True calibration of your seawater levels creates the ideal environment for fish to thrive.
Features:
Include a finer scale running from 20-40ppt salinity (SG 1.015 - 1.030).
20/20 calibration at room temperature for more consistency and accuracy in everyday use.
Full ATC (auto temperature compensation) ranging from 5 to 30 degrees C.
The Difference
What’s different between the NEW DD H2O refractometer and others you might ask?
Almost all, if not all, of the refractometers currently available to the aquarium hobby are designed for measuring saltwater (sodium chloride or brine solution) and not true ‘seawater’. Although seawater is mostly sodium chloride it also contains other elements such as magnesium and calcium that change the refractive index slightly and will give a slightly different result.
The most common symptom of this difference in refractive index can be seen when mixing up salt as per salt manufacturer’s instructions and achieving a solution strength where it appears, through testing, that the levels of elements are lower than stated by the manufacturer. In actual fact all of the levels are low as the salinity is not as high as the aquarist believes – we have all seen low Ca or Mg for a given SG with almost all brands of salt.
It turns out that a 35ppt solution of true seawater has the same refractive index as a 36.5ppt solution of brine and so when using a brine/salt refractometer the salinity is likely to be low by 1.5ppt. This can be allowed for by the aquarist but only if they are aware of the difference.
After extensive development, D-D’s new refractometer addresses this issue, giving true salinity results when correctly calibrated and greater accuracy than previously attainable.
Coles Notes
Seawater versus Saltwater Refractometers?
Keeping water parameters in the right range is crucial for a healthy aquarium and the best way to get an accurate reading of salinity and specific gravity of aquarium water is to use a refractometer. These precision optical instruments are incredibly accurate even at very low salt levels and are equally easy to use.
It is important to note however, that most refractometers used in the hobby are not intended to measure seawater but rather are intended to measure sodium chloride solutions. These are often called salt or brine refractometers. The differences between a salt or brine refractometer and a seawater refractometer are not great, but if they are calibrated with RO/DI water which they often come with when purchased, they can produce inaccurate results. Calibrated with RO/DI water, many of these salt or brine refractometers will give a lower reading (by about 4 ppt) then when they are calibrated with a standard in the range of the water being tested. In other words, calibrated with RO/DI water, your refractometer may give you a salinity reading of 35 ppt when it is actually 39 ppt.
While there is a very technical explanation as to why this happens*, for most of us we simply need to know that it does happen and it is therefore important to calibrate our refractometers using a standard with a known refractive index that is close to the value intended to be measured in our aquariums, i.e. 35 ppt. American Marine makes a 53 mS/cm calibration fluid for their electronic salinity monitors which is also suitable for use with refractometers. Calibrated with an appropriate standard, these salt or brine refractometers will provide accurate and reliable results.
As with any testing device, whether it be a test kit or your newly calibrated refractometer, always question whether the results you're getting are reasonable or even possible in the circumstances. Over the years we have talked to many hobbyists who have made drastic changes to their water chemistry based on inaccurate test results, often doing harm to an otherwise healthy aquarium. Always question your test results before making significant changes.
Shipping
How is my order shipped and what does it cost?
Orders are shipped either by Courier [currently FedEX Ground] or Postal Service --- the choice is yours!
For delivery by Courier, you pay the actual charges based on a 1 kG package [2.2 lbs] shipped via ground service, plus a nominal $1.00 service charge to cover the cost of insurance and packing materials. We pay any additional charges.
For Postal Service (your best value), shipping on orders under $100.00 is $13.95 to most locations in Canada, exceptions noted below. For orders between $100.00 and $150.00 the rate is $9.95, for orders between $150.00 and $200.00 the rate is just $4.95 and for orders over $200.00 shipping is FREE. The more you order the more you save! The delivery standard for this service is between 1 to 7 business days between all major centers.
NOTE: Additional Shipping Charges apply to orders being shipped to the NWT, YK, NU and some rural or remote locations in Canada as well as on over sized or heavy items indicated by the the - Additional Shipping symbol.
When will my order be shipped?
On weekdays, in-stock merchandise is shipped the same day if received by 2:00 pm EST. Orders received after that, or on weekends or holidays, are shipped the next business day.
Do you ship to the US or to other International destinations?
Currently we are only shipping within Canada.
Returns
What if I want to return an item?
Should you find it necessary to return an item, please call us first. All returns should be properly packaged to avoid damage and should include all original boxes and paperwork to receive a refund, replacement or credit. Shipping fees are not refundable, unless, of course, you are returning defective merchandise or merchandise we sent in error.
What do I do if a product breaks or doesn't preform as promised?
Keep all warranties and owner's manuals you receive with your merchandise. In the event an item becomes defective or just doesn't live up to your expectations, please refer to the warranty information you received for proper handling procedures.
