Anyone recommend a particular refractometer? Where is a good place to buy one? Thanks.

This is the one I use:

Premium Blue Refractometer - RHS-10ATC: Premium Aquatics (http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=REFRACT-PA&Category_Code=Hydrometer)

I swear by it. Relatively inexpensive as well. If you can get some folks together, and do a "Group Buy", it can be cheaper. We did this at Boston Reefers and got them for 30-some odd bucks a piece.

Dave

Thanks Dave. I'll check it out.

De Nada my friend

I read on Premium Aquatics website that there is some new information stating for best results you should use a Salinity Fluid like the American Marine Salinity Fluid. This will yield you much more accurate results. Any advice on that?

Once the refractometer is calibrated, then what is the reading my salt mix should be?

Do you use RO/DI for your fresh water source? IF so, just calibrate to zero with that. You should be fine. You can be plus or minus a point; consistency is what matters.

The reading or level of salinity is a preference within range. What I mean is, for fish only, some like to keep salinity low, like at 1.021 to help fight off ich and other nasties. However, with corals, anemones and other critters we keep, you'd need to know what you want to keep, and let the requirements dictate your salinity. Most of us keep it between 1.023 and 1.025 at 78F-82F.

Dave

I read on Premium Aquatics website that there is some new information stating for best results you should use a Salinity Fluid like the American Marine Salinity Fluid. This will yield you much more accurate results. Any advice on that?

Once the refractometer is calibrated, then what is the reading my salt mix should be?


mainly you would calibrate in this mannor in the labs. but as domestic equiptment cant set the parameters, it would only serve to tell you its slightly off, which once its zero'd, ive never seen s/g steps out due to wavelengths being constant:huh: