Conflicting salinity readings?

[northstar]

I have a newly setup reef tank. During the setup I used a plastic Coralife Deep Six hydrometer. The reading I got was 1.023. Then a got one of those glass floating hydrometer and got a reading of 1.024. The other day I picked up a refractometer, and calibrated it with distilled water. Now with the refractometer I'm getting a reading of 1.026.
What one should I believe?
I'm inclined to believe the refractometer since my skimmer is going nuts with micro bubbles and the skimmer manufacturer told me high salinity could be the cause.

 

[flower]

Originally Posted by Northstar
http:///forum/post/3241807
I have a newly setup reef tank. During the setup I used a plastic Coralife Deep Six hydrometer. The reading I got was 1.023. Then a got one of those glass floating hydrometer and got a reading of 1.024. The other day I picked up a refractometer, and calibrated it with distilled water. Now with the refractometer I'm getting a reading of 1.026.
What one should I believe?
I'm inclined to believe the refractometer since my skimmer is going nuts with micro bubbles and the skimmer manufacturer told me high salinity could be the cause.

The deep six is GARBAGE even for a hydrometer. The floating hydrometer needs to be in a separate container with a sample of your water, I trust mine. The refractometer, if calibrated correctly is the most trust worthy. 1.026 is perfect ocean SG. So your SG (specific gravity) is not too high.

 

[dragonzim]

Refractometer is definitely the one that I'd trust

 

[btldreef]

Originally Posted by Northstar
http:///forum/post/3241807
I have a newly setup reef tank. During the setup I used a plastic Coralife Deep Six hydrometer. The reading I got was 1.023. Then a got one of those glass floating hydrometer and got a reading of 1.024. The other day I picked up a refractometer, and calibrated it with distilled water. Now with the refractometer I'm getting a reading of 1.026.
What one should I believe?
I'm inclined to believe the refractometer since my skimmer is going nuts with micro bubbles and the skimmer manufacturer told me high salinity could be the cause.
Refractometers are much more accurate. My swing arm and floating hydrometers never read accurately. I've even had the LFS I trust test my salinity and make sure my refractometer is reading correctly.
Go with the refractometer reading, but do get it double checked, if you can. Any of those three readings are fine, so stick with one and keep your tank at a consistent salinity.
IMO, 1.026 is a tiny bit high if you do not have an ATO.

 

[pezenfuego]

Did you use a chart to compensate for temperature? Most people don't. They may all be accurate, just used incorrectly.
Fortunately, refractometers automatically compensate for temperature.
Oddly, when using such a small sample of water on your refractometer, evaporation occurs. This causes a potentially higher reading. I don't believe that this would make much of a difference unless it is incredibly dry or hot in your home.
Trust the refractometer but remember one important thing. Consistency is far more important than a perfect level.