How do you test salt level?

bjc451 · Dec 10, 2019

Last time I set this tank up I got a Red Sea refractometer. So many problems with it constantly needing calibrated and the inconsistent readings with tons of people having the same problem. So which one is good

X-37B · Dec 10, 2019

I got mine from BRS. I also have an IO swingarm. Calibrated BRS refractometer is then measured against the swingarm. The swingarm reads 1.027, and the BRS refrac reads 1.026. I use the swingarm most of the time as I know it reads .001 higher than actual.
With the refractometer I calibrate before every reading and it is dead on. If you dont, it can, and will be off at times. Keep the same testing procedure and you should be golden.
Thats how I do it.

mike550 · Dec 10, 2019

Hanna Salinity Tester. Accurate, easy to read, easy to calibrate. Also provides temperature. Not sure what else you need.

phatduckk · Dec 10, 2019

I use the Milwaukee digital one. My daughters lost my refractometer and I just wasn’t a fan of looking at the blurry line w/ my garbage vision

vetteguy53081 · Dec 10, 2019

Hanna or icecap Salinity checker

reefiniteasy · Dec 10, 2019

I use a VeeGee Scientific stx-3 refractometer. It’s a heavy duty lab grade refractometer. Super accurate and I have not had to calibrate it yet.

JCOLE · Dec 10, 2019

Hanna salinity checker

Quietman · Dec 10, 2019

BRS refractometer. Although wish I hadn't gotten the built in LED option. Rather useless add-on in my opinion. Check calibration each day I use it. Only have to adjust maybe once a month... maybe.

A Reef Insanity (ARI) · Dec 10, 2019

Refractometer is most accurate. I have hydrometers, Hanna digital with temp, and Apex salinity probes.... refractometer seems to be most accurate although all 4 methods give me a slightly different reading. Hard to say what to trust.

Skynyrd Fish · Dec 10, 2019

BRS refractometer. I would rinse with ro when done and clean/dry. Mine has not needed calibration in five years. I check it with calibration fluid it’s always dead on. I also oil the hing pins a couple times per year. Good luck.

bjc451 · Dec 10, 2019

So many mixed reviews on most of them

lapin · Dec 11, 2019

I can not recommend a certain brand, since my refractometers are old.
Both hardly ever need calibrating.
One is easier to read than the other for some reason.
One is blue and one is black. One is a little more rusted than the other. They both work.

artieg1 · Dec 11, 2019

Milwaukee product is solid. So easy. Goodness I wish I'd bought that 4 years ago. If I could go back in time, that is one of the first pieces of advice I would give myself. That, and don't overcrowd a QT setup.

stanleo · Dec 11, 2019

I use the Red Sea refractometer and I have just accepted that I will have to calibrate it every time I use it. I also have another refractometer from Sybon that is older that I use now and then to see if both give me the same reading. They do.

Phildago · Dec 11, 2019

Does anybody know why refractometers need to constantly be re-calibrated?

Jeff Jarry reef · Dec 11, 2019

Milwaukee digital really nice to use.

artieg1 · Dec 11, 2019

Phildago said:
Does anybody know why refractometers need to constantly be re-calibrated?

"Turning and turning in the widening gyre
The falcon cannot hear the falconer;
Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold;
Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world..."

Super Fly · Dec 11, 2019

bjc451 said:
Last time I set this tank up I got a Red Sea refractometer. So many problems with it constantly needing calibrated and the inconsistent readings with tons of people having the same problem. So which one is good

I calibrate prior to use if its been more than few days since last used. ALso, the temp of refractometer affects reading, so it should be kept at similar temp to water. I've noticed mine giving different reading when refractometer was left in basement (cold) vs 1F. Now I always keep it on the 1F vs basement where the tank is located.

bjc451 · Dec 11, 2019

Yes when I bought it. I constantly had to calibrate and took it back to the store and the owner who is real cool tested mine on his systems and every time constant reading. But the store was about 82 degrees and humid. My tank is in the basement. I had to warm up the body of refractometer let it come down to temp. Then zero it then I could get a accurate measure. My tank is in the basement. And would only hold calibration for the time to mix the salt till the time after the change to see where it’s at.