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dustybottoms
Guest
Forgive the stupidity behind the question. Is there a kit one can buy? Thanks guys!
oregonbud
Member
There are two main choices, a hydrometer, and a refractometer.
Hydrometers range in price, from really cheap plastic ones(5 bucks or so), to more expensive glass ones - as with any type of precise measuring tool you get what you pay for.
Refractometers are more accurate then hydrometers, but more expensive, I have seen inexpensive ones for 65-70 dollars, on up to several hundred.
Hydrometers range in price, from really cheap plastic ones(5 bucks or so), to more expensive glass ones - as with any type of precise measuring tool you get what you pay for.
Refractometers are more accurate then hydrometers, but more expensive, I have seen inexpensive ones for 65-70 dollars, on up to several hundred.
azeritis
Member
One important npoint on specific gravity.
SG is simply an easy way to infer salinity.
Salinity measured in ppm is what really matters. Around the reef in the ocean salinity is near 35. However fish can tolerate lower salinity leves (although invertaebrates and some corals do not).
When you buy an sg meter you will see that besides the sg reading, there is a salinity reading. But your sg meter is calibrated for a specific temerature. That is sg 1.025 at 72 degrees does not yield the same salinity as sg 1.025 at 84 degrees. Usually the differeneses are not that great so there are no visible signs of stress in the fish.
Since the fishes natural environment is around 35 ppm that is where the tanks should be aimed at. I really doubt that people with FO systems really pay any attention to this....
SG is simply an easy way to infer salinity.
Salinity measured in ppm is what really matters. Around the reef in the ocean salinity is near 35. However fish can tolerate lower salinity leves (although invertaebrates and some corals do not).
When you buy an sg meter you will see that besides the sg reading, there is a salinity reading. But your sg meter is calibrated for a specific temerature. That is sg 1.025 at 72 degrees does not yield the same salinity as sg 1.025 at 84 degrees. Usually the differeneses are not that great so there are no visible signs of stress in the fish.
Since the fishes natural environment is around 35 ppm that is where the tanks should be aimed at. I really doubt that people with FO systems really pay any attention to this....
stillfrodo
Member
I invested in a good refractometer. Best money i ever spent.
richard rendos
Active Member
I have a pinpoint electronic salinity monitor.
sammystingray
Active Member
Richard.....ever test that against a good refractometer? I like gadgets, but they still have to work.
I don't think I NEED a real time salinity check, but ........again, I love gadgets. Talk me into it.
I don't think I NEED a real time salinity check, but ........again, I love gadgets. Talk me into it.
stumpdog
Member
Dusty-
After two years and this website I finally broke down and purchased a refractometer. I am glad I did my swing arm was off, not a lot but enough for me to notice. A good refractometer will last you a long long time. You may go through a whole bunch of hydrometers in that time which would have come close in price to matching that of a refractometer. Spend a little extra now and save yourself the worry and the headaches in the future. HTH.
Jeremy
After two years and this website I finally broke down and purchased a refractometer. I am glad I did my swing arm was off, not a lot but enough for me to notice. A good refractometer will last you a long long time. You may go through a whole bunch of hydrometers in that time which would have come close in price to matching that of a refractometer. Spend a little extra now and save yourself the worry and the headaches in the future. HTH.
Jeremy
richard rendos
Active Member
I have not tested against a refractometer, but I have used the calibration solution and it comes up perfect. I like gadgets too...I have been meaning to buy a refractometer, but just haven't done it yet. I would love to compare my readings from the pinpoint to a refractometer. Anyone know where to get a good one?