04-2008, 12:37 PM	#2 (permalink)
lcstorc Sunshine Reefer Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Cocoa Fl Posts: 26,433 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Electronic salinity meter -vs- Refractometer? Never tried the pinpoint but refractometer is pretty darn easy. __________________ Peace LYNN Lynn and Franks saltwater adventure Lynn's 20g clown tank Lynn's 90g of sunshine Lynn's frag tank experiment A reef tank is like a race car. The faster you go the harder you crash.

02-04-2008, 12:38 PM	#3 (permalink)
AQTCJAK Tiger Shark Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 7,267 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Electronic salinity meter -vs- Refractometer? John my only concern with Pinpoint is that it is battery operated as the betteryies drain so will the accuracy IMO __________________ A Wiseman once said build a stage add a pole & they will dance - Jack 2007 www.aquaticaggression.com

02-04-2008, 01:03 PM	#5 (permalink)
Reefwerks Midas Blenny Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 112 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: Electronic salinity meter -vs- Refractometer? I have one and rate the purchase a 1 out of 10 right along with my pinpoint ca meter. My refracts are by far much more useful. Don

02-04-2008, 01:29 PM	#7 (permalink)
boozeman The CodFather ~ Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: new york Posts: 8,802 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Electronic salinity meter -vs- Refractometer? I say get both ...you never know when Murphy can strike __________________ ...and when I'm old and wise little things mean little to me like autumn winds they'll blow right through me and someday, in the mist of time when they ask you if you knew me remember that you were a friend of mine

02-04-2008, 01:43 PM	#10 (permalink)
tippMANn98 Has been struck by the ban stick Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: New Port Richey, FL Posts: 2,705 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Electronic salinity meter -vs- Refractometer? a drop of R/o water on the lens, and that would depend on individual products, so sometimes no calibration is even necessary on some.... sorry, didnt know you had only one tank, was maybe listing Pros/cons......thats what you asked for....

02-04-2008, 01:56 PM	#15 (permalink)
tippMANn98 Has been struck by the ban stick Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: New Port Richey, FL Posts: 2,705 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: Electronic salinity meter -vs- Refractometer? i think the refractometer is a better choice, IMO of course....

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