I have a refractometer and two calibration solutions that read 2 ppt apart. I'm willing to get good equipment if it's something that's consistent and accurate. What's the best option for checking salinity? I've looked at the Milwaukee and Hanna pen and both seem to have accuracy issues. I'm having accuracy issues with my calibration solutions. Is there a tool most people would agree on as a good option? Do i just need to get different calibration solution and use a refractometer? I have an Apex and am considering getting the salinity probe but that would just be as a backup.
Recommendation for Salinity Tester
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landlubber
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my recommendation: ONE decent quality refractometer and a bottle of calibration fluid (NSW) that gets used often to keep your numbers square.
No hydrometers, no second or third tester to confuse results.
No hydrometers, no second or third tester to confuse results.
vetteguy53081
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Hydrometer or Milwaukee instruments digital tester.
I use the hanna digital unit and love it. Instant reading and even tells you water temperature
I use the hanna digital unit and love it. Instant reading and even tells you water temperature
costaricareef
Active Member
I threw my refractometer and hydrometers away. Useless for me.
I use the Hanna for everything and have many calibration packets, so when in doubt, easy peasy. The apex conductivity monitor is a back-up for changes in salinity, no so much the exact number. It has alerted me more than once on ATO or AWC issues, when salinity starts changing. This I feel is a great combo, especially when having to test several tanks and QTs.
I use the Hanna for everything and have many calibration packets, so when in doubt, easy peasy. The apex conductivity monitor is a back-up for changes in salinity, no so much the exact number. It has alerted me more than once on ATO or AWC issues, when salinity starts changing. This I feel is a great combo, especially when having to test several tanks and QTs.
Dennis Cartier
Valuable Member
My vote is for the Tropic Marin High Precision Hydrometer. No calibration required, highly accurate, you just need to test your water at 25C/77F.
If down the road you want to get a different tester, you stick the TM on the shelf and pull it out whenever you need to cross check results from other devices for correctness.
Just make sure you get a tall cylinder to test with. Not recommended for in tank testing, lol.
If down the road you want to get a different tester, you stick the TM on the shelf and pull it out whenever you need to cross check results from other devices for correctness.
Just make sure you get a tall cylinder to test with. Not recommended for in tank testing, lol.
Miami Reef
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I’m a Milwaukee user for life! I cannot recommend this product enough!
gbroadbridge
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Doesn't matter if there is a difference between devices.
Just keep the salinity consistent with whatever device you have. If it needs calibrating, calibrate it to a known standard frequently.
DIY calibration solutions are easy for whatever device you have.
FWIW, I use a Hanna Salinity Checker with home made calibration solution.
Just keep the salinity consistent with whatever device you have. If it needs calibrating, calibrate it to a known standard frequently.
DIY calibration solutions are easy for whatever device you have.
FWIW, I use a Hanna Salinity Checker with home made calibration solution.
Thanks for all the input. I'm as confused as ever. But maybe the TM hydrometer as my primary and the Apex salinity probe setup to catch a rapid swing before I would have otherwise? I've heard the Apex is actually pretty good if you set it up correctly.
jsker
Reefing is all about the adventure
I use the Hanna HI 96822 Refractometer and have had no issues for the past 3 years of use. As above the Milwaukee refractometer works well, from what other members have posted.
Use the Apex conductivity but do not relay on the reading. I use my Apes conductivity read to see if my salinity levels very but the Apex does not read the correct salinity reading in my past experience even after many calibrations.
vetteguy53081
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I use the Hanna digital and love the ease of use and it even gives tank temperature
tpirovol
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All you need
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High Precision Hydrometer
Ensure that your equipment is reading correctly and your aquarium is at the right salinity with Tropic Marin's High Precision Hydrometer. Many tank inhabitants are sensitive even to minor changes of the water conditions. Unfortunately as we've all experienced, salinity reading equipment as...
www.bulkreefsupply.com
Just so you are aware, it is very fragile, and very sensitive to any water movement. But no more messing with inaccurate and unreliable refractometers. Never used the digital meters for saltwater but used 2 different ones from Hanna for hydroponics and was always having to calibrate and clean them
Randy Holmes-Farley
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Many different types of salinity measurement devices are plenty accurate for reef tank use if made and calibrated properly.
I personally prefer conductivity meters due to the easy of use, the fact that they can easily and continuously be used during acclimation in a bag, and have uses the other devices lack entirely, such as measuring limewater/kalkwasser potency.
I use and recommend an old Orion conductivity meter using a 4 electrode probe, but you'd have to get one use don ebay.
The Pinpoint also seemed good, but was slower to respond when put into a solution, and I don't think it actively showed the temp (the Orion model 128 does).
I personally prefer conductivity meters due to the easy of use, the fact that they can easily and continuously be used during acclimation in a bag, and have uses the other devices lack entirely, such as measuring limewater/kalkwasser potency.
I use and recommend an old Orion conductivity meter using a 4 electrode probe, but you'd have to get one use don ebay.
The Pinpoint also seemed good, but was slower to respond when put into a solution, and I don't think it actively showed the temp (the Orion model 128 does).
monkeyCmonkeyDo
7500 Club Member
I use the beer refractometer with the seawater calibration fluid.
I don't check it to anything. I think consistency is best....as long as ur doing it the same and such. Friend uses the Milwaukee and had checked my salinity. Please don't use the old swing arm hydrometer. LOL. I used those when I started.... worked though. Lol.
D
***edit- mines an actual hobby refractometer. Not a hops beer brewery refractometer***
I don't check it to anything. I think consistency is best....as long as ur doing it the same and such. Friend uses the Milwaukee and had checked my salinity. Please don't use the old swing arm hydrometer. LOL. I used those when I started.... worked though. Lol.
D
***edit- mines an actual hobby refractometer. Not a hops beer brewery refractometer***
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