What's the best Salinity checker?

[MrsBugmaster]

I use a Misco PA202x , expensive but about the best money can buy.

2nd choice, VeeGeeSTX3 had it two years and never had to recalibrate it. Then dropped it on the basement cement floor and cracked the prism

 

[JohnGP]

That's by far the most expensive one I have ever seen. Is there something special about it that I am missing?

I believe there are some out there that are even more expensive. The Vee Gee is very well made, accurate and holds calibration for ever it seems. My last one, which I lost in a move, was calibrated once and even though I checked it countless times it never needed calibrating again and I had it for a couple years.

 

[piranhaman00]

I believe there are some out there that are even more expensive. The Vee Gee is very well made, accurate and holds calibration for ever it seems. My last one, which I lost in a move, was calibrated once and even though I checked it countless times it never needed calibrating again and I had it for a couple years.

That would be nice. I use a cheap refractometer and it needs calibration every use, I trust it though.

 

[joec]

VEEGEE. I only calibrate about once every 6-8 mos and it's only off by a tiny amount if at all

I had the BRS refractometer and that sucked

The VEE GEE is worth every penny

 

[piranhaman00]

Just purchased the VeeGee refractometer after this thread!

Also want to try the pinpoint at some time. Is there a reason to use "manual" vs digital refractometers?

 

[joec]

Just purchased the VeeGee refractometer after this thread!

Also want to try the pinpoint at some time. Is there a reason to use "manual" vs digital refractometers?

The VEE GEE has a smaller MOE than the Milwaukee digital

 

[piranhaman00]

The VEE GEE has a smaller MOE than the Milwaukee digital

What is the error on the vee gee? Cant find it

 

[JohnGP]

Just purchased the VeeGee refractometer after this thread!

Also want to try the pinpoint at some time. Is there a reason to use "manual" vs digital refractometers?

I think you'll be glad you got the Vee Gee.

I purchased the American Marine Pinpoint PH as well as their Salinity monitor, the PH has been working great but I couldn't get the Salinity monitor to calibrate out of the box. Called American Marine and "Lou" was super helpful and said "Well that is odd, they usually are pretty much problem free, send me that darn thing and I'll shoot a brand new out to you ASAP". I just shipped it to him this past Monday so I haven't received the replacement yet, will update after I get it and use it for a bit. I do have to say I'm liking the PH monitor so far and have heard great things about the Salinity monitor so looking forward to giving it a try.

 

[Sleeping Giant]

I love my Hanna meter. I used hydrometers and refractometers and still have them as a backup but the Hanna is unbeatab le in terms of convenience.

Dip in, check salinity and done. With the other two types of meters I've had to fiddle with them constantly to make sure there are no micro bubbles (hydrometer) and calibration (refractometer).

I do too, used a hydrometer prior to having a Hanna checker, refractometers look ok, but lots of finiky stuff and the total convenience of the Hanna is hands down my favorite, I calibrate it once a month, it was -0.001 sg out..which in my view is acceptable

 

[joec]

What is the error on the vee gee? Cant find it

Accuracy not MOE:


Go to "see more product details"

 

[piranhaman00]

Accuracy not MOE:


Go to "see more product details"

Ok so I received teh veegee, I cannot turn the calibration ring! I unscrewed the place screw completely out of the insrument and I still have to fight with the ring to make it budge, impossible while looking through the eye piece. , cant be right?

 

[joec]

Ok so I received teh veegee, I cannot turn the calibration ring! I unscrewed the place screw completely out of the insrument and I still have to fight with the ring to make it budge, impossible while looking through the eye piece. , cant be right?

Hmmm. Mine tightened up one time and I used a lubricant, I think it was WD40 to get it moving.

Call VEEGEE:

TECH SUPPORT:

[email protected]

800-423-8842 {USA & Canada}

 

[piranhaman00]

Hmmm. Mine tightened up one time and I used a lubricant, I think it was WD40 to get it moving.

Call VEEGEE:

TECH SUPPORT:

[email protected]

800-423-8842 {USA & Canada}

Email and message left, just checking here. Thanks,

 

[Coastie Reefer]

I'm not understanding what's wrong with a regular refractometer. Just calibrate before you use is with a good calibration solution. Cheap and accurate, and only takes 30 seconds calibrate. My last ICP test was came back at 35.91 ppt or 1.0271 sg, and my refractometer had read 1.027.

 

[DungSl1nger]

I noticed you already purchased one. I just wanted to point out the Hanna salinity tester has been a great product for working around the tanks. Test, rinse and test the next tank. Out of habit, I calibrate it once a month and if things don't make sense I would confirm with my refractometer. I made the switch due to focus issues on account of either poor eyes or the contacts in them.

 

[joec]

I'm not understanding what's wrong with a regular refractometer. Just calibrate before you use is with a good calibration solution. Cheap and accurate, and only takes 30 seconds calibrate. My last ICP test was came back at 35.91 ppt or 1.0271 sg, and my refractometer had read 1.027.

I had the BRS $35 refractometer. I ordered several fish from Divers Den and had to repeatedly check the salinity multiple times when acclimating them, and every time I checked it it read something different. I had to recalibrate it every few minutes, no thanks,

I threw it in the trash and ordered the VEEGEE and never looked back

 

[dadnjesse]

I have had cheap ones from Amazon, The Milwaukee, the Hanna which I threw in the Trash and the VeeGee, the only one that stay's consistent.

 

[dadnjesse]

That's by far the most expensive one I have ever seen. Is there something special about it that I am missing?

You can keep buying the cheap ones, then throw them away because they are not accurate or buy the Vee Gee

 

[WIReefer]

I have a Milwaukee and love it. Would highly recommend it

 

[Jonreefer]

I guess I got lucky. I bought a cheapo $30 refractometer years ago. I still use it today and I check it every so often and it has never really drifted out of calibration on me. I check it with 2 bottles of calibration solution just to make sure. That being said I def getting tired of trying to read through the little viewfinder in it. I may invest in the Hanna one for easier reading.