Will this modification to a Coralife Hydrometer work?

[Dom]

Here is my idea...

I want to open the bottom of a Coralife hydrometer and place it in a discrete area of my tank or sump. By allowing water to flow through the device, it would give me real time salinity readings.

The only problem I see is flow might cause the arm to bounce.

Maybe place it in the refugium where there is less flow?

Opinions?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Should work except for flow or bubbles and deposits/algae on the arm.

 

[Dom]

Should work except for flow or bubbles and deposits/algae on the arm.

Algae... I hadn't considered that.

 

[FUNGI]

why dont you just get this:

 

[Dom]

why dont you just get this:

Its the same concept but with a different manufacturer. Can yo provide an actual link to the product? I'd like to take a closer look.

 

[FUNGI]

unless you like tinkering.......LOL

https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/fluval-sea-hydrometer-4-diameter-2156287?store_code=522&mr:device=c&mr:adType=pla_with_promotionlocal&cm_mmc=PSH%7CGGL%7CCCY%7CCCO%7CPM%7C0%7CaxsvnXfjRWFFwpetHmZu75%7C%7C%7C0%7C0%7C%7C%7C21467366052&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIysX8-v-YiQMV_Ut_AB1zfBP8EAQYASABEgKpa_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[BeanAnimal]

I would think that water absorption may also skew accuracy.

 

[FUNGI]

I would think that water absorption may also skew accuracy.

You mean on that little plastic weight thingy they use for the arm?

Edit: That might explain why to go out of whack so quicky...at least the first 4 or 5 I used LOL

 

[FUNGI]

How about a clear 2 or 3" tube with sucker superglued to it and a hydrometer to float inside it....

 

[Dom]

.

 

[Dom]

why dont you just get this:

Am I missing something? I mean, to use this, I would still have to modify it. Why not modify the one I already have? Is there something about this device that makes it a better choice?

 

[Dom]

I would think that water absorption may also skew accuracy.

I didn't believe this to be an issue. I thought that it would be made of material that wouldn't allow this; wouldn't it?

 

[BeanAnimal]

I didn't believe this to be an issue. I thought that it would be made of material that wouldn't allow this; wouldn't it?

Many plastics like acrylic or polycarbonate absorb water.

I suppose the swing arm could be PVC, PTFE, HDPE or some other less absorbing plastic.

 

[FUNGI]

Am I missing something? I mean, to use this, I would still have to modify it. Why not modify the one I already have? Is there something about this device that makes it a better choice?

Why would you have to modify? Its for in-tank/in water use. attach to aquarium/sump wall and constant reading.....

 

[Dom]

Why would you have to modify? Its for in-tank/in water use. attach to aquarium/sump wall and constant reading.....

Because it is a closed unit.

In order to get real time readings, the device would have to be exposed to the tank water column.

This is why I suggested a vent hole or two. I did, however, notice that the device does have a seam. This makes sense. Otherwise, how would you assemble it?

So I’m thinking if I could separate the two parts, then I could put the half with the arm and markings in the tank, I could get real time salinity readings.