Best way to check salinity

[nyj]

Why use a swing arm hydrometer when you have a refractometer. A refractometer is more accurate then a hydrometer.

Already got it, just don't feel like spending the extra dough on something fancier... Should I?

 

[Tonyscoots84]

Its not fancier. I think the word you are looking for is more precise....

 

[nyj]

Does it affect your tank that much if its off by a little though? SRS question

 

[Tonyscoots84]

Stability = success

 

[radiata]

OK so i have a hanna refractometer and i dont feel to sure about it sometimes the readings just seem weird to me.. what are you guys using was thinking of getting just a regular refractometer to double check the hanna one..

I love my Milwaukee Hydrometer - http://premiumaquatics.com/store/me...oduct_Code=MIL-MA887&Category_Code=Hydrometer - and I'm not using any other kits to coopberate the readings. And, it is really painless to calibrate...

 

[radiata]

OK so i have a hanna refractometer and i dont feel to sure about it sometimes the readings just seem weird to me.. what are you guys using was thinking of getting just a regular refractometer to double check the hanna one..

I love my Milwaukee Hydrometer - http://premiumaquatics.com/store/me...oduct_Code=MIL-MA887&Category_Code=Hydrometer - and I'm not using any other kits to coopberate the readings. And, it is really painless to calibrate...

 

[Spsnut]

How do you even calibrate these things? Just keep bubbles out?

Calibrate it by comparing it to water checked by a calibrated refractometer; you could also use 35ppt calibration solution. Sometimes air bubbles will stick to the arm; they stick to the sides too, but those bubbles arent a problem. Just be sure to look for any or the reading will be high. I used one for years, anyone who has been around for more than a 7-8 years probably used a hydrometer too. Corallife hydrometers were famous for being 3+ ppt low. I was very reluctant switching to cheap hobby grade refractometers; lab grade devices cost a couple hundred dollars. My refractometer can change its reading quite a bit between water changes; I stopped worrying about turning the screw, and instead just use the measuement the 35ppt solution is reading. I don't believe an arm that measures the buoyancy of salt water can have day to day fluctuations if it's properly cared for. I don't use my swing arms; haven't for a long time, but I still have them for the day when I drop refractometer.

 

[prattreef]

More info about Refractometers than you probably want or need to know. Towards the end is a recipe for making a homemade 35 ppt calibration solution.

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-12/rhf/index.php

 

[MjG2000]

Great info, I guess I will trading in my hydrometer
for a refractometer. any good brands out there that
I should look into?

 

[kenconnect]

Great info, I guess I will trading in my hydrometer
for a refractometer. any good brands out there that
I should look into?

As I said b4 on this thread check out D&D