Hydrometer vs. Refractometer

Personally, I find the refractometer to be quicker (not to mention a lot less messy (no spills or dripping parts like a hyrdrometer)). But if I wasnt worried about spills, I can see how a quick dip with a hydrometer could be quicker...

 

Funny - I find my refractometer to be quicker as well. No messy dipping and is actually much easier and quicker to read.

 

Yeah...I feel a lot more comfortable using my refractometer.

 

I look at it this way. steps for using the refractometer.

1 take out the unit from the case
2 get the dropper full of water
3 put a couple drops on the lens
4 close the cover
5 hold it up to the light and note reading
6 take a towel and clean/ dry off the lens
7 put it in the case.



Hydrometer

1, pick it up
2 dip it in and take reading
3 dump it out
4 set it down


less steps

 

honestly i dont care about which ones faster, hydrometers are NEVER right, and i mean NEVER, they give a different reading every single time.....ill never us anything but a refractometer ever again just my .02

 

I Only use a refractometer.super accurate. as for speed, I know others will probably dog this system, but I just dip the end in the tank, give it a little shake, pull it out and look into the hole. Flap shuts by gravity. Always works, no muss no fuss. Wipe the lens, flap and end clean with a towel, all done.

 

i have yet to purchase a refractometer.. want to, so im using a hydrometer.. my readings have been consistant and accurate to what my lfs says the salinity is (i trust my lfs and my shrimp is doing great).

the key to a hydrometer is to wash it out each time so salt doesnt build up on the needle pivot point giving you a false reading. i mean you cant get more mechanical(reliable) than a rubber float.

again this is my opinion not having the luxury of using a refractometer.

 

i just would never trust a swing arm

 

My fish and corals tell me if something is wrong

 

oh phooey. if you're going to count things like put it in case, then the hydrometer should read more like this ;D;D


Hydrometer

1. pick it up
2. rinse it out
3. dip it in
4. pull it out
5. be careful not to spill it on the lights or the electrical cords or the floor or your feet, etc.
6. and take reading (praying it's accurate)
7. dump it out (thus losing quite a bit of SW with every reading compared to a refractometer - over time lowering your SG)
8. rinse it out (again)
9. repeat the whole process and see if you get the same reading
10. rinse it out again
11. set it down
12. pick up your refractometer
13. do the refractometer steps to confirm the hydrometer reading actually matches

;D;D