Anyone know how to correctly use this Hydrometer::?

Question

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=4952&Ntt=hydrometer&Ntk=All&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Np=1&pc=1&N=0&Nty=1

This is the hydrometer I have but there are conflicting websites for the usage for it. Some say submerge in saltwater for 24 hours and clan with freshwater then test. Or a variation of this. My tank temprature is 76.

When I use this hydrometer it shows a different number http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=7360&Ntt=hydrometer&Ntk=All&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Np=1&pc=1&N=2004&Nty=1.

I know my best bet is to buy this http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=9957&N=2004+113761

But as of now the 2 hydrometers I posted is what I have to work with. Wich should I trust?

Anyone have an exacting Refractometer or the like to compair thier hydrometers like these to? This would give me an idea wich hydrometer to lean tords trusting.

Thank you

Thanks again for the info.

I know what you meen about the bobing type. I found a glass tube container that I filled with the aquarium water to use.

Im going to try the websites information now that you suggested. I'll come back and say which was more close to accurate.

Well I could not figure out the tablesalt formulas but took the same idea and just used instant ocean salt.

I got 1.024 on my Bobbing one and 1.025 on the swingarm.

1.024 is what the solution is supposed to read for the amounds of solution I mixed.

Now im mad becuase I threw away my receipt for the swingarm and paid 12.99 from petco.

Damn you Petco!

Answer 1

I've used all three of the types you've mentioned. The problems you're having might be due to calibration, salt deposits, or water movement.

The floating hydrometer always seems to "bob" unless I have all the filtration and powerheads turned off, plus theey can be hard for some people to read - just like thermometers.

The "floating needle" types can vary. Always double-check to make sure there aren't any air bubbles adhering to the needle - they'll make the needle lighter, so it "floats" and your salinity seems higher than it actually is. They can also get salt deposits on the pins where the needle moves - enough resistance, they'll give you a lower salinity because they aren't able to move enough. A couple of rinses with freshwater after each use will prevent this. You might want to check your calibration on them as well - despite their "accurate to +/- whatever" claims. This website give directions to make calibration standards using table salt so you can check the calibration of each hydrometer - then you'll know which is more accurate: http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-06/rhf/index.php

Also, check the salinity near tank or room temperature - for every 10o F change, salinity changes 0.001.

Refractometers work well, but are expensive.

ADDITION: A difference of 0.001 isn't that much. I'd keep and use both - the glass ones somehow have an inconvenient way of breaking (usually when you're adjusting salt to do a needed water change and are still below the range you want - Murphy's Law at it's best!). With two, you'll have a convenient backup.

Answer 2

to ensure you do have the correct SG reading it is always best to use two types of hydrometers. A floating hydrometer as well as a water hydrometer. All have pros and cons. A floating hydrometer may or may not be calibrated correctly and can be slightly off. A water hydrometer could have sand, salt grains or debris which prevents it from registering accurately. All hydrometers should be cleaned in fresh water before and after each use.

I will use the floating hydrometer which stays in the tank at all times. I can glance at it only to to a quick check on the salinity at any time. The best way to use these types is to remove a pitcher of water from the tank and then measure the salinity. Be sure to push the hydrometer completely under the water to remove any possiable air bubble attached.

Also, a water hydrometer needs to be kept clean and set on a level surface to register accurately.
water hydrometers should be replaced once every two years.

You can also get a water test kit which is the most accurate for testing SG. Or should I say salt percentage. It works just like any other water test kit for measuring percentage of dissolved salts in water.

Either way, always have two.

Answer 3

Every one that I have ever used gives me slightly different readings.
So what I do is take a sample of water to my local MARINE fish store and have them test it with there Electronic meter.
Then I test it with my Hydrometer and see what the reading is.
EG. LFS reading =1.025
My Hydrometer= 1.023

Now I know That when my hydrometer reads 1.023 it is actually 1.025 (where I want it to be)

None of the float or swing arm types are totally acurate, Temp can affect them, Air bubbles ... acn affect them.
And I don't have the extra $$$$$$ to buy one of those electronic ones.

After every test, Rinse them out with clean fresh water so salt deposits don't make them stick.

Answer 4

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