Testing Brix Levels Help

Hey I was wondering if anyone has any experience with testing brix levels with a refractometer? How is it done, how does one test a shade leaf for brix levels? And if anyone had any suggestions on a good not that expensive refractometer? I appreciate the info guys.

Edit: Found this. Not so sure how accurate it is. https://www.maximumyield.com/building-up-the-brix-for-healthier-nutrient-dense-crops/2/1282

Also I watched a YouTube video on using a refractometer, and you just crush a leaf until sap comes out which a refractometer can read?

Got my refractometer. Calibrated it, and my plants are at 11.5% I heard getting it to at least 12% is best. I want mine to be around 20% of its possible. Does anyone have any suggestions for someone using coco? I've read that brix is really about the micros, as well as calcium, and minerals. I guess lower nitrogen and phosphorus may be a bit better because it's being recycled as a transporter for the others. My plan so far is to try and build up colonies in my coco medium using something like recharge and pond zyme. I feel like I'm starting all over again with this, as I think my nutirent ratios may need to be adjusted to try to achieve higher brix levels. Do any of the hydroponic growers test their brix levels and what are you doing to keep them higher?

I am a supporter of using biostimulants to help optimize the uptake of the macros and micros - humic/fulvic acids, aminos, kelp extract, etc. all help quite a bit with 'building the brix' - as this article that you reminded me of describes...
https://www.maximumyield.com/building-up-the-brix-for-healthier-nutrient-dense-crops/2/1282

Thank you my friend. I'll give this a read

What helped me a lot was volcanic rock powder and chelated iron. A lot of minerals in the rock powder and the iron helps with making calcium more available. When you look through your refractormeter keep an eye on the line. If's blurry that means the calcium isn't being used correctly and if it's a clean straight line then you're fine.

kingzt said:

What helped me a lot was volcanic rock powder and chelated iron. A lot of minerals in the rock powder and the iron helps with making calcium more available. When you look through your refractormeter keep an eye on the line. If's blurry that means the calcium isn't being used correctly and if it's a clean straight line then you're fine.

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That's great advice! I think mine may be blurry actually.