Milwaukee Refractometer

[devin.reed2000]

Hi all, my Milwaukee Refractometer (MA887) is giving inconsistent results. I have zeroed the device properly and used the 1.025 SG calibration liquid, but this is showing 1.026 SG. Any advice on what I could do differently or if anyone had encountered this problem before? I tried recalibrating multiple times and the same issue persists. I take a measurement on my tank and that yields inconsistent results from 1.024 - 1.026 SG.

 

[elryry]

I have the same issue with this refractometer. Zero it with the 0.0 solution they provide, measure with the 1.025 solution they provide... comes out to be 1.026.

I switched to the Hanna salinity tester pen and it works a lot better.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

You are getting exactly what the manufacturer claims you will get: fairly large uncertainty.

Milwaukee MA887 Digital Salinity Refractometer

The Milwaukee Instruments digital salinity refractometer is ideal for saltwater aquarium professionals and enthusiasts.

milwaukeeinstruments.com

ACCURACY: ±2 PSU | ±2 ppt | ±0.002 S.G. (20/20) | ±0.3°C / ±0.5°F

Thus, if the true value is sg = 1.025, Milwaukee claims the reading will be 1.023 to 1.027

 

[reefteaser]

Thought I wanted this, but I started reading reviews and bought a TM floating hydrometer. Cheaper, less convenient, and supposedly error proof, especially with an on line temperature conversion.
So, yeah it’s kind of a PITA, but I like the results.

 

[gbroadbridge]

Hi all, my Milwaukee Refractometer (MA887) is giving inconsistent results. I have zeroed the device properly and used the 1.025 SG calibration liquid, but this is showing 1.026 SG. Any advice on what I could do differently or if anyone had encountered this problem before? I tried recalibrating multiple times and the same issue persists. I take a measurement on my tank and that yields inconsistent results from 1.024 - 1.026 SG.

As stated, the stated device uncertainty is +- 0.002 when reading s.g.

I have one which consistently reads 1.028 on water I know is 1.026.

I simply attached a sticky label to remind myself to subtract 0.002 from the reading.

There is no way to adjust the reading - I tried

 

[BeanAnimal]

I have one and it is garbage, not even good for repeatable spot checks and half the time will not calibrate properly. In fact, it is going In the trash today.

 

[Waters]

Mine is always right on at 1.026. I found the best way to get accurate results is to calibrate before each use, and let the water sample sit on the lens for close to a minute before reading the sample.

 

[devin.reed2000]

I have one and it is garbage, not even good for repeatable spot checks and half the time will not calibrate properly. In fact, it is going In the trash today.

Did u switch to Hanna salinity checker?

 

[BeanAnimal]

Did u switch to Hanna salinity checker?

No - not a fan of it, or really anything Hanna for that matter

I use a Troptic Marin hydrometer as a reference and the GHL conductivity probe for day to day trend And a few junk refractometers for sanity/ ballpark check when not wanting to break out the Tropic Marin.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Got rid of mine for this very reason