$24.99 Refractometer from Amazon?

[MikeMiniReef]

Looking to get a good Refractometer for a reef tank I'm building. I found this very affordable Refractometer on Amazon:

(Click here for link for Amazon refractometer (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008560IXA/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A2KU5BPCTRSW5I))

Does anyone have this or recommend I purchase based on the description. Very similar items at other stores but much cheaper. Looks the same as the one sold at Bulk Reef Supply (http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/catalog/product/view/id/843/) minus the calibration fluid but I believe I could just use distilled water for the Amazon unit. BRS also charges $10+ shipping unless I spend $175+ which I definitely can't do now for other items. Amazon shipping is free since I'm a Prime member.

Let me know your thoughts on the Amazon Refractometer. THANKS!

[Mark Bianco]

Looks like the ones I have bought and paid more for. As for calibration you need to get calibration fluid that has a set salinity, you can not use distilled water.

Mark

[James77]

Looks no different than any of the ones I have bought over the last 10 years. Go for it, you can't beat that price :)

[ClippersTown]

i have it, pretty legit

[Rob in Puyallup]

I have one, it works fine.

[Maxxumless]

I ordered THIS ONE (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005ES6MOQ/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005ES6MOQ&linkCode=as2&tag=toweguar-20">Salinity Refractometer, Aquarium & Seawater - Dual Scale (1.0 to 1.070 S.G.) by Agriculture Solutions) from Amazon and it seems to be accurate and pretty durable. Comes with a case, lint-free-cloth, mini screwdriver, & a little eye dropper.

[tidalwave1]

I ordered Salinity Refractometer, Aquarium & Seawater - Dual Scale (1.0 to 1.070 S.G.) by Agriculture Solutions">THIS ONE from Amazon and it seems to be accurate and pretty durable. Comes with a case, lint-free-cloth, mini screwdriver, & a little eye dropper.

I have this same one and have had no problems with, my salinity always reads the same as the lfs

[falconut]

From the photo, it looks like the one I got off ebay from Premiumaquatics. Except mine came with a hard plastic case for $29.99. And they hooked me up with some 1.035 calibration fluid for $3.99 extra. I you like amazon more, than go for it. Just pick up some calibration fluid.

[steelwrap]

Just noticed the first link says:
Accessories included Pipette Operations manual, Mini-calibration screwdriver, Desiccant packet, Water Sample, Storage case.
I might have to pick one up too.

[MikeMiniReef]

Thank you everyone for your input. I bought the Refractometer from Amazon and the Pinpoint calibration fluid (http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=18717) from Dr Fosters & Smith.

[MikeMiniReef]

So my old hydrometer which I have been using on my 150gal FOWLR for 9 years has been reading my new reef tank salinity at 1.025. I used my brand new refractometer (calibrated with 53.0 mS Pinpoint Calibration/Reference Fluid) and my salinity read 1.030! Thank goodness I'm still cycling my new reef tank and I did not invest in corals yet!

[outssider]

I have been using one of those cheapo refractometers for years and it works great. always calibrate before use, they are extremely temperature sensitive