hydrometer

[myers]

I just tested the water and my hydrameter is reading at 1.020 need help in raising it.

 

[spiderwoman]

You can't trust a hydrometer. If you can, please get a refractometer which is accurate once you've calibrated it. A tiny amount of food, small bubbles etc can make your hydrometer fluctuate in a very short period of time.

 

[sly]

I agree about the refractometer. You really need one. In the mean time you can slowly raise the SG of your tank by premixing some saltwater and then adding it to the tank. Do just a little at a time until you get it up to 1.024-1.026. I wouldn't raise it faster than 24 hours. Give it time to acclimate.

 

[myers]

How much would you suggest

 

[sly]

On a 45 gallon I would probably mix up a couple of gallons of saltwater at about 1.035 and add it as your topoff water. How much does your tank evaporate a day?

 

[myers]

I taking all your advise and going to buy a refractometer tomorrow. I just tested it again with a drop in glass hydrometer instead of the hang on tester by red sea and it where is should be.

 

[sly]

I almost lost my tank due to a hydrometer. Never again... IMO they have only one use. The landfill... or a table decoration maybe.

 

[globaldesigns]

I would personally take some water out of your tank, mix a little bit of salt and slowly introduce it back into the tank. You may have to do this several times, but doing it this way over time will not shock the system.
I use to use a hydrometer, I took it to my LFS and calibrated it. Basically used his refractometer to test his water, then used the hydrometer to see how close it was. I then knew what it truly read.
But, I do agreee, get a refractometer. I now use one, it is truly accurate and much easier than dipping the hydrometer in the tank all the time.

 

[sepulatian]

Don't raise the Sg. You don't know what it actually is. Take a sample to your LFS to be tested. Go from there and please buy a refractometer.

 

[michaeltx]

I agree I wouldnt change anything till you know for sure on where your at. adding or subtracting salt now is asking for trouble you can way overshoot you SG or lower it into a hypo situations. I would get the refractometer and then test and see where you really are.
Mike

 

[veni vidi vici]

If your using a glass floating hydrometer and your not trying to do hypo the glass hydrometers are pretty accurate if used properly and cleaned regularly. When i compare my glass hydrometer to my refracometer it is only off slightly.However if you can get a refractometer.