Refractometer question

Hello all,

I have a refractometer which I used for measuring the gravity in my reef tank. I though I'd be able use the same refractometer to measure the gravity in my beer. However, when I tried, it wouldn't read at all. Is there a refractometer used for only salt and one for sugar?

Thank you,

Jay

 

They are different. They have different scales and are calibrated to work in different ranges. There is probably a way of converting between the 2, but I have no idea how to do it.

Here is one that does both:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FBIZIXA/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

 

The difference looks to be the range at which it reads at. NOT an expert but it looks like the salt water refracts start at 1.33 instead of 1.0. Its not you its the device. Would be awesome to have a multipurpose one though.

Link to other forum posts
http://www.homebrewtalk.com/f11/refractometer-302635/

The site with the info.
http://www.topac.com/salinity_brix.html

Happy Brewing
-Imp

 

Thank you both for the feedback. I'm going to check, but after reading your info I remember that I had to calibrate to 1.20 (or something like that) mine when buying it. I'm going to re-calibrate it to 0.00 and see if I get a reading.

Thank you!!

Jay