hydrometer problem

Discussion in 'ASAP' started by yaisel, Apr 16, 2008.

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  1. yaisel

    yaisel Plankton

    Joined:
    Mar 16, 2008
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    Okay I bought an instant ocean hydrometer and I mix the salt correctly I use instant ocean sea slat like it said 1\2 cup per gallon and I tested it at 75 degrees,But once I hit the hydrometer it will lose some bubbles and the readings will throw me off going and go all the way down it seems not working and go even below what it should be I will provide some pictures.:confused:
     

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    yaisel, Apr 16, 2008
    yaisel, Apr 16, 2008
    #1

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  2. Executivelevel

    Executivelevel Peppermint Shrimp

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    those are not very accurate testers, i would suggest one of the floating ones or if you have the money get a refractor(?) (the one where u look through the little eyepiece) i use the floating one and it works good enough for me!!
     
    Executivelevel, Apr 16, 2008
    Executivelevel, Apr 16, 2008
    #2
  3. yaisel

    yaisel Plankton

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    What floating ones?
    Also I tested the PH and it was 7.8
     
    yaisel, Apr 16, 2008
    yaisel, Apr 16, 2008
    #3
  4. omard

    omard Gnarly Old Codfish

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    Totally unreliable. Very risky to depend on.

    Get a refractometer. On sale now at DFS.
     
    Last edited: Apr 17, 2008
    omard, Apr 16, 2008
    omard, Apr 16, 2008
    #4
  5. Executivelevel

    Executivelevel Peppermint Shrimp

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    there are ones that float like a thermometer, but have a salenity scale on the top and float to a set point on the scale based on how much salt is in the water!! way more reliable than the one you have, but not as $$ as the refractometer
     
    Executivelevel, Apr 16, 2008
    Executivelevel, Apr 16, 2008
    #5
  6. luvreefs23

    luvreefs23 Millepora

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    I agree that instant ocean hydrometer is garbage. I had one and it failed to give accurate readings after 6 months or so. I bought a milwaukee refractometer, its about 60-70 bux...figured a few hundred dollars in fish was worth buying it.
     
    luvreefs23, Apr 16, 2008
    luvreefs23, Apr 16, 2008
    #6

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  7. Marty

    Marty Stylophora

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    Seattle area
    +2 refractometer is the way to go. Mine is nails every time.
     
    Last edited: Apr 16, 2008
    Marty, Apr 16, 2008
    Marty, Apr 16, 2008
    #7
  8. Otty

    Otty Giant Squid

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    Hands down a refractometer should be a standard tool in reef keeping.
     
    Otty, Apr 16, 2008
    Otty, Apr 16, 2008
    #8
  9. Swede

    Swede Flamingo Tongue

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    I started out with one of those hydrometers. It was so inaccurate that I lost my 6 line wrasse due to high salt levels. Fork out for a refractometer - it will save you a lot of money and heart ache in the future.
     
    Swede, Apr 16, 2008
    Swede, Apr 16, 2008
    #9
  10. Tangster

    Tangster 3reef Sponsor

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    They are on average close.. Just knock the bubbles off and go I used them for many yrs .. But if you don't want to buy a refractometer look for a floating type hydrometer far more accurate. Little old school but very very reliable for accuracy .

    Here you go not a fan of posting links my first time for give me if I have sinned but these are by far as accurate as a refractometer and maybe better ? I have one I use to calibrate refractometer's with to check them

    Floating Hydrometer/Thermometer - 12": Marine Enterprises International
     
    Tangster, Apr 17, 2008
    Tangster, Apr 17, 2008
    #10
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