[Nhcoll-l] Digital density meter vs refractometer

[Bentley, Andrew Charles]

After receiving an enquiry from someone about cheap alternatives to expensive digital density meters, I purchased a refractometer from Amazon for $22  (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B018LSMI34).  I did a number of tests against 70%, 50% and 30% and various concentrations in between measured with our $3,000 Anton Paar DMA 35 digital density meter.  The refractometer is not super accurate but is probably within 2-3% once calibrated.  I first calibrated against distilled water using the method in the instructions but found that it was reading a little high and so then calibrated against a known 70% concentration and then it was reading a little more accurately.  Take home I think is that if you are not too concerned about super accurate readings and just want to get in the ballpark it is a viable, cheap (can't beat $22) alternative to a digital density meter.

Just an FYI for those working with wet collections who may be working with restrictive budgets.

Andy
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Andy Bentley
Ichthyology Collection Manager
University of Kansas
Biodiversity Institute
Dyche Hall
1345 Jayhawk Boulevard<x-apple-data-detectors://9/>
Lawrence, KS, 66045-7561<x-apple-data-detectors://9/>
USA<x-apple-data-detectors://9/>

Tel: (785) 864-3863<tel:%28785%29%20864-3863>
Fax: (785) 864-5335<tel:%28785%29%20864-5335>
Email: abentley at ku.edu<mailto:abentley at ku.edu>
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3093-1258
http://ichthyology.biodiversity.ku.edu<http://ichthyology.biodiversity.ku.edu/>
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