if your using a hydrometer take my advice..

I use both. I was having a discrepancy between the two, but my hydrometer just needed a good cleaning. Now they read the same. I've switched over to using the refractometer only, because I've been told they are more accurate, and I plan to start keeping corals soon.

 

i had been cleaning my hydrometer after each use , i figured a short amount of time without a refractometer would be fine(1 month total) but you never know when it's going to act up....after all, it's made of plastic...and cheaply made too. I spent alot of time trying to help the fish in my tank deal with the ich outbreak when it was really me that started it. I think about all the money i have invested in the tank and inhabitants and equiptment, and can't justify using a $15 hydrometer to measure one of the most important parameters of your water. Just letting everyone know how my experience went and wanted to let others out there know that might find out the hard way the first time like i did. like you guys have said more often than not you'll be fine with a hydrometer.

 

no mention of pinpoint or any probes?? I calibrate mine every 3 monthsish and it just sits in my sump 24/7. definitely a $$$$ product and i was kind WTH when i bought it cuz i knew i could by something for far less but being able to just turn on the meter and have a reading in 5 sec. is pretty nice. i also take the meter to LFS after calibration to dbl check. no issue after 2 years, i know replacing the probe is needed after a while but i dont remember how often. even when testing probe only the smallest calibration adjustments are needed and DT can be fixed by adding a cup of salt into ATO if needed. i also have a hydro and use it for fun sometimes and its consistent (wrong) but consistent.

 

Im thinking about getting a Reefkeeper salinity probe..