Hypo and Swing Arm

[hnf2k]

i currently have my longhorn cowfish undergoing hypo. the salinity says 1.009 - 1.010. the pointer on the swingarm is pretty thick so im not sure where it lies. the white spots on the cowfish are all still there. does that mean my salinity is higher than 1.009 and i should lower it? or does it take time for the spots to go away? and i know i need a refractometer but money doesnt allow for that right now. so what do you think?

 

[p_apac]

i dont know much, but i know that swing arms arent as acurate and the floting type. mabye its not really whats its saying. hope t helps

 

[hnf2k]

no, didnt really help. that was what i was trying to say. i was saying that i know it isn't as accurate so how do i know when i have reached the right level?

 

[dreeves]

Buy a small like 8 inch hydrometer, you can usually get them for around 3-4 bucks online, probably a little more locally. They seem to be fairly accurate, if not, at least consistent. In addition to the 8 incher I have, I also have a German handmade 18incher and both are within a point of one another.

 

[hnf2k]

ok well. is there anything i can do to see if im at the right salinity until i get one? the salinity level says 1.009. would the white spots on teh cowfish fall off immediately? does it take time? im sure someone has done hypo with a swing arm and had success.

 

[beth]

You are at the wrong SG. The swing arms are invariably off by several points. You will need to at least get a quality glass hydrometer.

 

[hnf2k]

grr.. i know i need a better way to test my salinity. so what should i do? a 2 gallon water change? pretend every place is sold out of hydrometers. and all you have to do hypo is what i have.

 

[col]

HNF2K
I had the same questions as you once, and got the same answers. It seems that it has to be so accurate that a swing arm will not do.
Leave the SG as it is now until you can get a more accurate hydrometer. Or if you think it may be too low, add a bit of salt to slightly raise SG.
The white spots on the fish are actually the parasite burying itself into the skin. They will drop off anyway. BUT what they do next is drop to the bottom of the tank and mutliply, before seeking a new host and starting the cycle again.
When the spots disappear do not assume your fish is clear unless it has been a couple of weeks woithout spots.
Any help?

 

[hnf2k]

i guess a little. i think the salinity is too high if anything.