PlanetCatfish.com

First, I would like to apologize if this subject has been covered before. There so much information and so little time to sort through it.
I need to know what is the best refractometer? What brand is the best?
I don't want to buy the wrong kind and regret it later. I would like to get it right the first time.
Thanks for your time and patience.
Bridget

Well, I have no idea what a Refractometer is! Do tell.

Jools

I guess I don't get what you are saying. Did I spell it wrong? It is an instrument that reads the salinity in the water in percent and specific gravity. It is for brackish and salt water fish.

ozrock is correct. What use it would be to a freshwater catfish keeper eludes me. Maybe for Plotosus cats but they are among the most tolerant of marine species. It is an essential tool for the serious reef keeping aquarist.
The very best quality refractometor will cost $75 to $110.

Bridget (ozrockhound0 was asking about the best care for Colombian Sharks () she discussed here.

Given the "Columbian Shark" catfishes ability to tolerate fresh to marine the precision of a refractometer isn't a necessity but a perfectly adequate one can be had for about $40. A standard aquarium hydrometer is even less expensive but perfectly adequate to determine SpG for this species as many reefers(myself) do fine with one and they are usually no more than $10.

Ah, sorry, I see. I'm not very knowledgeable on salinity at all - but now I know what one is!

Jools

Hey Jools,
That's alright. Freshwater aquarists rarely have to split this hair. A refractometer can give anextremely accurate direct reading of salinity. A very sensitive instrument. The best have a better insulated body so the reading is not as easily influenced by the heat from the hand holding it. They give you the exact reading of salinity in the sample;
35=normal seawater= 1.025 hydrometer reading which is an indirect method of determining salinity if memory serves.

Thanks everyone for the advice, suggestions and questions. After much research I have decided to go with a digital salinity meter. Will be easier in the long run. Thanks again.
Bridget