Hydrometer? Which is better of these?

[saltman123]

I am buying a Hydrometer and was wondering if anyone has experience with either of these 2.

I already know that they are considered average and the idea is to eventually invest in a refractometer. Eventually I will, but for now I hope to use one of these as my tank begins.

Deep Six Hydrometer by Coralife

Or

Red Sea Hydrometer with Thermometer

Both are about the same price give or take. The only benefit of the Red Sea one is that it has a thermometer and seems like you may even be able to leave it in the tank.


Any opinions or recommendations on these??

 

[FB]

I bought the red sea one. The hyrdometer part works great. Although I guess I don't really know how accurate it is. The thermometer on mine is a P.O.S. I have never seen it register a temp. I leave it in my tank seems to work fine. Microbubbles and algae buildup seem to affect the reading so if you leave it in you have to clean it.

Hope this helps

FB

 

[SnowManSnow]

i know it seems like a chunk at almost $50, but if your wallet will allow it, and you're planning on being in the hobby a while I would definitly recommend this:

http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem. ... uct=MD2101

It's what I use, and it works great.

Your fish, corals, and inverts will thank you for it!

B

 

[trido]

I agree with SnowManSnow. Im new to the hobby and have never used anything but my refractometer since it arrived. It is actually quicker and easier IMO than the hydrometer. My hydrometer seems to give me a different reading every time I use it.

 

[Anonymous]

I have an old swing arm thats been dead-on for nearly (if not more than) 20 years.

That said, I have stomped the crap out of a few new ones because they suck so bad.

If / when my trusty old swing arm flakes out, I'll be going the refractometer route because I REFUSE to waste any more $$ on those cheap crappy plastic pieces of .....!

Seriously.... - SMS and trido are right on the money.. - Get a refractometer!

 

[fyrefysh]

Saltman 123, for the meantime (before you purchase a refractometer) you could always buy either of those hydrometers and have your LFS test it against their refractometer. After this is done, you could adjust accordingly.

 

[Anonymous]

This one - which was the last one I bought, wouldn't even stay consistent one measurement to the next, back to back. :x

 

[MartinJ]

I have just changed over to a refractometer - sick of trying to tap tiny bubbles off the swing arm hydrometer I started with.
I know they are three times the price of a swing arm, but they speed and confidence the refractometer gives you is worth it.

 

[saltman123]

Thanks for ALL OF THE REPLIES!!

I think you have all sold me on the Refractometer. The $7 to $10 I will spend on the junky hyydrometer will take me that much farther from an actual refractometer.

I am doing a little shopping saw some on the net at reasonably priced under $50 shipped.

Thanks for the boost guys, I'm sure my tank will appreciate it in the long run

 

[SnowManSnow]

good smart choice!

b

 

[ChrisRD]

Whatever you use, it wouldn't be a bad idea to check it with a solution of known salinity before you trust it.

See Randy's article on the topic:
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-06/rhf/index.php

HTH

 

[Anonymous]

At least you can calibrate though.. - Stupid swing arms have no means of calibration. :?

 

[saltman123]

Wow! That article is definitely in depth.

What I am wondering is, what is the difference between your average refractometer, and the more expensive ones other than auto temp adjustin and a built in light?

I plan to buy one labeled as aquatic/salinity so it should be good. Just curious.

 

[bleedingthought]

Wow! That article is definitely in depth.

What I am wondering is, what is the difference between your average refractometer, and the more expensive ones other than auto temp adjustin and a built in light?

I plan to buy one labeled as aquatic/salinity so it should be good. Just curious.

I've been looking into a refractometer and wanted to know this as well since I'm not familiar with them. Easier calibration? (But only to a certain degree?)

 

[saltman123]

I've also spotted some really fancy looking digital ones in the $70+ range on ebay......

I guess for now a refractometer is a big step from the hydrometer arm so I might not need the digital one.

Seems like people like these 2 hydrometers in the sub $50 range:
Refractometer 1

Refractometer 2

Anyone recommend a specific one? These 2 seems to be middle of the road??

 

[trido]

They look to be dentical to me. I will bet you the second one listed is the same one I purchased from marine depot for $7 more. Same RHS-10ATC. I paid the extra for a Marinedepot.com sticker on top of my case. :lol: Id bet that the one from Dr foster is the same, only not showing the case.

 

[bjoiner]

So, refractometer or digital probe?

 

[saltman123]

So, refractometer or digital probe?

I too wonder the same. Man, first I was at the $10 range with a Hydrometer, now in the $50 range for a Refractometer. Now may in the $70 ish range for a digital one???? The prices just keep on climbing.

Guess the Refractomenter may cut it? Anyone recommend digital over the Refractomenter???

 

[Anonymous]

Yeah.. - Refractometer is fine, no need in going with a probe really.. - Especially for a first 5g nano.

 

[trido]

Hmm.... mechanical or computerized? I think I'd stick with the mechanical over the computer on this one. It will likely last longer if taken care of properly. Of course its JMO.