Refractometer Vs JBJ 3-1 PEN

[jhart]

I'm looking to buy a refractometer. the one with the light, Its like $110.00 .. I see jbj 3 in 1 pen...temp , salinity, and specific gravity has any one use the jbj , Is it worth the 100 bucks, I know the refractometer is accurate, but I like the digital read out along with the auto calibration for for temp / salinity..
has anyone used the jbj pen? whats your thoughts

 

[Deanos]

Only you can determine if a digital readout & light is worth the additional cost. Most quality refractometers costing less, account for temperature (ATC). The light shouldn't be necessary, unless you're testing your tank's salinity/specific gravity in the dark.

 

[Doc Jerm]

Its all good reefer...I just want to pat you on the back for buying a REFRACTOMETER...smartest thing you will ever buy! The handheld hydrometers are BUNK!!!

Encouraging every reefer to buy a refractometer;
Doc

 

[jhart]

so that jbj thing is grabage then? what refractometer should I get I dont like calibrating anything, as I dont want to be the reason why my reading could be off Lookin for easiest and MOst reliable way to check my salinity/gravity... No more hydrometer for me I got 3 different ones that have 3 different readings

 

[Deanos]

so that jbj thing is grabage then? what refractometer should I get I dont like calibrating anything, as I dont want to be the reason why my reading could be off Lookin for easiest and MOst reliable way to check my salinity/gravity... No more hydrometer for me I got 3 different ones that have 3 different readings

I don't think it's garbage. It just has features ($$) which may or may not make checking your salinity/specific gravity easier. I've never used an 'expensive' refractometer, so I don't know if they need calibration....but I would ASSUME they all do.

 

[Henrye]

I don't know of any refractometer or electronic salinity probe that does not require calibration. All can drift off and need to be rechecked. I had the JBJ and found it impossible to use as it required calibration every time I used it. My current refractometer was about $40 from F&S, has ATC, and even when I recheck it, holds calibration without a problem. I DID calibrate it when I first got it, both to distilled water and pinpoint 35 ppt calibration solution I had (from a pinpoint salinity meter I got after the JBJ went back). Personally, I find a refractometer easiest to use, as, even with the pinpoint meter, which was accurate, it would take about a minute before a stable reading was given, and then required a table to derive the salinity from the conductivity reading the meter supplied.

Henry