Hydrometer vs. Refractometer

So who uses what ? And if your using a refractometer where did you get it what brand / model are you using ? Oh also what did you pay ??

 

Refractometer from Bulk Reef Supply. I believe it was $30. Most accurate way to test salinity.

 

I have the 30 dollar shipped ebay refractometer that many online retailers sell for 40 something dollars, without shipping included.

These work great.

I still have a swing arm hydrometer for making up new SW for water changes to see how close I am, but it is not quite as accurate as the refractometer. However, my hydrometer actually is pretty accurate compared to any other one we tested with the calibration fluid recipe. Our local club tested about 30 of them from all brands, and mine was amazingly not far off. It reads about a .1 low repeatedly. That is very good for a hyrdometer.

If you want accuracy, get a refractometer.

 

ditto

 

Ebay has refractometers for under $30. I bought one that the fish store wanted over $100? Is that crazy or what. Ebay is the way to go.

 

I have a hand held refractometer that has a built in LED light on it. Got it on ebay for under $45. The LED lets you check salinity and SG in a dark room, very easy to read display with the LED on.

 

ebay refract for me as well

 

I have an LFS purchased Refracto...my cheap swing arm hydrometer is .05 ppm off...that's pretty significant! Until I got the refract. I would just take in account the discrepancy in readings but now just use the refractometer.

 

I have a refractometer with the LED as well. Much more accurate than my hydrometer once calibrated properly. I feel much safer using my refractometer and wouldn't go back to a hydrometer for anything.

 

The only reason the hydrometer has a little advantage is that it is quicker to check salinity with than a refractometer. That is why I use my hydrometer for making new SW for water changes, at least until I get around the proper SG.