Tips, Tricks & Time Savers

[albano]

Refractometers save time. You can easily and far more accurately test your water with a refractometer in a fraction of the time it takes you to fill 3 hydrometers.
You can't calibrate a hydrometer with a refractometer because hydrometers are more susceptible to temperature effecting the readings...
Using a refractometer to calibrate your hydrometer isn't giving you any better of an idea of what your levels are if you aren't taking the proper steps to correct the hydro.

the 3 hydrometers are used on different systems for convience, and are definately, 100%, faster and easier to use than 1 refractometer.

IMO (non-scientist) if the reading is done 'correctly' on the reflactometer...then the 'calibration' of the hydrometer would be 'dead on'. Since the tanks are basically the same temp. at all times, future readings would be within an 'acceptable' testing range (for the month between re-calibrating).

 

[lfsmarineguy]

The temp of the solution might not make a discernable difference in a swing arm but since it does effect the density of the solution it's still there. Every time you take a reading and the temp in the room and solution are different from last time, it's throwing off your readings slightly. There is no way that a calibrated refractometer is harder to use than a hydrometer. A few drops and a light source and you're done. With a swing arm you need to make sure there are no bubbles on the arm and it's on a level surface since it relies on gravity. I've seen hydrometers off by as much as .005 on the same sample in the same room allowed to reach room temp. If you have access to the refractometer why not just use the more precise test?

 

[albano]

...

The temp of the solution might not make a discernable difference in a swing arm but since it does effect the density of the solution it's still there. Every time you take a reading and the temp in the room and solution are different from last time, it's throwing off your readings slightly.
the difference is not worth worrying about...
There is no way that a calibrated refractometer is harder to use than a hydrometer.
Not harder, less convenient...
A few drops and a light source and you're done.
I was under the impression that the 'light source' may affect readings!
With a swing arm you need to make sure there are no bubbles on the arm and it's on a level surface since it relies on gravity.
I have acrylic tanks with 'level' top bracing...so a couple of quick taps and no bubbles!
I've seen hydrometers off by as much as .005 on the same sample in the same room allowed to reach room temp.
My fish ALL swim at tank temp...not room temp
If you have access to the refractometer why not just use the more precise test?
precise is not necessary 24/7/365...
in fact, I highly doubt, that ANYONE does a 'precise' test on all of their params EVERY time. (key word...EVERY)
IE: do they have precisely 5ml of water in the test vial? Are they shaking/mixing & waiting precisely 30 seconds for the results? Is the end color precisely whats on the chart, or are they choosing the color based on the result, they WANT to see... Are the probes cleaned and re-calibrated... Are the test kits all stored in a controlled temp. enviorment...is the testing room, always the exact same temp and humidity? etc,etc,etc.
In this case, close enough is fine, for me.



Good Day, Sir...




Captain of Debate Team, class of '69...
..:kidding:

 

[lfsmarineguy]

In regards to the light source, unless the Katonah and L.A. you speak of are in the arctic circle you have daily access to sunlight. Sorry I didn't take into account the tactile demand of a refractometer, I know old people sometimes have problems and the hydrometer might be easier under those circumstances.

As far as testing is concerned, what's the point if you aren't trying to be accurate?

 

[NYreefNoob]

I know old people sometimes have problems

:lol:

 

[albano]

In regards to the light source, ... you have daily access to sunlight.

As far as testing is concerned, what's the point if you aren't trying to be accurate?

the term "a light source" was yours...I'm not sure that everyone knew that you meant sunlight? Which is why I questioned 'the source'.
I do use sunlight...but I doubt that most people do...

I do try to be accurate with my testing...but I feel (with my few years of experience)...that 'observation/perception' may be just as important

 

[Mattl22]

Use a wet vac to clean the bottom of sump !

 

[Paul B]

I know old people sometimes have problems and the hydrometer might be easier under those circumstances.

I just taste it. :bablefish

 

[lfsmarineguy]

Albano, only reef jedi with a lot of experience can use observation and perception to have an idea of what's going on in their tanks. Newbies need chemicals every time.

Paul, I mess with people sometimes and act like I tasted the water and start rattling off their results.

 

[Turbovr3six]

Use a wet vac to clean the bottom of sump !

Bucket heads are great for this. Also reduce the hose to a 1/4" RO tubing so you aren't sucking up so much water. The tubing also works with algea removal.