refractometers?

hawk · #1 11-18-2004, 06:34 PM

The price of refractometers varies from $50-$100+, is there a significant difference in accuracy and reliability between the lower cost and higher end refractometers?

monza · #2 11-18-2004, 08:04 PM

The most important thing IMO is that it has automatic temperature compensation, after that from what I've seen they are all about the same.

Dave

Vagabond · #3 11-18-2004, 08:51 PM

I have to agree with Dave, make sure it has ATC and your good to go.

I got mine from Ivan at Aquaria Canada for 65.00 + shipping, and I am very pleased. Accurate and easy to use. Model RHS-10ATC

www.aquaria.ca

HTH

ree-fready · #4 11-19-2004, 12:48 AM

Are you looking on ebay? There seems to be a number of places selling them on there.

Rikko · #5 11-19-2004, 02:42 AM

I ordered mine from Premium Aquatics a couple weeks ago.. Still no show but I ordered right before Remembrance day, ground post at that... I'm sure it'll be here any day. Cost me $60 CDN shipped... I just checked the J&L site under 'new stuff' a couple days ago and see they now have a portable refractometer for $65... *grumble*

Chad · #6 11-19-2004, 06:00 AM

usualy the accuracy is what determines the price.. IME

I've seen some cheap ones but with lousy accuracy. 0.01 instead of 0.001 (as a example) also some come with a light inside.

mr_alberta · #7 11-19-2004, 03:52 PM

As long as you have auto temp compensation (ATC) and a glass prism you should be good to go.

monza · #8 11-19-2004, 09:20 PM

I just received my oder of a Pinpoint Salinity Monitor 114.95US it is a bit more money but is supposed to be 100 accurate. So there is another choice for you.
Now I also have a refractor that I could sell, works great but does not have auto temp. comp. but that is easily solved by a chart for various temps, if anyone is interested let me know, like new.
Dave

AndyL · #9 11-20-2004, 04:15 AM

I got one of the 65$ ones from aquaria.ca - I'm liking it. Sure beats the good ol swing arm hydrometer. Yes its probably not the most accurate - it isn't graduated to the point where 1.024 and 1.0245 are very obviously different - but do we REALLY need that level of accuracy? As long as I can spot the difference between 1.024, 1.025, 1.026 I'm happy.