2 different hydrometers and 2 different readings??

[blackjacktang]

So i tested my 28g tank for its salinity and i used two different hydrometers (Both Plastic). The first one was a coralife deep six and it read 1.019ppm twice. And the other one was an instant ocean hydrometer and it read 1.024 ppm twice. Now i have heard that these type of hydrometers can be very inacurate (i cannot spell) but im getting different constant readings from two different hydrometers. So my questions is, who do i beleive?

 

[meowzer]

Go buy a refractometer....LOL....I had 3 hydrometers....none of them ever read the same...and never 2x in a row

anyway....when you test with the hydrometer, do you lightly tap it to make sure there are no air bubbles on the arm???

 

[blackjacktang]

i would only tap it when i can visually see bubbles on the arrow.

 

[flower]

My opinion....
Run them under some good warm water. You should rinse in good warm water before and after each use. Unless you are doing hypo you don't have to be so exact. As long as it is consistant.. So lets say for example a you are using a red sea hydrometer which says 1.024 That's good enough, make sure that gadget always reads the same.
Then when you can afford it, get the refractometer.

 

[acrylic51]

Agree the hydrometers are known to be inaccurate, but most people misuse them or use them improperly. Did you season both hydrometers?