Deep Six is driving me insane....HELP

[yae4volcom]

Ok so maybe if you are reading this you think I am pathetic for not being able to use a simple hydrometer but its just giving me different results every time I try and use it. I submerge the huydrometer to the point where the water is slowly flowing over the bar. When its full the arrow is a around.24 and then settles back down at .16-.17
So which on is it? The very first and brief reading or the constant very low level? Sorry for the stupid question

 

[armageddon]

Make sure there are no bubbles attached to the arm. I used to flick mine a couple times to get the bubbles off. Make sure its at the right water level and just set it down and wait for it to reach a reading.

 

[aarone]

i think you need to let the deep six sit with water in it for 24 hours to break it in.
aaron

 

[yae4volcom]

ARgggg
I have done a couple tests now and without bubbles it says
.14-.16 I just don't see how this can be right....
Should I add more salt?
Is there any other way I can test the salinity of my water?

 

[aarone]

get a float hydrometer if you cant wait 24 hours...
aaron

 

[tagg]

If your mixing the salt and testing the water before the salt has had enough to totaly disolve, you will get screwy readings also.
Tagg____

 

[cprdnick]

take the sample to denver and see if it matches to your reading. (unless there's an LFS closer to you.)

 

[stillfrodo]

IMO and I have stated this before invest in a decent refractometer. It has also been said on this board that when you get into QT and hyposalinity you are not going to have the accuracy that a refractometer gives. I have seen an excellent one go for around 39 bucks. Again just my opinion but this is not a piece of equiptment where you should be saving a few bucks.

 

[dreeves]

Get yourself a couple of glass hydrometers...use them both and average the results...when you get lots of extra cash...get a refractor..

 

[armageddon]

Glass will do fine if your on a budget. I performed hypo successfully with a glass hydrometer.

 

[calvindo]

mine always have bubbles stuck on the arm. simply just bang it against something to get the bubble off the arm

 

[jhc]

You may want to check it against another hydrometer. I had problems early on with livestock dying and then checked my hydrometer with one at the LFS and found mine consistently read .7 lower than the others.
JHC

 

[dburr]

Glass hydrometers are not accurate either. Both should be tested against a refractometer. Take the swing arm to a LFS and let them show you where the reading is.
Use a marker to mark where your sweet spot is. Recheck it every 6 months or so.
Always tap the side of the swing arm to get the bubbbles out.
HTH, Dan

 

[cindyski]

Originally posted by aarone
i think you need to let the deep six sit with water in it for 24 hours to break it in.
aaron
yes, FRESHWATER not salt

 

[aarone]

Wait why would you measure FW SG? Or do you let it sit for 24 hours with FW? My lfs just told me to do this if i was going to buy one.
aaron

 

[dreeves]

Glass hydrometers have been around a very, very long time...they can be accurate enough.

 

[cindyski]

aaron
the package says to fill it i with freshwater for 24 hours before using it.
not to measure FW SG

 

[aarone]

LOL ok I was wondering who would test SG for FW.
aaron

 

[cindyski]

hey, ya never know lol

 

[dburr]

Glass hydrometers have been around a very, very long time...they can be accurate enough.
Swing arms can be accurate too, if (a big if) you get the right one.
They all very to some degree.
Get yourself a couple of glass hydrometers...use them both and average the results..
And, I think tou already agreed with me.
Dan