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Saltwater refractormeter, can it be used to measure beer's gravity?

I have saltwater fish and I used a refractometer to measure the salinity (SG) in my saltwater aquarium (i keep two saddleback clownfish for anyone who is curious).  I was wondering, if i took a sample from my mini-keg (mr beer) via the spigot (into a cup) and took a few drops and put it on the *cleaned* reading surface of my refractometer, would i be able to use it to measure my beer's gravity?

here's my refractometer

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/p … r&Np=1

I doubt it will work but hey, gotta ask smile

 

The range for SG looks appropriate for brewing, so why not?  You'd max out for very high gravity brews, but for the standard 1.050 ale you should be fine.  The only way to find out would be to take simultaneous measurements using your refractometer and a standard hydrometer and see if they match.

I've found a refractometer to be very helpful, especially in all grain brewing.  If I'm really hopped up to hit a particular gravity, it's easy to do by taking readings during the boil.  Very useful device.

Let us know how it works out.

 

I would dissolve a pound of DME in on gallon of water and see if it reads 1040SG after converting.
Maybe do a bit of research and make some sugar in water standards to see if it really works.
Of course you'll need a scale to accurately measure the sugar, and a solid way of measuring volume.

 

Northern Brewer was selling something very similar not too long ago... measured in brix.  I'd be interested in your results, gurnie.... looks like the fish refractometer is cheaper than the brewing one....

 

I've been using a refractometer for OG's for quite awhile now. I started comparing my hydrometer readings and refractometer readings for about ten batches before I was comfortable without verifying with the hydrometer. I use it test the brix level in my backyard grapes as well to get an idea when they are ready to be harvested. It has been my experience, however, that the refractometer is not reliable for checking gravities post fermentation.

 

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