Best brand of refractometer?

Up until recently, I was using a cheapo no-name refractometer I got off of ebay for about $25. It was cheap, but worked for my purposes.

Anyway, I had it in my hand while walking, stumbled, and stepped on it when I attempted to catch myself. It doesn't work so well when it's in three pieces...

I read a post recently about refractometers. Someone mentioned a specific brand/model, claiming it was one of the few affordable models that is produced specifically for the aquarium hobby.

Does anyone know the brand/model (or suggesstions)? I can't find that post anywhere.

 

I love mine. I'll get you an answer shortly. It's about 80 bucks though, or it was 3 years ago.

 

I love my bulk reef supply one , $50

 

BRS is out of stock

 

JBJ C-Scope Refractometer – AquaBeta

I have had this one for a couple of years and really like it

 

I've been using a Vee-Gee brand for the last 6 months and it is made for our salinity scale, not beer making, antifreeze etc as many others are. It also has a dial for easy/accurate calibration and not a screw like the cheapo's. The build quality simply does not compare to the cheapo's, it is a quality made instrument!

This is another one of those things in this hobby that I wish I would had bought quality from the beginning!
Vee Gee Scientific STX-3 Handheld Refractometer, with Salinity Scale, 0-100, +/-1.0 Accuracy, 1.0 Resolution: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

 

I've used the generic Foster Smith one for several years and still works great. I think most are actually rebranded. Just make sure to get Automatic Temperature Calibration.

 

This makes sense to me, considering I'm having one hell of a time finding specific brand names for the ones sold by the major online retailers (BRS, F&S, etc.).

I'll probably end up ordering the one from F&S. Don't need anything fancy...just something that's not a piece of crap and that can get here in a couple days. I was in the middle of mixing up a batch of water for a WC when I dropped the thing yesterday...

 

I really like my dd h2ocean refracto and its specifically for aquarium use.

 

I have either a BRS or F&S (they are the same as far as I can tell) and have had no issues with it after 7 months. As mentioned get the ATC model, and get yourself a bottle of 35 PPT calibration fluid. Use it every time you use it.