Are all refractometer the same?

Forum:

I wanted to know if they all are the same as far as acuracy and could a used one be a good idea?


E

 

Yes, make sure it's the RHS-10ATC model. I bought mine for $27 on ebay.

 

i believe anything in this hobby is pay for what you get really.

 

Make sure it has specific gravity and salinity (part per thousand) scales. There are different refractometers for different uses. Make sure it is for aquarium use.

 

Ummmmm......NOPE. Not even close. There are huge variations in quality and accuracy. Most refracts sold to the hobby measure Sodium Chloride and are always wrong (but it's not a big deal because they are CONSISTENLY wrong by the same amount). However, there are refractometers that measure NSW (Natural SaltWater) as opposed to only NaCL.

 

I think the NaCl ones ones are only 0.001 higher/lower. (I forget which.... and I can't confirm what my source was).

Next time, I'm getting one with a freaking light!

 

Mine was $46 from FS Aqutics. Didn't come with a certification paper I've heard people talk about, but it seems to work fine. Measures the SG & the ppm. I just look into a light and calibrate when necessary.

 

Hey....you're only 38....wait until you're 43. I have to take off my glasses, turn the focus wheel all the way to the right, and then find the brightest light I can find.

You're correct.....the NaCL Vs NSW difference isn't that great. My main issue with the cheaper models is that some of them don't keep their calibration and have to be calibrated really often. (At the store, I have people bring theirs in often so I can use Distilled Water using a pipette that has never touched saltwater. Most of the time, their refracts are 100% accurate but other times, it's the same people who come in and I have to re-calibrate each and every time).

LOL. There are 5 different refractometers made in China by 5 different companies that are ALL labeled as that model number. (There's probably even more than 5 but I can say for sure there are at least 5 companies doing knock-offs). Some of them are the ones that stay accurate, and some of them are the ones that are constantly going off.

 

Thanks forum:

What is a good price and make ...Going to ask Santa for one...LOL

 

I got mine from F&S 2 years ago 45 bucks. Calibrated it and have rechecked it but never touched it since. And it is that same model with made in china right on it. Guess i got a good one. It is very heavy and well constructed. I also picked up a second one in a deal with same model number and it isnt near as heavy. As for as seeing what it reads i can but wife sure makes it easier lol.