Hydrometer Problems....

I have an Instant Ocean hydrometer, purchased it in Oct. 05, I rinse it out before and after every use, but with my last water change.....it spiked up to over 1.30, and I KNOW that it is not correct, it has been kind of sporadic lately...silly question, but when do they start to malfunction, or not give a correct reading? Any other brands or suggestions in purchasing a new one. I am considering a digital hydrometer, but held back by the cost...Do I just need to replace the hydrometer more often, has anyone had the same problems? Suggestions...anything?

 

Are there any air bubbles under the swing arm that might be causing it to give a false reading?

 

the swing arm style start off out and get worse as they age. you could try to soak it in lemon juce or vinegar to remove any deposits

 

Like amcarrig said, always make sure the swing arm is free of bubbles. But yes, the IO hydrometers suck badly, they are inaccurate and expensive. If you wanna save cash and get another dip hydrometer, the deep six has a accurate swing arm. Try that!

 

I played around with a swing arm hydrometer for a year! Avoid all the issues, buy a Refractometer. I bought one of these. No doubts, lab accurate, easy to use. Best $45 you will ever spend!!:thumbs_up

Mike

 

I second, third and fourth on the refractometer. Spend 20 bucks more and get something that is dead on accurate and uses a couple drops of water and a 1st grader could use it. Don't waste money like I did on a Hydrometer unless you are going to make beer or wine to drown your sorrows with after spending money on something that is not going to work for the long haul.

 

Even then buy a refractomer that measures sugar/alcohol content. You want good beer right?;D

 

being a Canadian we don't really need hydrometers as it is an inherited ability to sniff a beer and say whether it is good or not.....hehehehe.....;D

 

You guys are too funny....ya, the more I thought about it...its silly not to get one....any suggestions on brands or online sources to purchase one....even if it is more expensive...it will pay for itself by not having the hassle to deal with the swing arm type....and the piece of mind to know it is always correct....even I stand behind the "you get what you pay for" phrase....especially with aquarium equipment..so what am I talking about, not wanting to buy one! hehehe....

Anyway, where did you guys get yours?

 

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produ...&Ntx=mode matchallpartial&Np=1&pc=1&N=0&Nty=1