2 Hydrometers 2 Readings

[gw82]

I picked up a Kent hydrometer after hearing from LFS that most coralife products are.... I wasn't happy with coralife salt and recently switched to IO reef crystals. Anyways, my coralife hydrometer is showing my sg at 1.028 while the Kent is 1.022. How do I know which is accurate? Ugh

 

[Reefing Madness]

Heres how these have to be used, if you plan on using them. I've done this in the past, and have consistant results, although I don't use one anymore.
Rinse well after use with tap or RO water.
To test, stick it in the tank upside down until you get half way in the tank, the right the unit and fill to needed spot. Now take a look at the readings.

 

[KillerKlownFish]

I have 2 different ones that give me different readings. I just ordered the Milwaukee digital off of amazon!!!

 

[gw82]

Just tried that and same results. RM what do you use to measure?

 

[Reefing Madness]

I use a Refractometer now, have been for quite a few years now. In the beginning I used a Hydro, it read what my Refracto read.

 

[Rob Top1]

Kent and Coralife are both from Central Pet and Garden, made at the same place, interesting that a LFS would put one down and lift the other up.
There is a lot out there on hydrometer vs refractory, vs digital and so one. To summarize
Hydrometer, inaccurate but consistent meaning it will regularly measure water of x salinity as y (say 1.026 as 1.022) so to use them it's best to get an idea of how off it is
Also I think consistency is more important than the number. Always be at 1.0?? And not jump all over. I use a hydrometer and on it I am at 1.030, which when checked with a refractometer it reads as 1.026.
Like everything consistent is king

 

[Robink]

Have your lfs test your water for you so you know which is correct, they probably have a refractometer.

 

[DurocShark]

Refractometers are so cheap now, i can't see not having one any more. Even as a double check if nothing else.

 

[gw82]

Thanks. The LFS was more putting down the coralife salt and just made a comment about the brand in general. I extended that to deciding to get another hydrometer... Ok I'll have to look into refractometer