Thoughts: Hydrometer vs. Refractometer?

[Barry_Cuda]

I've always used hydrometers in the past, because I was too cheap to buy a refractometer, but I'm realizing that a refractometer just isn't all that expensive and that extra precision might be really valuable. What do you all think?

 

[hdsoftail1065]

I am a Yes on the Refractometer!

 

[Sailingeric]

I have a two refractometers, one for my SW tank and one for beer brewing. I found once I got it dialed in it is easy to use. Just check it every so often to make sure it is calibrated correctly. Hydrometers can be off, hard to read and if you are getting one that is glass, easy to break.

Also, you cannot use a SW refractometer for beer brewing or a beer brewing one for SW.

 

[Gareth elliott]

They can both be accurate a refractometer is easier to test and calibrate.

 

[Martin Kuhn]

I've always used hydrometers in the past, because I was too cheap to buy a refractometer, but I'm realizing that a refractometer just isn't all that expensive and that extra precision might be really valuable. What do you all think?

By sure a refrac is one of the best options for a reef aquarist if you purchase one of reasonable quality AND of course calibrated to saltwater.
It is ease to use (just needs calibration from time to time)

Anyhow. It is definitely not the most precise instrument available !
But what we need is less precision, but reliable results. So it’s a good choicse

 

[alton]

I like my precision Tropic Marin Hydrometer. Type in calibrating Refractometer issues and look at multiple example of calibrating them wrong. They are great when calibrated correctly with the right fluid

 

[chipmunkofdoom2]

A refractometer is likely a better choice than a hydrometer. Before the hydrometer crowd jumps in and claims that you can get perfectly good results using a hydrometer too, yes, that's also accurate. In terms of usability and precision, I think that refractometers have an edge over hydrometers.

Having said that, I wouldn't go with a refractometer. My first refractometer worked okay for a while, then started giving me crazy readings. I had to start calibrating it every time I used it. That one was from Drs. Foster and Smith. My second was from Bulk Reef Supply. It worked okay for a few weeks, then started doing the same thing as the old one.

I now measure my salinity using conductivity. I bought an American Marine Pinpoint Salinity Monitor a few years ago. Best reefing-related purchase I've ever made. Aside from real ocean rock from KP Aquatics.

 

[ZoWhat]

Too cheap to buy a refractometer?Seriously?

BRS $35

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/refractometer-for-reading-salinity-with-calibration-fluid.html

 

[Barry_Cuda]

Too cheap to buy a refractometer?Seriously?

BRS $35

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/refractometer-for-reading-salinity-with-calibration-fluid.html

Yeah...it's possible they were more expensive back when I first priced them, which was many years ago, but I had this recollection of them being more in the $100-$150 range. Which still isn't a huge amount of money but it's a lot more than most hydrometers.

 

[hdsoftail1065]

Agree, they were pricey years ago when we started as well.

 

[rkpetersen]

Conductivity probe in the sump, with periodic confirmation by refractometer. I've gotten lazy and mostly use the electronic refractometer, but will occasionally check even that number against a handheld one if something seems off (which does happen when using conductivity probes; they are susceptible to various artifacts.) I always used a hydrometer years ago. I reflexively bought a new one when I got back into the hobby a couple years ago, but have never used it.

 

[bluedevils6653]

hydrometer is something like $10 or so give or take and a refractometer $35. Definitely worth the extra $25 imo

 

[Bayareareefer18]

Don't forget the calibration solution

 

[Paul B]

$5.00 Swing arm hydrometer all the way. To calibrate it I go to where my fish were collected, jump in the water with it and draw a line where the thing sits. Then I am good to go.

 

[Michael Naegeli]

Refractometer all the way... Although I have noticed hydro meters are pretty consistent being off the same everytime so if you know the margin of error of it you can get good results

 

[Art2249]

$5.00 Swing arm hydrometer all the way. To calibrate it I go to where my fish were collected, jump in the water with it and draw a line where the thing sits. Then I am good to go.

keep your shirt on!

 

[redfishbluefish]

I currently use a refractometer. However, as with many, I started with a swing-arm hydrometer years ago. I still have it, and found after many years, when used correctly, they are highly and accurately inaccurate. That is, with mine, when it reads 1.023, that means my salinity, measured by refractometer, is actually 1.026. I use it as a failsafe when questioning my refractometer.

 

[Sailingeric]

Hydrometers have a temp at which they are rated so you will have to find an adjustment scale for it. Here is one for brewing, not sure if it is the same for salt water vs sugars in wort. https://www.brewersfriend.com/hydrometer-temp/

 

[DesertReefT4r]

Started with IO swing are, total junk and was way off. Refractometer all the way. H3y they where $80-150 about 8-10 years ago.

 

[KrisReef]

$5.00 Swing arm hydrometer all the way. To calibrate it I go to where my fish were collected, jump in the water with it and draw a line where the thing sits. Then I am good to go.

Sir, You are way too sexy for that hydrometer, but still totally correct about how useful these are in the hands of a careful salinity tester. I have an older model plastic swing arm myself that I use all of the time. I don't (can't!) use my (rusted!) refractometer at all since the salt water has long ago ruined it.

These handy plastic swing arm models never rust, and they are super reliable if the user is careful (as Paul B has so aptly demonstrated and documented in the photo). They are very easy to calibrate, especially if you can swim. I have carried mine on vacation to many reefs to test the salinity in situ. They go through customs a lot easier than a refractometer if you have either one of these in your pocket.

"Plastics."