refractometer

[jpkboca]

Has anyone bought one from ebay? Are they decent?

Something like this?

http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Salinity-Refractometer-0-10-Salt-Water-Aquarium-A1_W0QQitemZ330269484818QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item330269484818&_trkparms=72%3A1163%7C39%3A1%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C240%3A1318&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

There are alot out there and dont know the difference, but think I should get one after all the feedback on hydrometers being unreliable [and my hydrometer reading not matching what the LFS tested my water with a refractometer].

Thanks,

[Bonneville08]

As it has been a few hours, I guess I will chime in. I have no experience with that refractometer. Marine Depot sells one for $49.99, that's what I use and can recommend it. I know this isn't the answer to your question but nobody else has posted.

[acidblondie]

I haven't seen that model but I bought mine off ebay for $28.00 shipped. Same model sold at several LFS for $40 to $70

[mg426]

Whatever model you buy make sure that it reads accuratly at the range that it is used. In other words verify it with the calibration solution from Pinpoint.

[reefergeorge]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13352359#post13352359 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by acidblondie
I haven't seen that model but I bought mine off ebay for $28.00 shipped. Same model sold at several LFS for $40 to $70

Same here. No problems in over two years, but as stated above use the pinpoint solution to check. The distilled water method could be off.

[jpkboca]

What model would that be you've all bought off ebay with success? And does pinpoint solution usually coem with it, as I've seen several say to calibrate with distilled, which I've heard here is not good. If not where does one get pinpoint solution.

Thanks,

[abulgin]

Same here. I am very happy with mine. This is the one I got:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Salinity-Refractometer-0-10-ATC-Aquarium-Salt-Water_W0QQitemZ230289808533QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item230289808533&_trkparms=72%3A1031%7C39%3A1%7C66%3A1%7C65%3A12%7C240%3A1318&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

I also second the Pinpoint Salinity calibration fluid. Well worth the $5. I bought from this vendor and he shipped really quickly.

http://cgi.ebay.com/American-Marine-Pinpoint-Salinity-Calibration-Fluid_W0QQitemZ350094620722QQcmdZViewItem?_trksid=p3286.m20.l1116

[cloak]

I think refractometers are overrated. I've used a $6.99 floating glass hydrometer for almost nine years and have never had any problems due to an inaccurate reading. Spot check!

JMO.

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Floating glass hydrometers can certainly be very accurate. More often so than swing arms, although you do have to adjust for temperature issues. The Tropic Marin that has been sold for many years (not sure if it still is) is a fine choice. :)