Petco hydrometer. Worth it?

PETCO Hydrometer...

Yes or no?




(shipping is like $9 so I think I figured out the answer for myself... but still curious if this is junk or not?)

 

Not worth it.

 

I'd say if you can afford it go with a refractometer instead..

Lil more money but a LOT less guessin.

 

id say they are ok for fish only where salinity just needs to be in the ballpark. but not for a reef where you want it spot on

 

Thanks.

Any suggestions on the 'tried and true' models of salinity refractometers?

 

its junk, go with a refratometer, marinedepot has one for 39.99 right now

 

This is the one I bought.
Salinity Refractometer 4 Aquarium Hydrometer - SOFTCASE - eBay (item 390240155644 end time Jan-13-11 12:53:42 PST)
Works great!

 

get a refractometer even if you can't afford it. ;D

Seriously though marine depot has refractometers for $40. Everyone even attempting this hobby should be able to afford that.

http://www.marinedepot.com/Marine_D...quariums-Marine_Depot-MD2101-FITEOPRF-vi.html This is the one I have. It works very well.

 

Same one I bought and waiting to get!!!


I bought a hydrometer doratus, works ok but I decided to get a refractometer because I plan on getting corals in the future. More accurate= less stress

 

Read the Right side, the PPT, 36-37ppt is 1.025

It's better to avoid using specific gravity because many people are confused about the correct specific gravity equivalent for NSW of 35 ppt. You will often see it expressed as 1.025 SG but it should be 1.0264 SG. If you only take your readings from the ppt scale and only report in ppt, then you will never have to be concerned about people misunderstanding what you're talking about. People are confused by the saltwater specific gravity scale that shows up on saltwater refractometers. They forget about the adjustment. And the adjustment for specific gravity between saltwater and seawater is not the same as the adjustment for salinity between saltwater and seawater.

Just stick to salinity readings and realize that if you want salinity of 35 ppt, then you would have to read 36.7 ppt on your new refractometer. If your reading is 35 ppt, then your true salinity is 33.3 ppt. Or just go with 36 ppt knowing that it will be above 34 ppt but less than 35 ppt.

So, if you want 35 ppt salinity, bring your reading up to somewhere between 36-37 ppt on the salinity scale of your refractometer. Actually 36.7 ppt to be exact but refractometers aren't easy to read to that degree of precision. Just make sure it reads at least 36 ppt and less than 37 ppt and you will be in good shape. And stop referring to specific gravity