How do you test salinity?

ahiggins · Nov 30, 2019

I’ve been a diehard hydrometer person for years and years but now I can’t seem to find a hydrometer that doesn’t need calibrating after each use (each salinity read). I’m going back and forth between cal solution and unknown, adjusting the calibration each time. I’m getting to the point where I don’t trust it anymore. So, what do you use?

I’ve heard mixed reviews about the digital readers (think ph probes and Milwaukee types) but I like the “hands off” approach.

CasaReefer · Nov 30, 2019

Milwaukee MA887 and I love it..

Kfactor · Nov 30, 2019

I just ordered the Milwaukee one can’t wait

Dine · Nov 30, 2019

Milwaukee to see an exact number. Apex (which is not correct) to monitor stability and alert me of a swing

SMSREEF · Nov 30, 2019

I use Refractometer. I also have a swing arm that I use once in a while.
I use BRS calibration solution for refractometer.
Swing arm I just make sure every last bubble is off of it.
I use both because when I first started my refractometer was off and I didn’t know for months until I took water to my LFS to get tested. I was using RO water to calibrate at that time.

LC8Sumi · Nov 30, 2019

Red Sea refractometer when I mix, GHL conductivity probe non-stop in the tank.

Flippers4pups · Nov 30, 2019

Refractometer here for years using calibration fluid.

tmynice · Nov 30, 2019

My Milwaukee tester was one of the best pound for pound purchases on equipment I have made. It is quick and awesome.

fcmatt · Nov 30, 2019

Refractometer with 2 calibration fluids. I am so done with high priced gear that is electronic. It works. It is simple. It is reliable. Just buy new calibration fluid every year. Keep the caps on tight and dont leave them off long.

Great example of why this hobby can get expensive. Pricey gadgetz

Jeto2004 · Nov 30, 2019

MA887 single best purchase! And go for PPT not specific gravity!

Roosterjack · Nov 30, 2019

Hanna HI98319 and my Apex, though honestly I sometimes have my doubts about the Apex probe. Have a refractometer and a swing-arm for backup.

Hemmdog · Nov 30, 2019

I love my refractometer, it only needs calibrated twice a year usually.

diverpat · Nov 30, 2019

I use a Milwaukee Brix Refractometer left over from my beer brewing days. Using a conversion table I‘m able to get salinity.

Daniel92481 · Nov 30, 2019

I’ve been using the digital Hanna Salinity/temp checker and really like it. It’s really simple to use, and easy to read. With the time it takes to peek through a refractometer, I could check mine, yours, and the neighbors water, and even get you a temp as well! Highly recommended!

AdamNC · Nov 30, 2019

Apex salinity probe daily and once a month with my refractometer.

Kawiguy · Nov 30, 2019

trmiv · Nov 30, 2019

Milwaukee MA887

Sleepydoc · Nov 30, 2019

I used to use a refractometer. Learned the hard way that I needed to check the calibration before each use.

I got a hanna salinity tester several months ago and now use it exclusively - it's quick, easy and accurate. I've never had it be more than 0.001 off of my refractometer.