Hydrometer- Child's toy or precise tool?

[dodwyer]

I filled my new 120g reef tank project this weekend and stumbled across an interesting fact.

I picked up a new hydrometer at the LFS and after placing the rocks and adding the sand ect I pulled a sample and it was 1.038!!. I figured the thing needed to "season" so I let it sit full of saltwater for 24 hours and in the mean time I brought home the hydrometer from the office that I have used for the past 18 months and another new one from a different LFS- different brand. Guess what I have three different readings now 1.020, 1.026, 1.038. I borrowed a refractometer that was verified as calibrated and I got a 1.026 which I am saying is accurate.

SOOO
is the hydrometer a thing of the past, no longer accurate enough for this ever changing hobby? Let me hear your opinions or experiences. I for one will be throwing my hydrometer in the trash and will now rely on only refractometer readings. Livestock is too precious & expensive to be using a child's toy for such a critical parameter.

 

[coral diver]

I wouldn't say its a childs toy some model are dependable, some are just a piece of crap, if you really want precission refractometer is the way to go and lab grade too.

 

[LotsaFishies]

Personally, I don't trust hydrometers.... I've also picked up three or four at a time and had each of them test differently... I stick to my trusty refractometer.

 

[goth2o]

I have a pin point salinity monitor, and a hydro meter that is pretty accurate comparing the 2.

 

[abraha]

I had the same experience with my hydrometers. One readin 1025, one reading 1022 and a refractometer reading 1028... I will only rely on a refractometer from now on.

 

[Raskal311]

Too many factores that can screw up the reading.

 

[d_signr]

Too many factores that can screw up the reading.

can you elaborate?
:conf44:

 

[MechaSamurai]

can you elaborate?
:conf44:

temperature, motion, salt buildup, orientation of device (is it vertical) and the viewers angle of reading just to name a few.

 

[Raskal311]

temperature, motion, salt buildup, orientation of device (is it vertical) and the viewers angle of reading just to name a few.

that about covers it.

 

[Kbra]

Had the same problem. Hydro reading 1.025 turns out by refractometer 1.030
Probably why some of the corals havent been to happy lately

 

[9thwonder]

refractometer is the way to go

 

[bkoo29]

Refractometer all the way. I have to hydrometer and they all sux. With a refractometer all you need is like a couple of drops of saltwatera and bam you get a reading. I got mine at Marinedepot.com for 39.99. works like a charm.

 

[smirkis]

is .005-.010 off that big of a deal? just wondering.

 

[dodwyer]

smirkis - IMO yes too much but the bigger problem is the inconsistency, that range can change with temp or various other things.

Go Refracto or Go Home

 

[Zegg]

that about covers it.

Dont want to forget about micro bubbles, sometimes if you dont flick it hard enough or enough times bubbles stick to the arm.

 

[jessesoto33]

MAN!!! I wish I knew this before, I guess you learn something new every day. I need a refractometer for sure!

 

[JOSE CASAS]

refactor why gamble?

 

[pako73]

I just bought one ebay the other day and it should be in by early next week.

 

[zatoichi]

Refractos are cheap compared to losing a coral...hydrometers are just a slight notch above taste testing the water or hiring a voodoo doctor to divine the salinity lol

 

[MechaSamurai]

Refractos are cheap compared to losing a coral...hydrometers are just a slight notch above taste testing the water or hiring a voodoo doctor to divine the salinity lol

How much do you pay the voodoo Dr.? and is it rude not to tip?