hydrometer calibration?

[tat2dfreeky1]

is there any way i can check my hydrometer against a solution that is right on? without going somewhere to find a refractometer...(ex...mix a solution to exactly 1.025 and check my hydrometer, but how would i know the solution is 1.025?)

[Jahreefer]

They make saline calibration solutions you can buy. Let me ask, what kinD of hydrometer do you have, or do you have a refractometer?

[tat2dfreeky1]

instant ocean hydrometer....

[tat2dfreeky1]

corals fish and inverts are all alive and doing well,i was just wondering if it is off at all..

[xtopher]

I would buy a refractometer, it is the ONLY way to get an accurate reading

[VolitanFF]

Originally Posted by tat2dfreeky1

is there any way i can check my hydrometer against a solution that is right on? without going somewhere to find a refractometer...(ex...mix a solution to exactly 1.025 and check my hydrometer, but how would i know the solution is 1.025?)

I know what you are saying.. but the only problem with that is.. the swing arm hydrometers seems to even get more outta whack as they get used more.. I dont know if that arm gets deposits on it which then throws the reading off or what.. but if you were to check it against a refractometer today and mark out where its at 1.025 three months from now it will probably be different again anyways.. this is from my experience anyways.. I decided to just get a refractometer and have it over with.. its worth it..

[Jahreefer]

Originally Posted by xtopher

I would buy a refractometer, it is the ONLY way to get an accurate reading

I AM WITH YOU!!!
I had the same Instant Ocean Hydrometer a couple years ago, thought it was good, guess what, I put calibration solution in it at it was reeding a 1.30 on 1.22 water, WOW way off. I order a refractometer the next day, has not let me down yet

[salt-rookie]

Ditch the swing arm and get a refractometer. Best money you'll ever invest in your hobby!

[mantisfreak]

Hydrometers tend to be fairly accurate IF they are rinsed out with RO/DI water after each use, never dropped, stored upright with a baggie over the top.

Refractometers should also not be dropped but most hobbiest models are off by .0015 SG brand new because most are calibrated for Sodium Chloride. Unfortunately, NSW has all sorts of other ions in addition to Sodium Chloride.

More info on standards that can be used for either hydrometers or refractometers and how to solve that .0015 SG problem are on this thread. http://thereeftank.com/forums/showpo...3&postcount=14

[Twitterbait]

I calibrated my hydrometer with a 16 guage shotgun... worked great!