hydrometer

[steve_karen]

What's a good hydrometer to buy? I will be getting a refractormeter later but for the sake of the budget I must go with a hydrometer.

[White Tiger]

Any hydrometer will do. However, you should always carry a pencil with you to get rid of all the air bubbles on the floating lever if you use a hydrometer (so you can accurate readings).

[EricBrian]

I used to use a chop stick to get rid of them. When the bubbles weren't UNDER the lever. hehehehehe

[Swanwillow]

I go for the glass ones... they run about 10 bucks, and if you step on them, they kinda break.

but you don't have to worry about the bubbles effecting the swing arm... its more or less a thermometer type deal

[bsaastad]

Until you get your refractometer I'd use the floating type. They may be inaccurate, but they are consistent. Find someone with a refractometer so you can get an accurate measurement, then see where the hydrometer floats and make adjustments to your readings accordingly. I've never been able to get consistent readings out of a swing-arm hydrometer no matter how hard I try to get rid of all the bubbles.

[EricBrian]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7070315#post7070315 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Swanwillow
I go for the glass ones... they run about 10 bucks, and if you step on them, they kinda break.

but you don't have to worry about the bubbles effecting the swing arm... its more or less a thermometer type deal

I bought a floating one and by the time I got home with it, it was busted. LOL

[zimmy1979]

You should really bite the bullet and get a refractometer. It really is one of those "How did I live without this?!". :)

[spoon25]

i have to agree with zimmy, my hydrometer was off by .20 ppm wich is bad if i am struggling to get 1.024 and it really is only 1.004....

[reefgeek84]

Get a refracometer... You can get them for like 40 bucks shipped!!! and probably one of the best things you can buy.

[spoon25]

yea i paid 37.50 from something fishy in Philedelphia

[Lakeside518]

I was using a Instant Ocean Hydrometer. I was sure it wasn't the most accurate thing for $12 at LFS

I also used the floating glass style http://www.petsolutions.com/Glass+Hydrometer-I-15519202-I-C-1022-C-.aspx Which is more accurate IMO

You can get a refracto for $40 + shipping
I would splurge and do it right http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=REFRACT-PA&Category_Code=Hydrometer

Now i use a pinpoint salinity monitor and also a refracto

Both check out right on the dot.

Kris