Marine Depot Refractometer question?

I just got the Marine Depot Refractometer for 49$ and i am a little confused on the readings. It seems that there isnt just one line. Like where the white meets the blue its not a bold solid line. It looks like there is three subtle lines. It almost looks like the white and blue overlap. Does anyone use this refracto?
So which line do i use?

 

I think i have the same one from MD but i cant say i have ever seen this in mine. Have you focussed it with RO water yet? there are 2 adjustable knobs (the lens and the knob above it). Make sure you are using a bright light source too as this makes the blue shade much more defined. not sure what else to say sorry.

 

If you are looking at it horizontally then you might get a couple lines. Aim it straight up assuming the light is there and then check. It's a prism so you might need to finagle the light direction a bit.

I was the same way when I got my first one, I was like wth man it's broken!

 

I know right! I thought that getting a refractometer would make determining salinity a breeze, but it actually takes alot of effort and time. I just ended up picking the middle line and calibrating it to that. Kinda a weird instrument!
I was using my front window for the light source. After about 5min of looking through it outside, i than realized that i prolly looked like a total creeper looking through a weird telescope looking thing. I hope noone saw me! LMAO

 

They can be a pain to get used to, but once you do it will be well worth it.

 

^^^

Find that sweet spot that gives a solid line. I keep a little jar of distilled water so I can calibrate each time I use it. Once you get used to it you will never look back.

 

There is a definitive line where the light blue meets white, if you are seeing a blurred result try to fine tune it better by turning the focus knob near the eye piece.

Also the addition of extra light helps. I find it best to stand under a lightbulb with the refractor aiming up towards the light at about a 35 degree angle. Too much tilt up or not enough will prohibit the light from shinning through the refractor lens.

Get the light in and then adjust the focus and you will fall in love with your new purchase.

 

Have a Sybon unit here and absolutly love it.

As mentioned above face it towards a light. The closest light (aside from the tank lights) to the tank is about 4.5-5 feet away from a standing position infront of the tank. I find that creates the perfect angle when holding the refractometer level.