12 best refractometer for aquariums
A refractometer for aquariums is a specialized tool used by aquarium enthusiasts and professionals to measure the salinity or specific gravity of the water in their aquariums. This device is crucial for maintaining the optimal conditions for marine and reef ecosystems within the aquarium.
Key features and information about refractometers for aquariums include:
Principle of Operation: Refractometers work based on the principle of measuring the bending of light as it passes through a liquid. In the context of aquariums, they measure the refractive index of the water, which is directly related to the water's salinity or specific gravity.
Measurement Units: Refractometers can display readings in various units, including parts per thousand (ppt), practical salinity units (PSU), and specific gravity (SG). The choice of unit depends on the preferences of the aquarist and the specific needs of the aquarium inhabitants.
Calibration: It's essential to calibrate the refractometer regularly using a calibration solution or a known standard to ensure accurate readings. Many refractometers come with calibration solutions or guidelines.
Types of Refractometers: There are two main types of refractometers for aquarium use:
- Analog Refractometers: These have a built-in analog scale where you read the measurement directly through an eyepiece.
- Digital Refractometers: These provide digital readings on an easy-to-read screen, often with additional features like temperature compensation.
Temperature Compensation: Some advanced refractometers for aquariums have temperature compensation features.Since water temperature can affect the accuracy of salinity measurements, these devices automatically adjust the reading based on the water temperature.
Maintenance: Regular maintenance includes cleaning the refractometer's prism or lens to ensure accurate readings. Most manufacturers provide guidelines on how to clean and care for their specific models.
Application: Aquarium hobbyists use refractometers to monitor and maintain the proper salinity levels for their marine and reef aquariums. Different species of fish and coral have specific salinity requirements, and accurate measurements are vital to their health and well-being.
Availability: Refractometers for aquariums are widely available through aquarium supply stores, online retailers, and specialty scientific instrument suppliers.
In summary, a refractometer for aquariums is a valuable tool for maintaining the ideal salinity levels in marine and reef aquariums. It allows aquarists to monitor and adjust the water conditions to ensure the health and vitality of their aquatic inhabitants. Regular calibration and maintenance are essential to ensure accurate readings and the overall success of the aquarium.
Below you can find our editor's choice of the best refractometer for aquariums on the marketProduct description
Features:
Handheld design and non-slip rubber handle for easy operation.
Built-in automatic temperature compensation(ATC) to get faster results.
With measurement level for direct reading.
Adjustable manual focus, easy to focus and calibrate.
Comes with a case, convenient for storage and portable for use.
Measure salt water or salinity of water, ideal for aquariums and marine monitoring.
Instant Reading Result: Just need 2-3 drops of solution and a few seconds, you can get accurate readings.
Specifications:
Color: Black + Silver + Blue
Material: ABS
*Measuring Range:
Salinity: 0-100‰ Specific Gravity: 1.000-1.070
Accracy: 1‰
ATC - automatic temperature compensation
Item Size: shown as picture
Package Size: Approx. 20.5 * 7.5 * 5.5cm / 8.1 * 3 * 2.2in
Package Weight: Approx. 230g / 8.11oz
Note:
1. After use, do not directly wash in water. Wipe with a clean soft cloth. The optical surface should not be scratched
2. The instrument should be stored in a dry place without corrosive gas.
3. Avoid missing parts.
Package List:
1 * Salinity Refractometer
1 * Slotted Screwdriver
1 * Cleaning Cloth
1 * Straw
1 * User Manual
1 * Packaging box
- Measure salt water or salinity of water, ideal for aquariums and marine monitoring.
- With measurement level for direct reading. Adjustable manual focus, easy to focus and calibrate.
- Handheld design and non-slip rubber handle for easy operation.
- Instant Reading Result: Just need 2-3 drops of solution and a few seconds, you can get accurate readings.
- Built-in automatic temperature compensation(ATC) to get faster results.
Product description
Automatic Temperature Compensation Salt Salinity Refractometer - Dual Scale 0% - 10% & 1.0 to 1.070 S.G. Dual Scale Hydrometer. Designed for the safety transportation purpose, the very 1st open of the product case might be tight. Refractometer for seawater, reef aquarium, kitchen use etc. 0-100 ppt : Our optical refractometer has scales ranged from 0 - 100 ppt (0 - 10 %). The reading resolution is 1 ppt. It is designed for the measurement of seawater (marine aquaria) or very low concentrated salt solutions. The second scale is for reading of the salt solution density ranged from 1.000 to 1.070 g/cm3 (resolution 0.001 g/cm3). For Reference of solutions: 1.Fresh water < 0.5 ppt 2.Brackish water -- 0.5 to 30 ppt 3.Seawater -- 30 to 50 ppt 4.Brine -- 50 ppt Measurement: Easy Use! Place a few drops of the liquid on the optical part of the refractometer, cover the prism, and the liquid will spread more easily over the prism, look throught the eyepiece against the light and you will be able to read the result value on the scale. 10℃~30℃ / 50F ~ 86 F. For temperature beyond this range, please calibrate before use. Content and equipment: a firm plastic case 1x refractometer 1x cleaning cloth 1x suction tube 1x screw driver 1x operating instructions
Product description
This dual scale salinity refractometer is used to measure, monitor and control the concentration of salt water and brine. It is especially useful for aquariums and marine applications. This high quality refractometer measures on 2 scales, Specific Gravity (D 20/20) and parts per thousand. It can replace your difficult to read hydrometer. Just a couple drops of aquarium water and you know exactly what your salinity is.
- One scale checks the NaCl levels with the range of 0-100 ppt (with 1 ppt scale divisions) and the other scale gauges Specific Gravity with a range of 1.000 to 1.070(+/-0.001 accuracy)
- Features ATC (Automatic Temperature Compensation) for accurate readings.
- Sturdy design, compact in size and light in weight, convenient to keep up and carry around.
- It is suitable for a marine saltwater tank.
- This Refractometer is backed by a 2 Year - No Hassle - Free Replacement Guarantee.
User questions & answers
Question: | I'm assuming I was sent the wrong refractometer. The only scales are 0-32, 0-140, and 0-26. Can I still make readings with this thing |
Answer: | Hard to say. If you did some mcgyvering with some straps and soapy water you may be able to. I've seated a 3.8 fatbike tire by wrapping a tube around the tire using a standard floor pump before, but it was really difficult. I bet i could seat my 29x3 surly knard on 50mm rabbit holes, split tube tubeless, using this pump. But it's all about what combination you're using. |
Question: | what about the solution for testing |
Answer: | 12" tall, 3-1/4" wide at top of handle with hose clamped. barrel is 1-1/2" in diameter. It fits in my Camelbak nicely> |
Question: | on the 0-32,0-140,0-26 scale, what do I use to get the correct salinity? Why is this advertised for aquarium use if it isn't sensitive enough |
Answer: | There was no hardware included to install on the bicycle frame. I usually keep pumps in my camelbak (Camelbak Lobo) so it doesn't rattle or get hooked on stuff. This is a metal pump, so if it gets whacked on a rock it may become dented and won't pump effectively. (Plastic pumps don't dent). Since I dented a metal Mt. Zefal pump in 1988, I've kept pumps in my camelbak! |
Question: | What is the ease of use for this product? I've never used a refractometer before.. So I'm trying to shop around for something reasonable and easy to use and maintain. Thank you |
Answer: | Hi! No it can't be |
Product features
Ade Advanced Optics Dual Scale 1.0 to 1.070 S.G. Salinity Refractometer for Aqua
This dual scale salinity refractometer is used to measure, monitor and control the concentration of salt water and brine. Especially useful for aquarium and marine applications. This high quality refractometer measures on 2 scales, Specific Gravity (D 20/20) and parts per thousand. It replaces your difficult to read hydrometer. With just a couple of drops of aquarium water you know exactly what your salinity is.
Accuracy
Accurate within ±0.1‰.
Easy to Use
Does not need calibration solutions. Use "everyday drinking water" to calibrate. Only calibrate upon receiving or after long dormant periods.
Dual Scale
Salt (ATC) Ranges:
0 to 100ppt (10 to 30°C) and
1.000 to 1.070 Refractive Index.
Automatic Temperature Compensation
Features ATC (Automatic Temperature Compensation) for accurate readings.
Includes
Complete with case, calibration screwdriver and plastic pipette.
Warranty
This Refractometer is backed by a 2 Year - Hassle Free - Replacement Guarantee.
Durable Construction
The refractometer is made from aircraft aluminum with premium optical lens.
Product description
Milwaukee MA887 Digital Salinity Refractometer with Automatic Temperature Compensation, Yellow LED, 0 to 50 PSU, +/-2 PSU Accuracy, 1 PSU Resolution has a number of industrial applications. Samples are measured after a simple user calibration with distilled or deionized water. Within seconds, the refractive index and temperature are measured and converted into one of three popular measurement units; Practical Salinity Units (PSU), Salinity in parts per thousand(ppt), or Specific Gravity (S.G. (20/20))
- Laboratory tested
- Yellow led display
User questions & answers
Question: | I've had my ma887 for year now. seems to calculate 35ppt at 1.027 s.g. anyone else's unit do this |
Answer: | I've always just dried it with a cloth or paper towel. Anything really. Been doing it for years |
Question: | why i get ppm 38 with aqua Craft calibration Solution |
Answer: | We do. It's just that they use the same UPC code for both and Amazon doesn't recognize the difference. Give us a call for that one. |
Question: | How do you clean it, after each use? Just rinse it out |
Answer: | Yes. You can use this meter with the soil "slurry" technique by adding distilled water in the soil sample. |
Question: | Why don't you carry the hard shell & padded case - Model #MA |
Answer: | As a rule of thumb, we recommend replacing the one after one year of regular use to ensure the best accuracy. |
Product description
- Handheld portable refractometer for measurement of salt concentration in parts per thousand (PPT) (0 to 100%) and specific gravity (SG) (1.000 to 1.070) of seawater in the 10 to 30 degrees C temperature range
- Automatic temperature compensation (ATC) for immediate and accurate calibration readings, regardless of ambient temperature
- Ambient light illuminates the scale; no additional power source is required
- Durable metal and rubber outer shell with a telescope-shaped, streamlined design (40 x 40 x 185mm), a rubber grip to guard against hand heat for accurate measurements, and a non-roll stand to protect against damage
- Optical glass prism mounted in all-metal housing for quick temperature equilibrium between sample and prism
User questions & answers
Question: | Comes with the screwdriver and manual to calibrate? Serve for salt water at temperatures greater than 30 degrees Celsius |
Answer: | Made in China. If it were made in the USA it would cost 2-3 times as much. |
Question: | We have fish farms (fresh water), some seawater leak and we want to measure water salinity, last time it was around 7-10 PPT, Will this device work |
Answer: | I have worked with a few different meters, and this one is about the same as the others when it comes to volume. I use it for continuity all the time and some of the places I'm in are not the quietest. I would say average on sound....You can also turn the sound off if you want. I cannot see a way to turn the volume up. Its either on or off. |
Question: | I noticed that most use this for aquariums, but can this be used to test salinity in my well water |
Answer: | Dear customer,it need 2* AAA batteries,please Kindly note that batteries not Included in the package due to safety concern |
Question: | If you are testing the salinity in different tanks at the same time, does the refractometer meter need to be calibrated before testing tank testing |
Answer: | We use it now since 5 weeks every day on every patient and have not changed the batteries |
Product description
Cora life's Hydrometer takes a true water sample at six inch depth. Easy to read and accurate, this specific gravity meter is designed to give temperature-corrected readings in warm water aquariums. Includes a self-leveling, hanging device and allows your hands to stay dry, avoiding contamination of aquarium.
- Included components: All Components included in Picture and Description
- Cora life is one of the markets leading manufacturers of premium aquarium products
- Cora life's Hydrometer takes a true water sample at six inch depth
- Easy to read and accurate, this specific gravity meter is designed to give temperature-corrected readings in warm water aquariums
- Coralife is one of the market’s leading manufacturers of premium aquarium products
- Coralife's Hydrometer takes a true water sample at six inch depth
User questions & answers
Question: | It says "fill with salty water and allow it to sit for 24 hrs". anyone following that and find it helpful? my new one is off |
Answer: | I purchased mine for testing the spoil pH and watering needs and they both seem to be very accurate. I do not know how accurate it is for light testing. I do not know what your application is for, but if it's to see how much light is present for growing a garden, then you need a minimum of 6 hrs of sunlight a day, preferably 8. Of course it also depends on what you are trying to grow, some plants need much more than others. |
Question: | Can it be left inside the aquarium for continuous readings |
Answer: | Since soil most often is in/close to neutral state (with pH value of 7), when you use it to test the pH value of soil, it is highly likely that you find the needle in display window stay still (because the default pH value is set at somewhere between 7 and 8) . The needle will not swing substantially unless the meter in soil with strong acidity or alkalinity. Customers sometimes are misled by this appearance and hence regard the tester as a defective unit by mistake. Here are the steps of How To Use this soil meter: Step 1: Gently wiped the probes all the way up and down with dry cloth a few times before use Step 2: Push the switch to MOIST or PH or LIGHT position Step 3: Stick the probes into the soil 4-6 inches (2/3 of the probes) or more deep Step 4: Adjust the position of the probe until the pointer on the dial swing slightly Step 5: Note moisture/pH/light level in the dial Step 6: Remove probes from soil and wipe clean with dry cloth after each use Tips: This soil meter is designed to measure moisture and ph level of soil, so it CAN ONLY be used in soil, it CANNOT be used to test any liquids, such as pure water, lemon juice, vinegar and so on, or the probes may be damaged. |
Question: | I want this to test my fresh water aquarium i fill with softener water. Will it work |
Answer: | Yes there is a small piece of sponge material in the cap that you can apply storage solution whenever you plan to leave the cap on. I recommend that if you will be using your pen daily, you get a small glass cup ( the 100ml measuring cups work ideal) and keep storage solution in this cup and keep pen placed in this as opposed to removing and replacing cap continuously. I generally mix 20ml of storage solution with 30ml of distilled water to keep in cup for pen. |
Question: | Does this work with swimming pools |
Answer: | These are great pens for the hobbyist just remember when you do not see the check mark on your pH pen or on your PPM EC conductivity bluelab pen it is time to calibrate if you do not see this check mark displayed on either pin on the screen calibrate. I also recommend using the 7.0 bluelab calibration solution followed up by the 4.0 bluelab calibration solution to get a more accurate reading of the pH solution. Also use blue lab calibration solution for your conductivity meter as well these meters will last a very long time I had mine for almost 4 years and still in good shape keep your meters clean keep your pH bulb moist in store in the pH storage solution that is made by blue lab. Never let the bulb go dry if you do it will take 24 hours or it is good to give 24 hours to rehydrate your pH bulb. And if I'm not mistaken on the bottles the calibration solution of either your conductivity meter solution for calibration or your pH pen calibration solution it says on the bottle after opening don't use after three months I don't know if this matters a whole lot or not but I've used my solution over three months plenty of time and no noticeable difference in this. I guess the main thing is to keep your pH pen glass bulb hydrated I believe that this is probably the most important thing when owning a blue lab pH testing pin. If there is anyone to add to this conversation or to give me any advice that's positive please do so I am always willing to learn and listen so please if anyone has any experience with these pins other than me and something that I may not have mentioned or know please tell me or leave a review thank you I hope this has been helpful. And please stay positive with positive feedback just remember people there are no stupid questions and no mistakes only lessons thank you. |
Product features
Coralife Energy Savers ACLAF877 Deep Six Hydrometer
The re-designed deep six hydrometer with improved calibration and bubble diffuser ensures more accurate readings of your aquarium salt levels. Also includes a built in base so you can rest the hydrometer on a counter top or other flat surface when taking salt readings.
Features:
- Specific Gravity and Salinity PPT Scales
- Optimal Specific Gravity / Salinity range indicator on scale
- Bubble diffuser on water intake prevents micro-bubbles from forming on needle
Product description
Milwaukee MA871 Digital Sugar Refractometer with Automatic Temp Compensation, Yellow LED, 0 to 85 percent Brix, +/- 0.2 percent Accuracy, 0.1 percent Resolution is suitable for a wide range of professional applications.
- Range 0-85% Brix
- Resolution 0.1%
- Comes with battery
- Readout Accuracy 0.1 pH-grams
User questions & answers
Question: | Would I need to check calibration with each measurement I do, or at the beginning of my brew day to check wort which I do several times |
Answer: | Legs mount inside, but seat turns so one can enter from the outside of tub, then it turns so it can slide and turn to be inside tub. We use this for my 97 year old father. His assisted living staff thinks it is awesome bath chair. |
Question: | Can this refractometer measure the water content of a ethylene and propylene glycol solution? I need it to check for water contamination |
Answer: | Majority of people who will use this type of bath chair use a hand held shower head. No you cannot shut a glass shower door if you are using this chair-Or any type of slide in chair.But if you use a hand held shower head, water stays in a close to body. |
Question: | How does this product compare to the Atago 3810 refractometer |
Answer: | I don't have the exact measurements because I discarded the cartons awhile ago. But as I remember it may be about 40 x 20 x 6" |
Question: | What does 0 - 85% brix mean on the specifications? They have another model that does 0 - 50%. Thanks for any insight |
Answer: | It cannot be decreased. It can only be increased by a 4" extension kit or an 8" extension kit. |
Product description
This salinity (salt) refractometer shows the concentration (percentage) of dissolved salt in water with 2 to 3 drops of a sample. The R9600 can be used to verify and measure salt concentrations in aquariums, holding tanks and breeding ponds.
- Measures the concentration of dissolved salt in water (0-28% Salinity)
- Easy to operate with simple to read scales, Requires only 2 or 3 drops of sample
- Automatic Temperature Compensation (ATC)
- Prism and lens with a simple focus adjustment provides repeatable results
- Includes cover plate, calibration screwdriver, cleaning cloth, solution/sample applicator and hard carrying case
Product description
Robinair's No. 75240 Coolant and Battery Refractometer is designed for use in measuring the freeze point of propylene or ethylene glycol based cooling systems and for checking the strength of electrolyte solution batteries. This precision instrument features high-quality optics with ultra smooth focusing. Scale range: -60 degrees Fahrenheit to +32 Fahrenheit. This handheld refractometer is a portable, precision optical instrument used for measuring the freeze point of engine coolant and the operating state of battery charging liquid. It is used on transportation vehicles, such as cars, tractors, tanks, ships, etc., which use propylene or ethylene glycol for coolant and sulphuric acid for charging liquid. When a liquid (such as coolant or charging liquid) is placed on the prism, the light passing through it is bent. The more concentrated the liquid, the more the light will bend. The refractometer contains a reticle, or scale, that is enlarged through the eyepiece to measure this bent light. The values of the scale have been established to evaluate the coolant or charging liquid. Complete kit includes refractometer with rugged aluminum housing, eyedropper, screwdriver, vial of distilled water, cleaning cloth, foam lined rigid plastic case, and complete usage instructions. Robinair, a Bosch Automotive Service Solutions brand, is a global leader in service tools and equipment based in Owatonna, Minnesota. Robinair is recognized throughout the world as the quality and performance leader in AC/R evacuation tools and this position has led to its success with the full range of products that serve the heating/ventilating/air conditioning/refrigeration (HVAC-R) and mobile markets, which includes the automotive aftermarket along with other industries such as agriculture and construction.
- Robinair's Coolant and Battery Refractometer is designed for use in measuring the freeze point of propylene or ethylene glycol based cooling systems and for checking the strength of electrolyte solution batteries
- Precision instrument features high-quality optics with ultra smooth focusing to ensure reliable, accurate test results
- When a liquid (such as coolant or charging liquid) is placed on the tools prism, the light passing through it is bent - the more concentrated the liquid, the more the light will bend
- Scale range: -60 degrees Fahrenheit to +32 Fahrenheit
- Complete kit includes refractometer with rugged aluminum housing, eyedropper, screwdriver, vial of distilled water, cleaning cloth, foam lined rigid plastic case, and more
User questions & answers
Question: | does this come with a hard case |
Answer: | Yes, You will need to use the fab key. It is an exception to the rule. it is the only key you have. |
Question: | If I use this, should I ignore manufacturer's mileage-based coolant recommendations? Is there any other test that should be performed |
Answer: | No, it is not a 100% waterproof because of the folding sections. I get some water in the bed from steady rain. I keep things that shouldn't get wet in plastic boxes with lids on them. That being said, overall I am happy with the tonneau. |
Question: | Just to clarify ,HOAT,OAT and G-05 are also able to be tested |
Answer: | I would not waste my money. Mine is only 4 years old and is falling apart. I have cracks in the outer top layer that let water inside the cover. some of the hardware has broken in the middle that secures it to the rails. the rails themselves have warped over time and it dose not want to latch down. I started having problems with the cracks at less than a year and when I checked with Extang I found it had to be returned to the factory for service that made the warranty about useless. |
Question: | Does this unit measure the coolant PH level of a vehicle |
Answer: | yes, you will have full use of the tailgate without having to open the cover |
Question: | Will this work with the gem in a setting |
Answer: | I doubt there's any difference between the '14 (mine) short bed and the '15. Both are 5'8". Extang folks were very helpful to me, so if you're nervous, call them. I'm confident it will fit. I really like the cover...light weight and sturdy. I traded in my second Avalanche and really missed the hard cover. Good luck... but I think you'll be happy. |
Product description
Aquarium Systems - IO INSTANT OCEAN HYDROMETER. Instant Ocean
- No-wet-hands-design
Product description
The MA871 is an optical instrument that employs the measurement of refractive index to determine the % Brix of sugar in aqueous solutions. The method is both simple and quick. Samples are measured after a simple user calibration with deionized or distilled water. Within seconds the instrument measures the refractive index of the sample and converts it to % Brix concentration units. The MA871 digital refractometer eliminates the uncertainty associated with mechanical refractometers and is easily portable for measurements in the field.
- Country Of Origin: China
- Model Number: MA871-BOX
- Item Package Dimension: 11.599999988168" L x 4.799999995104" W x 2.899999997042" H
- Item Package Weight: 1.55 lb
User questions & answers
Question: | Will this work with milling machine coolant that may have tramp oil in it |
Answer: | I am sorry the BAK box will not be able to be used with our Encore installed. |
Question: | will this work industry to measure ice cream |
Answer: | I am sorry to say that this part number not be able to be installed with a rack system. |
Question: | What is the measurement range of this refractometer |
Answer: | Yes it will fit an 2018 F-150 if you have the 5.5ft short bed. |
Question: | Can you use this to check s.g. During fermentation |
Answer: | Just call Extang customer service: 800-877-2588 |
Product description
The new Milwaukee MA887 Seawater Digital Refractometer encompasses 3 different types of user selected scales for the measurement of seawater providing for a much more precise evaluation. Each scale is temperature compensated.
- Country Of Origin: China
- Model Number: MA887-BOX
- Item Package Dimension: 10.399999989392" L x 4.9999999949" W x 4.799999995104" H
- Item Package Weight: 1.5 lb
User questions & answers
Question: | Its come with the hard case box |
Answer: | Yes |
Question: | Does this come with the additional items shown in the picture |
Answer: | The rails extend into the bed 2 1/2 inches. If the toolbox is flush and sits to the top edge of the bed, you will not be able to install it with this cover. |
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