Refractometers - Handheld/Digital

djbetterly · Nov 7, 2017

I currently use a DD handheld refractometer and I'm finding it lately to be horribly inaccurate. I bought 35ppm solution to calibrate, and essentially I need to calibrate it everytime I use it..its always creeping up.

So given this has created a big issue for me, I want to pickup a new refractometer. I was looking at the Milwaukee digital, has anyone used one?

Any other recommendations?

I also have the conductivity probe setup with my apex, but I find it to be almost useless. I replaced the probe about two months ago, calibrated it, and its already out of wack. Very frustrating for the price of those things.

Yuki Rihwa · Nov 7, 2017

I don't have any recommendation for you but I'm using ATC Refractometer and it's giving me very accurate result, why would I know it's accurate? Because my filter came with digital salinity monitor and I compared the result with the monitor it's pretty much dead on target result.
*Yes, I have to calibrate everytimes before taking a test, I use distilled water as the solution and it's still gave me correct result. Also, you will need to clean it well before and after use so nothing built up or stuck on it surface.

Mrx7899 · Nov 7, 2017

I've been thinking about picking up a Milwaukee digital refractor too Wondering if they are worth the money

djbetterly · Nov 7, 2017

I found an iPad on a plane, returned it to the owner and they rewarded me with $150 in amazon gift cards. I really wanted the Hanna one, but I'm not sure what else to buy at the moment ;Bored

cmcoker · Nov 7, 2017

Here's a thread with good discussion on good refractometer and the Milwaukee digital
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/milwaukiee-refractometer-vs-triton-results.305014/page-3

bdejong1112o · Nov 7, 2017

I also use an ATC and recently with the help from another reefing friend discovered that calibrating with RODI water is better than using calibration fluids. We both had a bottle of the same fluid bought from two sources and on different weeks. When calibrating our refractometers we would be off by up to 2 points. After switching to zeroing out using the RODI water from my system we are right on.

I also learned by trial and lots of error that the Apex salinity probe is super duper sensitive to bubble. Even the sight of a microbubble makes it puke up bad readings. Moving it to a very calm area if my sump has resulted in it being absolutely Rock solid stable and matching my refractometer.

I also followed the calibration steps from BRS where you float the solution bag in your sump right next to the temp probe. Also tap the probe while it's in the solution to remove any bubbles and ensure it is bone dry before you start. All this resulted in a solid and stable probe which matches my refractometer.

RicordeaFreak · Nov 7, 2017

I recently purchased a Milwaukee about two weeks ago. I am really liking the quick digital reading that it gives in seconds. The one gripe I have about it is the stainless steel well. I noticed that I get a more accurate reading if I warm up the well so that the units temperature is reading closer to what I keep my tank water at. I calibrate and test with the water that was sent in the box its spot on every time. I would say its not really any time saved, but gives me a better piece of mind since I'm skeptical of my handheld refractometer reading correctly even after calibrating it with test solution.

djbetterly · Nov 7, 2017

I went a head and ordered a VeeGee handheld. After reading further...I'm not sure I want to deal with the mixed results I'm reading about with the milwaukee.

karo25 · Nov 7, 2017

I use the Milwaukee and love it. I'd never use anything else.

Mark SF · Jul 11, 2018

Just purchased a VeeGee STX-3 and a Milwaukee Digital. I had constant salinity issues in my last set up back in 2014 when using the Milwaukee, but the convenience of a digital refractometer was too hard to pass up. So, I decided to purchase both.

First, the build quality of the VeeGee has changed my mind all together about handheld refractometers...Even in low light conditions this thing is clear and easy to read. My first comparison of the two after getting the VeeGee calibrated against distilled water (and doing the same for the Milwaukee) were this:

Control:

SG 1.025 Calibration fluid (brand new)
Veegee - 1.025
Milwaukee - 1.024

Test:

Veegee 1.027(5) -
Milwaukee - 1.025

After not even being able to get correctly measure a known salinity control, and many more samples with large deviations like this, I am returning the Milwaukee. The VeeGee is not any less difficult to use, honestly, and is nearly the same process for cleaning and prepping for a test as the digital.

I considered using the Milwaukee for reference for the VeeGee, but this is what leads to headaches and second guessing and tinkering...then trouble.

siggy · Jul 11, 2018

my Milwaukee always reads 1.024 with their cal fluid its just plain 1 point low....Be careful I bought cal solution that is reading 1.028 on my Milwaukee so i know its realy 1.029 BTY I sent Milwaukee 2 E-mails to request a calibration and have not heard back.....Give Hanna a try for those that are interested.