I had a hydrometer that I had for a litlle over a year recently break on me. it was reading 1.26 and the water was actually 1.30. Without knowing my was hydrometer was broke I purchased a banded cat shark that died within 48 hrs. As soon as this happened I purchased the Hanna HI96822.
This is why I don't trust plastic hydrometers.
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I have some of the old test kits by sea test. Its the old packets of powder you pour into the little lego looking colored tubes.I think mine is about 32 years old
Luvs501s
Community Member
Been There, Done That!!
Luvs501s
Community Member
I used to have that one!!
SaltMan
Active Member
I started with a testkit by Tetra, lol. I still use my SeaTest specific gravity meter, it may not be accurate but I think it is consistent and everything looks happy. I use my Apex to monitor salinity, someday I'll have to buy a good refractometer. Just hesitant since my Milwaukee has been so disappointing.
I never liked those. I use a floating Hydrometer, but nobody talks about it here.
I'm I off base here? Does anyone use it? I have a small one and a large 12" one. They both read the same. I've noticed salt and temperature is higher in the sump, is that normal?
I'm I off base here? Does anyone use it? I have a small one and a large 12" one. They both read the same. I've noticed salt and temperature is higher in the sump, is that normal?
SaltMan
Active Member
I have seen this style, are they fragile and does the water have to be still for precise measurement eg. pumps off so it's not bouncing around? How much variation do you see from display tank to sump?
Randy Holmes Farley has info on calibration methods here http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-06/rhf/index.htm
I find my sump has a higher salinity. I use a small one(6")in the sump, and a larger one for the tankard water changes(12"). The larger is easy to read. Be very careful putting them in, don't drop them in. I broke one in my sump, in the small area before going into the refuge. I recommend putting the small one there in case of breakage. Clean up will be easier, but be careful, the glass is very sharp. The problem with those plastic ones is the salt drying on the lever to calculate. They need to be cleaned well. If you got the bucks, get a high end one, but be sure to clean it after every use. The floating hydrometer in my sump is always there.
Oops! I use the larger one to measure DT, but yes, the flow needs to be turned off for a correct test.
Get one, or both for $20.00, you will be happy you did.
Remember, larger the water volume, the more flexibility you have.
Get one, or both for $20.00, you will be happy you did.
Remember, larger the water volume, the more flexibility you have.
