$24.99 Refractometer from Amazon

MikeMiniReef · Dec 21, 2013

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

Automatic Temperature Compensation Sea Water Salinity Refractometer for Aquarium, 0% - 10% & 1.0 to 1.070 S.G. DUAL SCALE Hydrometer By AdeAdvancedOptics: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientificoes 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 (Refractometer for reading salinity w/ Free Calibration fluid - Bulk Reef Supply) 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!

kered38 · Dec 21, 2013

I have the one from Amazon and like it. I clean it after use to make sure there isn't any residue on it and just use rodi to calibrate it. A buddy of mine in town does the same and he hasn't had any issues either. Like you it was hard to pass up for the price and being a prime member it was nice with free two day shipping.

MikeMiniReef · Dec 21, 2013

Thanks for the input kered38. So I don't need to buy calibration fluid for the best results? I do have rodi...but I've heard that distilled is better for calibration (don't know why).

RacinRevo0818 · Dec 22, 2013

Yes to calibration fluid!! It will last you a long time and you won't have to be second guessing yourself. I've heard people use ro but never have done it.

glb · Dec 22, 2013

I bought it and it's great. I use ro water without a problem.

Worldwide reefs · Dec 22, 2013

Yes I agree, Calibration fluid is needed with the refractometer. Were measuring in an area of 1.025-1.030 salinity. To Calibrate it to 0 is very far off, so a fluid would provide you with more accurate results. Regardless the amazon refractometer is just dandy!

MikeMiniReef · Dec 22, 2013

Thank you everyone for your input. I bought the Refractometer from Amazon and the Pinpoint calibration fluid from Dr Fosters & Smith.

MikeMiniReef · Jan 2, 2014

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!

mandinga · Jan 3, 2014

Whoa way off!

Though now you need a third check...I'm paranoid so I use three different refractometers/hydrometers.

I'd have a friend or LFS check the salinity and see which one is closer... I'm assuming the new refractometers that has been calibrated will be the more accurate, but like I said I am paranoid

MikeMiniReef said:
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!