Refractometer question

[Kraig]

Hello! Just getting started in this hobby. I used to brew beer and I dug out my refractometer I used for testing wort. It seems the scale might be different than what is used for the saltwater hobby. I looked last night, but don't know for sure what each side was. I know the left only went up to 30 (whatever that measurement is). The right side was 1.00 through something (1.050 maybe?).
Can anyone on here tell me if I will need to get something else to test for salinity. I guess someone that is into homebrewing and saltwater might be able to answer this for me.

Thank you!

 

[blaxsun]

The answer I found was no - you need a saltwater specific refractometer.

 

[Jekyl]

I don't believe they are interchangeable. What ever one you end up purchasing make sure to get calibration fluid with it. Calibrate before every use.

 

[Gtinnel]

I'm not a brewer so I may be wrong but I suspect the 0-30 is a scale for Brix and the 1.00 to 1.050 is probably specific gravity. If I'm right and the 1.00 to 1.050 is specific gravity then that scale is one commonly used in reef keeping but you likely will not have the resolution needed.
I'd strongly recommend just getting one for measuring saltwater. They aren't that expensive and it's the most important parameter.

 

[N.Sreefer]

Try it with calibration solution and see where it is on the scale. As long as your tank matches the level of the calibration solution your good.