2 Hydrometers Read Different!

[Gmandese]

I just recently set up my 18g nano tank, and I went to check the density this morning. I grabbed a hydrometer with the Coralife deep six name, not the one I usally use. It reads 1.020, pretty low. So, I say to myself, maybe that's why some of my polyps that were open before, are staying closed now. Then, just to double check, I find the hydrometer I usually use, made by Instant Ocean, and it reads 1.023! Right in the middle of the range!
I thoroughly rinsed both of them, no salt residue or anything left in them.

I don't have anything else to check with, what do I do? Is it borderline low, or perfect? Should I bring the density up a couple of points, staying in the top end of the range?


Hmmmmm.... very curious!

 

[jhale]

the same thing would happen to me, I had a glass one and two plastic ones they all gave different readings. I got a refractometer.
throw out the plastic ones they are useless if you want a correct reading.

 

[marrone]

Get a refactor-meter and you would have that problem. Actually with such a small tank you should really have one as the SG can change very quickly.

The Coral life and the IO hyrometer are usally slightly off and you'll find if you rise them off you'll get different reading.

 

[Gmandese]

Ok, I guess I'll put a post in the WTB section!

 

[Gmandese]

So, you think I should leave the salinity alone for now?

 

[jhale]

just get one of these

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=9957&N=2004+113074

 

[inkblue]

Hmmm... I guess I need one of these too :tired:

 

[Savager]

Thanks for that link. I've been looking for one for long time. I finally decided to order one. Yes, I have two hydrometer and one flowing needle, they all read little different everytime. I have 12G Nanocube, so I figured it's well worth my money. $51.98 total, included ground shipment. Hopely I'll get it soon, can't wait. I have no idea why I waited this long. Oh I remember, my wife hates spending money. I usually go buy stuffs using cash so my wife wouldn't know about it. But no LFS has refractometer, I was going to spend $100+ if LFS had one.

 

[inkblue]

How's your nano cube? am about to pick one up for $65... maybe you can let me know if it's worth it or not. supposedly the one am picking up is a deluxe version

 

[dragonwrasse]

Get/borrow a refractometer, but I would say don't throw out the hydrometers. I find that refractometers are not as convenient, and it seems like you have to calibrate it often. Just remember the hydrometer reading relative to the refractometer, and in the future you can just use the hydrometer for quick readings. I bet a lot of us do this and never used the refractometer again.

 

[Savager]

Get/borrow a refractometer, but I would say don't throw out the hydrometers. I find that refractometers are not as convenient, and it seems like you have to calibrate it often. Just remember the hydrometer reading relative to the refractometer, and in the future you can just use the hydrometer for quick readings. I bet a lot of us do this and never used the refractometer again.

Is it really hard to read? How often do you calibrate? How hard to calibrate your refractometer?

How's your nano cube? am about to pick one up for $65... maybe you can let me know if it's worth it or not. supposedly the one am picking up is a deluxe version

I had my nanocube for like 4 months and I love it. Only reason I got this because my apartment is pretty small, don't have room for bigger size tank. Although now I am thinking about upgrading to 32G Finnex M-Tank. I'll probably do that when I moved to different place. You have to awared that there's few nanocube from JBJ cracked, ruided whole carpet and all the investment. It's pretty common on 24G and some 12G as well. Research before you put any stock on your tank and check make sure you got any hair line crack on the top of your tank.

 

[marrone]

Is it really hard to read? How often do you calibrate? How hard to calibrate your refractometer?

It's very easy to read just place a couple of drop of tank water on it and look at it under the light. You should probably calibrate it weekly and all you need to calibrate is a small screw drive, which come with the kit, and some RO/DI or distilled water. Very easy to do.

 

[cali_reef]

I think refractometers are much easier to use than hydrometer. Checking its calibration is easy too, use plain RO water and make sure you see 1.000. I owned one for four years now and have yet adjusted the calibration.

I would not trust hydrometer even if you had cross checked the difference with a refractometer, too many variables with plastic swing arms and they are not temperature compensating.

 

[jackson6745]

I think refractometers are much easier to use than hydrometer. Checking its calibration is easy too, use plain RO water and make sure you see 1.000. I owned one for four years now and have yet adjusted the calibration.

I would not trust hydrometer even if you had cross checked the difference with a refractometer, too many variables with plastic swing arms and they are not temperature compensating.

Word up!