It's the only way I do it. Fish, cuc, corals, you name it"take a little water out"
I am not sure who have done such, but it sounds like a good idea.
I will still use to compare to Refractometer once a while.What are you testing for salinity? Stay away from those plastic 7 dollar gadgets where you pour water in and read the floating needle. Even the tiniest of air bubble will throw it off. I made the mistake of buying one and wasn't out of the norm to get 3 different readings on 3 tries. Suggest to google up Refractometer and use those instead.
I wouldn't! Best to make your own water. There is nothing to guarantee the quality of water coming from the fish store.I am not sure is a good idea that you let LFS water into your tank.
The best way to compare a refractometer is with another refractometer. Or just calibrate the one you have.I will still use to compare to Refractometer once a while.
I have both the swing one and refractometer, both are always come up the same, if one day I decided to check and see my always use retractometer is in good condition, should I going get a new refractometer, or use swing to compare. I will use the swing, if it is off, than I will do calibrate.The best way to compare a refractometer is with another refractometer. Or just calibrate the one you have.
I have both, and I'll take a refractometer over a hydrometer ANY day! Even little bubbles on the swing arm can throw it off. Refractometers are far more accurate, and most will compensate for temperature... which can also affect accuracy. There's really no comparison...I've never owned a refractometer. *shrug* So far so good.
There's no magic bullet in this hobby. Sometimes "just ok" works.
One of the best investments I've made is buying a refractometer.I have both, and I'll take a refractometer over a hydrometer ANY day! Even little bubbles on the swing arm can throw it off. Refractometers are far more accurate, and most will compensate for temperature... which can also affect accuracy. There's really no comparison...
+1One of the best investments I've made is buying a refractometer.
Have never soaked a bag for 2-3 hours with fresh or salt and never had any issues. I suppose if the fish were being shipped from overseas sure...but all my fish are had locally, less than 20 minute drive.Why is everyone so persistent that fish need a 2-3 hour acclamation time? I've never done it that way and never lost a fish due to my acclamation process. I think the 2-3 hours you keep them in that bag just adds more unnecessary stress.
I agree with Beth that it's most likely aggression. Especially since the tang is doing fine and I'm just guessing that the tang was acclimated the same way so why didn't it die?
Once arrived, the most time any of my new critters spend in the bag is 15-20 minutes... just enough time for the water in the bag to acclimate to the temp of my tank water. Then it's drip acclimation time, which never goes over 1 1/2 hours for sensitive fish, and 2 1/2 - 3 hours for (highly) sensitive invertebrates.Have never soaked a bag for 2-3 hours with fresh or salt and never had any issues. I suppose if the fish were being shipped from overseas sure...but all my fish are had locally, less than 20 minute drive.