Hello Guys, About to ditch hydrometers, Need Input

Hey Guys, I have a coral life deep sex hydrometer and this :

Petco Aquarium Hydrometer with Thermometer at PETCO

^The link from petco, I really don't think it works correctly, i turn pumps and filters off but I just don't understand how it works and I feel like it shows my temperature too high.



I buy my salt water from my LFS(they sell it for 99cent a gallon, it goes through R/O process, its very good and I feel like it makes my life more simple).


Their salt water if I'm not mistaken is set at 1.022 I will find out for sure tomorrow. I feel like I cant fully get accurate readings from these current equipment that I have and I'm reaching towards a Refractometer. Before purchasing, are there any specific brand names that are better than another, or are they all basically the same? Any input would be great, and if you think I should stick with my current hydrometers please let me know.

 

I don't know which brands are the most reliable, but I definitely think you should switch to a Refractometer. Hydrometers are notoriously inaccurate, especially after a few uses. It would really suck if your tank crashed because your Hydrometer had salt buildup or air bubbles.

 

FWIW my 2 yr old hydrometer, is actually very close to my refractometer. Its not like its 1.021 and its reading 1.026.. its at least +/- 0.002. hard to tell really. as long as you rinse it and take care of it, itll be somewhat in the range of accurate. I still use my refractometer tho.

Its easier and less messy and less hassle, and more accurate. best 45 bux ive spent. lol I got mines from BRS. came with calibration fluid and a nice case with a cleaning cloth to clean the prism.

 

+1 on MorganHeaslet, hydrometers are worthless unless your cleaning them after every use. and then they are still fairly worthless after a while.

 

In the interest of clarification they mean swing arm hydrometers can be inaccurate. Floating hydrometers are extremely accurate if you know how to use them properly.

 

This is what you need...end of story.

Refractometer for reading salinity w/ Free Calibration fluid - English

 

If you use a hydrometer make sure you soak it with vineger reguarlary to prevent inaccurate readings

 

Read this.. http://www.3reef.com/forums/general-reef-topics/hydrometer-vs-refractometer-h2h-125738.html

 

Purchased! Any tips on calibration ? Also , along these lines are there temperature devices that work better than others.

 

The one linked from bulk reef supply is the one i use. Calibration is a breeze, you just take the calibration fluid, put it on the slide ( or whatever youd call it) and look threw it and adjust the screw till it reads 35 ppt. (1.026). From there take your water put it on the slide and test your water. Pretty simple