[davidsreef]

I know this has been discussed here before, but I just wanted to say how innacuate swing arm hydrometers are!! Yesterday my RHS-10 ATC refractometer came in :blob: (the same as this http://fishtanksdirect.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=9 )
and I checked my tank, WOW was my salinity ever off! My SG was 1.030!!!!! With my L-cheapo swing arm hydrometer my SG read 1.025, which is what I alway try to keep it at. Wow was it ever off! Maybe this is why my clam always looked mad at me?!?
So for everyone who has a swing arm hydrometer, please buy or borrow a refractometer just to see where your at so you don't stress out your fish, corals, and friends.
Happy Reefing!! :beer:

 

[Sizzlersonthebrain]

I need to get one too but I use a floating hydrometer as they are alot more acurate than the swing arms. that and I brew beer so I have several...lol

 

[davidsreef]

Hmm, beer. I have a floating hydrometer for wine making, but never used it for my tank. I suppose it work be alot more accurate. I was able to get in on a group buy of them, so it wasnt too expensive. Here is the link if anyone is still interested, rdbesigns did the group buy and he has a couple left for $37 shipped to your door.
http://www.nano-reef.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=92092
P.S. I am not soliciting this for him, just an FYI for anyone who may be interested in a great product for a great price.
http://www.nano-reef.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=92092

 

[aka_bigred]

I actually bought the same one off ebay about 3 weeks ago. I have to say that I love it too. I got hooked when taking care of Sean's tank while he was on vacation.

Well worth the money IMO!

 

[Twins Guy]

refractometers are nice but you need to keep up with the calibration

if you use a swing arm i would rinse it in ro/di after each use, or tap in a pinch...salt and hard water deposits can change their accuracy. vinegar soaks on a regular basis are also a good idea.

with a floating hydrometer make sure there are no currents, and that its away from the tank wall. also be sure to read at the bottom of the meniscus.

i rarely use my refractometer now, my swing arms are accurate to within a a thousandth sg and they are more convenient if you ask me. if something is out of wack or i'm making a big change i'll break out the refractometer.

tg

 

[otolith]

i rarely use my refractometer now, my swing arms are accurate to within a a thousandth sg and they are more convenient if you ask me. if something is out of wack or i'm making a big change i'll break out the refractometer.

ditto

 

[DevilBoy]

david can i borrow it?? just to see how inaccurate my swing arm is

 

[electricjer]

I was hoping to get a refractometer to use for homebrewing and the aquarium, but couldn't find one with the right range and accuracy for a good price. I was using the fancy one we have at work, but have avoided using it since my boss had it dissembled for "calibration".

 

[davidsreef]

Devilboy - sure you can borrow it. You can stop by and bring a sample of water.

 

[DevilBoy]

cool ty david. LMK when a good time would be....

 

[ZEKESTER]

yep keep em cleen and yur set........maybe......