[Einsteinguy]

Hello My fellow ICer's

Just thoought I would start a thread on Brix.
brix is the measurement of suger content in liquids.
testing plants for brix levels shows a grower the health of plant.

This technology has been used by grape growers for a very long time.

here are some pics.

The leaf is from a DJ Short True Blueberry. the level is at 6, hard to take a pic through a scope. the line between blue and white is more clear.

High Brix levels increase yields,disease reduction,insect reduction ect....












Einstein

i like it. how does it work, and how is the brix unit of measurement defined?

Have read alot about them. The first I have seen anyone post on tho.

[mybeans420]

https://www.icmag.com/ic/showthread.php?t=16159

Originally Posted by guineapig

this company is in the process of writing an article on Brixmeters but until then this is some pertinent information.....i saw one at the local shop and it looks like a cool tool indeed.....

The refractometer is an indispensable tool for Nutrition Farming™. This simple, robust instrument can utilise just a couple of drops of sap or juice to provide valuable data for crop management. It measures brix levels, (which are a measure of plant sugars, mineral and vitamin content), protein levels and TDS (Total Dissolved Solids).

The link between high brix levels and inherent pest and disease resistance has been conclusively established. Good brix levels (generally above 12) also ensure improved taste, longer shelf-life and better yields. High brix levels indicate good phosphorus levels in a plant , and a blurry dividing line on the brix reading scale can indicate food calcium levels in a plant.

Packaging
The refractometer comes in a high-density plastic case lined with contoured foam. Inside the case is a plastic transfer pipette and screwdriver for use when calibrating the instrument. Due to the value of this tool, it will be sent via registered post (normal postage + $2.00 for the first $100 in value + $1.00 for every $100 in value thereafter). Weight: 400 grams.

Features
The refractometer measures brix from 0-32o (Brix or degrees Brix is named after an early researcher in the field, Professor A.F.W. Brix who assessed the density of plant juices with a hydrometer).
This meter is manufactured in China and has an automatic temperature compensation feature (ATC).
Pocket-sized and lightweight.

Mode of Action
The solids bend the light as it passes through the sample that is placed on the viewing plate. The amount of bend or degree of rotation due to the sample relates to the reading on the scale seen through the eyepiece.

Generally plant sap levels above 8 are good and 12 excellent. Some commentators have theorised that there is no conclusive upper limit as, year after year, some growers have found that their brix levels can continue to increase.

Calibration
Rinse the glass surface and plastic cover flap with distilled or deionised water and wipe dry.
Place a few drops of distilled or deionised water on the glass surface and lower the plastic flap to flatten the water sample evenly over the viewing glass.
Look through the eyepiece and rotate the eyepiece to focus the viewing scale.
A horizontal line will be visible and should intersect with zero on the viewing scale.
If the line passes through the zero, then the unit is measuring zero and is calibrated and ready for use.
If the line does not run through the zero, then the plastic cover on the tuning screw should be removed (located on the top of the unit) and the adjusting screw turned either clockwise or anticlockwise to either lift or lower the horizontal line as required using the provided screwdriver. The tuning process is synonymous with zeroing a rifle scope.

Miscellaneous
Always measure brix at the same time of day, as readings will differ. For example, at midday, plant sap tends to be concentrated (due to evaporation) and brix readings will generally read higher.
Brix readings will fluctuate after applications of fertilisers, chemicals and irrigation.
Ideally a historical record should be developed over time by each user to help determine possible environmental influences, acceptable brix fluctuations and ideal upper levels in their particular situation. This also applies to those determining whether a fruit or vegetable is tasty.
Generally, brix readings will drop with low atmospheric pressure (eg. the onset of a storm).
Relying on published brix readings as guidelines can be problematic as often it is not stated whether the readings are derived from the plant sap or fruit juice (fruit juice readings tend to be much higher).
Clean the glass surface and plastic cover before and after every use with distilled water.
Store the unit in its case to prevent dust entering to focal tube.
This tool should never be dropped and should always be stored within the shock absorbent foam case when not is use.
Calibrate at least monthly to ensure the unit is "zeroed".
Ensure the unit is washed with deionised water and wiped dry between samples and after use.
Measuring the brix of a plants sap gives an immediate overview of the general health of a crop at any stage of production.
Measuring the brix of a fruit or vegetables juice can indicate the taste and potential shelf life of the produce after harvest.
Brix readings before and after a fertiliser application can help determine the suitability of different inputs, eg. if the brix rises (after 1-24 hours after application) then it can be considered suitable, if it stays the same or reduces, it would be considered not suitable at that time.
It has been widely assumed that calcium and phosphate are the key elements determining brix levels. However, recent research suggests that potassium can also play an important role.

[Einsteinguy]

Thanks mybeans420 guess I should have looked befor starting new thread.

SatGhost - Heres a short answer I found on internet

What are Brix values?
The Brix "scale" is used mainly for solutions of sucrose in water and is based on the number of grams of sucrose present in a solution per 100 g of solution (sucrose in water). The relationship between refractive index and the amount of sucrose on a dry basis is well known for sucrose. For example, 45 on the Brix scale means 45 g of solid material per 100 g of solution. This relationship holds for a number of similar materials and the Brix scale us used quite broadly in the food industry. It is important that all Brix measurements be done at the same temperature, namely 20° C because the refractive index of a sucrose solution is strongly a function of temperature for constant sucrose content.


I paid 80.00 for mine and its a very cool tool. I like to test everything in the fridge. Its amazing the suger content of some things. And then its nice to see the zero from water and sugerfree soda ect...

Ok back to Brix. The higher the Brix the better the plant will grow.
Using Brix you can see problems in nutrient uptake befor they are visible on plant. If you add a new nutrient you can see if it helps or hurts your plant before all your leaves turn color and die.


To test roll leaf into ball,squeeze juice out with pliers onto meter.


Einstein

ah, i see. is that 80 dollars us?

the thing i love about different kinds of meters used in growing, is that they often improve your judgement to the point that you know instinctively what the values are based on your own senses, without even needing the meter anymore. these refractometers seem like they could help you 'learn' a strain or individual plants' needs, and program them into your instincts.

are there any special-care instructions that come with these devices, or are they quite robust?

[imnotcrazy]

^^ Being that the Brix Meter contains basically a Microscope sized piece of glass to turn the Juice/Liquid into a prism of sorts makes them fragile hence the foam lined cases most come with..

[icky420]

I read this thread a long time ago and wanted to get one since.

Well...I just got my Brix meter the other day,a Milwaukee MR32ATC $109. On the day I got it I tested my buddys plants(Same cut as me)Veging in an Ebb N Flow table, he had a 5. My plants were 4wks flower and I got a 9. I just tested mine again last night and I got just under 10.

Anyone else have one of these nice little toys?

[Suby]

I've been waiting for a thread like this for awhile.
Organic growers, the serious ones anyway, content that organic produce creates a fruit with a higher Brix content.
It is felt by some to be a measure of quality.
I would really like to see a side by side organic soil beside a 3 part nutrient grow, I've never been able to substantiate the claim.

Sub's

EDIT: I just saw this is a bump from '06, too bad I missed it back in 06.

I bought a meter and haven't broke it in yet....

Great thread.