Plastic Hydrometer's Life Span???????????

[Reef Reaper]

I been using Instant Ocean Hydrometer and the glass floating hydrometer. I then started to us also the Deep Six hydrometer and got different readings. The IO was 1.026, the Deep Six was 1.023 and the glass was 1.022. I haven't yet pull out the refractometer, but that is next. Has anyone else seen variations in the plastic counterparts? The IO is three years old and the Deep Six is new. May be there is a life span to the plastic hydrometers. Does any one have a guess to why there different reading with these items? Thank you for your help!!

 

[michael Jack]

Refractometer is the only true reading

 

[albano]

3 diff. plastics show 1.020 to 1.022, refractor is 1.025

 

[sjsoto]

refractoimeter is best, although one must always wash plastis ones with freshwater after each use..

 

[LongIslandAndy]

Phil, average them out

 

[Reef Reaper]

That's what I did Andy. Thanks!!! Nothing ever easy!

 

[albano]

if they're wrong...the average is wrong. They could ALL be low, or ALL be high! Use the refractometer, and you'll know it's right and you can make a note of how much to 'adjust' the readings of the plastic ones.

 

[masterswimmer]

You will get conflicting suggestions on this question. There are arguments for and against swing arm hydrometers vs. refractometers.

I am totally in favor of the refractometer. With the swing arm hydrometers there are a few things that can go wrong, adding multiple points of 'failure' or discrepancy. Salt creep can easily build up on the swing arm. Tiny micro bubbles can attach to the swing arm giving it more buoyancy. There can just be variances from hydrometer to hydrometer attributable only to a variation in calibration.

Refractometers are very reliable. If they are not spot on perfect, they are at least very close and at the bare minimum give you a more consistent and stable incorrect reading. Better to be close to perfect, but consistently off the same amount each time. Stability in our tanks is critical.

FYI, they are relatively inexpensive when compared to the cost of all the other equipment we have to sell our first born to attain

All this is JMO. Best of luck,
Russ

 

[Dace]

If Your serious about this hobby, A refractometer is the only way to go.

 

[Wes]

also use calibration fluid on your refractometer instead of DI waterr

 

[Dre]

Just use one if your animals are doing fine. Any hydrometer is better than no hydeometer.I'm not saying a fractometer is not a good investment but many of us still use the plastic hydrometers.

 

[michael stern]

Hydrometers are useless, IMO.
Might as well taste the water to get a reading as to salt level.
Differences of .02-.05 are common, which is a fatal swing for many tank inhabitants.

When spending thousands of dollars on the hobby, a $30 refractometer is NOT the place to save.(and you've likely already spent more on hydrometers).

1 air bubble is all it takes to make a hydrometer reading useless.

 

[albano]

Might as well taste the water to get a reading as to salt level.

tried that...hard to tell the difference between 1.021 and 1.025!:splitspin

 

[Dre]

[hydrometers are useless, imo.
Might as well taste the water to get a reading as to salt level.]
differences of .02-.05 are common, which is a fatal swing for many tank inhabitants.

When spending thousands of dollars on the hobby, a $30 refractometer is not the place to save.(and you've likely already spent more on hydrometers).

1 air bubble is all it takes to make a hydrometer reading useless.

Are you a vender? Do you sell hydrometers?If yes why.I 'M NOT TRYING TO STEP ON TOES HERE I JUST WANT YOUR OPINON THANKS.

 

[2slo4me]

Are you a vender? Do you sell hydrometers?If yes why.

uttt ohhhh.... :lol:

i do agree with the refractometer guys... hydrometers are more prone to failure / and being inacurate....

if i was a vendor id still sell hydrometers... its a way to make $$$ after all bizness is bizness. lol

 

[MatthewScars]

also use calibration fluid on your refractometer instead of DI waterr

DI water to clean the glass on the refrac? overkill? I just use my shirt

 

[Dre]

uttt ohhhh.... :lol:

i do agree with the refractometer guys... hydrometers are more prone to failure / and being inacurate....

if i was a vendor id still sell hydrometers... its a way to make $$$ after all bizness is bizness. lol

Well i guess i'll just get one immediately thanks.

 

[DevIouS]

DI water to clean the glass on the refrac? overkill? I just use my shirt

Calibration fluid to calibrate, instead of using DI.....

 

[cali_reef]

You should not keep salt water tank if you are not willing to spend $40 for a refractometer and yet can buy a $40 fish or frag to kill.

Being a vendor or trying to sell basic tools have nothing to do with this fact.