The new digital refractometer from Hanna Instruments is one svelte and highly accurate new electronic machine for testing the salinity of seawater. The $200 device is bileld as scientific and research grade: it may be overkill for many hobbyists but for the professional aquarist with more demanding testing needs, the Hanna Instruments seawater refractometer delivers more critical performance at a reasonable price. The digital refractometer measures salinity and automatically displays the concentration in PSU (practical salinity units), ppt (parts per thousand) and S.G., specific gravity. With features like temperature compensation, a waterproof case, battery power and calibration as easy as zeroing a weight scale, like the iPod this refractometer does one thing and it does it well. The Hanna Instruments seawater refractometer is available from Marine Depot for $199 + free shipping, click on the pdf link to see the full product release.
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This thing has 3 Comments
Upon reading the specifications one finds that the accuracy is only +/- 0.002 s.g. which doesn't seem worthy of the 200$ price tag. Quite a shame as otherwise I would be willing to spend the 200$ on such an easy to use refractometer. Hanna also makes the Salintest HI-98203, which is not temperature compensated, but has similar accuracy for 85$ in a easy to use dip-tester construct. Or perhaps I miss something?
MISCO, made in the USA, has always offered a precision of +/- 0.001 in their digital Palm Abbe handheld refractometer. Call them at 800-358-1100 or go to http://www.misco.com.
MISCO instrument is $500, not in the same league, rediculous to compare when the price is twice as much.