Hydrometer Readings

[ant]

So, I went to the IFS store to get the SG checked on my water. I wanted to compare their readings with my hydrometer. When I got there the guy, very nice, pulled out a swing arm hydrometer! He said that's all they use. He checked the other stuff and said my amonia was high but that was about it. Water looks a bit cloudy with the shrimp hanging around. It's starting to look pretty gross. Is anyone else at the same stage as I am? Just waiting now right? This really is hard. It's only been a week
I appreciate everyones input and a special thanks to Scott. This is a great site I found by accident. :happyfish

 

[rubberduck]

i would take the shrimp out, he has done his job

 

[ant]

Really? I thought I was suppose to leave him in for a few days, at least. I added the shrimp on Thurs.:thinking:

 

[bigarn]

IMO once you get a good ammonia spike, you can remove the shrimp.

 

[adamm]

Sorry to hijack your thread, but you don't leave th shrimp in? I thought you left them in for a constant amonia supply.

 

[ant]

I was also under the impression that you left the shrimp in until it completely decayed. Is there a consensus?

 

[bigarn]

You can leave it in there until it rots away, but it's alot more messy, and alot smellier. It's up to you.

 

[scotts]

Hey Ant, That is a beautiful horse in your avatar, makes me feel bad about the dead horse thing in your other thread. Sorry 'bout that. Is that your horse? Hey good to see you asking these questions, I can already tell that you are learning. Cool!
Hey saw you rock you posted before. If you don't mind a recommendation I think some hermit crabs and an emerald crab would go to town on that rock. Plus they are fun to watch.
Scott

 

[adamm]

If there were no amonia source, the beneficial bacteria would have no food source and die off. I thought the whole point of the shrimp was to keep supplying a constant amonia source like a fish would.....thus supplying the denitrifying bacteria a food source and converting amonia to nitrite......then nitrite to nitrate....then the fishkeeper can finally remove toxic amounts of nitrate via partial water changes. I'm a little confused about this whole shrimp thing.

 

[ant]

Adam-beats me...that's what I thought too! I took this from Beth's post under cycling the tank. "Now . . . add a RAW, peeled shrimp. Drop it in the tank and let it SIT THERE. As the shrimp decomposes it will add ammonia to the system to jump start the nitrogen cycle." Doesn't really say for how long but I'm assuming you leave it so I guess mine will stay in and get really stinky.

Adam are you just starting your cycle as well?
Scott- Great to hear from you! Yes! That's my horse Buck! We'll be getting him in a month or so. He's been staying with my in-laws until I found a place for him here. I miss him but we'll be together again soon. Don't give it a second thought about the "dead horse comment." Not a big deal...at all. Hey, can I buy the crab now?! Before the water is done cycling? That would be great if I could.

 

[adamm]

Ya Ant, I am getting my LR tommorow and starting the cycle after its in and filled with water.

 

[meemmoo]

Ant,
I have the same problem with my SG. I started my tank lat week and for 4 days now I have been slowly raising my SG by taking out water 2 gallons at a time and mixing more salt. I think it will take a while. I was getting frustrated and went to multiple LFS to check my hydrometer. It sounds like we have the same one. Mine is the Deep Six. Did you put your in Salt Water for 24 hours to season the needle. I only did it for a few hours and that may be my problem. Comments anyone?

 

[ant]

meemmoo-We do have the same hydrometer. I did soak mine for 24 hours. I was putting the water in wrong though. I was submerging my whole hand when all I had to do was put it in until water filled it from the bottom. Also, make sure there are no bubbles on the needle. I've been going with my readings and I've brought my SG up to 1.023 and it has stayed there. It tested fine with the LFS too. So, I'm going to be sticking with it for a while. I now have two crabs and a cleaner shrimp in the tank. They are doing well...so far:nervous: Good luck.

 

[meemmoo]

Mine is at 1.023, but my LFS said they keep their's at 1.025. When I checked my hydrometer with their's we got the same reading. Not sure if I should get a new one. And wondering if my meter seasoned itself with 2 hours of soaking and about a gazillion dips.

 

[meemmoo]

Also I noticed when I dipped mine way under the water I got a higher reading of 1.024. Do you know if the Salinity differ's at different levels. I know sounds stupid, but I am new with all this.

 

[ant]

meemmoo-I'm new at this too but it is my understanding that SG readings are different at different levels of the tank and if the temp fluctuates the readings can differ. Our hydrometer reads at 6in below the surface every time without sticking your hands in it, which is good. You want to keep your hands out of the tank as much as possible. IMO if your readings are the same as your LFS then stick with. Some people like their water at 1.025 and some at 1.022 and some in between. I believe the higher level is ideal for reef tanks and the lower end is good for FOWLR tanks.
If you haven't read Beth's post about info for new hobbyists I would do that. It helped me a lot. It's the first post. Also, If you have a big question post it. The gurus will usually answer. Good luck and welcome!:joy: Ant.