Refractometer

[Jarred1]

i would like to buy a Refractometer and would like to know if this one is worth buying.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Fish-Aquarium-Salinity-Refractometer-0-10-Saltwater-US-/160452767672?cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item255bbaefb8

Thanks for any help

[joemelo]

the details look the same as any other refractometer.
it's hard to tell without actually using it.
they can be calibrated. zero it with RO water. mine came with a calibration fluid to calibrate to 1.026.

I got mine off Bulkreefsupply.com

[ebross67]

I would be hesitant in buying a delicate piece of equipment from Ebay. If something goes wrong after 14 days your out of luck. If you buy from Dr. Foster Smith or something the window is greater for return, and you can be certain it's of quality.

[bassplaya12]

looks just like one my LFS has

[smokieroom]

I have that one from ebay and one that I paid over $100 back years ago they both work the same. I do recommend that you get some calibration fluid for it though it is more accurate than using RO and calibrating to 0.

[Jarred1]

where can i get calibration fluid?

[smokieroom]

You can get it at some LFS and most places online have it.
This is what I use http://www.FosterAndSmithAquatics.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=18717

Also if you ever drop your refractometer or bump it I would suggest recalibrating it I have found that the ebay one I have is easy to knock out of calibration. But generally it holds calibration fine.

[gte539f]

+1 on the BRS refractometer. It comes w/calibration fluid too.

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store/products/test-kits/refractometer/refractometer-for-reading-salinity-w-free-calibration-fluid.html

[James000]

I am using the BRS refractometer as well. Just to clarify, the calibration fluid has a 77 degree temp rating on it...I am assuming that it will accurately read my tank water at 77 degrees rather than the traditional 68 degrees of most refractometers??

Thanks.

[Mavrk]

I am using the BRS refractometer as well. Just to clarify, the calibration fluid has a 77 degree temp rating on it...I am assuming that it will accurately read my tank water at 77 degrees rather than the traditional 68 degrees of most refractometers??

Thanks.

The beauty of measuring salinity is that they it is not affected by temperature as much as measuring SG. But if you are worried, then float the calibration fluid in the water to get it to the same temperature, then use it to calibrate to 35 ppt.