i hate this lil piece of plastic crap

[deedee_207]

i bought the instant ocean hydrometer......why?

everytime i use it i get a different reading.......5 times today alone
i follow the directions ....... but the more water i put in the higher ther results go
i can make it read whatever i want it to......arrgh doesnt help....

lil water low results
more water high results

please help i am about to stomp this thing to death

by the way these are the only hydrometers sold in my area

 

[tinydove]

those things are never right! Thhe best way to test your salinity is with a refractometer, with it you will always be right on the money!
This site sells them.

 

[jpa0741]

I just got refractometer today because everyone said how much they are needed. I used the IO hydometer to start my tank. I got the same reading with new refractometer. You have to make sure there are no air bubbles on pointer.
Jeff

 

[jerthunter]

Another option is buying a lab style hydrometer. Basically it is a glass bulb that you float in the water and it is accurate. They are alot cheaper then refractometers and you can order then online. This site sells one fairly cheap if I remember correctly.
Just a tip for your current hydrometer there should be a fill line on it, don't go above or below that line. And tapping the side helps get rid of bubbles...
A refractometer or a glass lab style hyrdometer is really the best way to go..

 

[bronco300]

i have the lab style and i like it...hasnt seemed to steer it wrong so far...however...i dont really like the plastic ones, there is so much that is crazy about them, bubbles, levelness, making sure its completely washed off to not have salt residue...and you should have a fill line for it

 

[mrdc]

I love my refractometer. I was getting low readings with the plastic hydro due to algae buildup on the swingarm.

 

[hot883]

Originally Posted by deedee_207
i bought the instant ocean hydrometer......why?

everytime i use it i get a different reading.......5 times today alone
i follow the directions ....... but the more water i put in the higher ther results go
i can make it read whatever i want it to......arrgh doesnt help....

lil water low results
more water high results

please help i am about to stomp this thing to death

by the way these are the only hydrometers sold in my area

Best way to get those pieces to work is to walk outside and throw it as far as you can. Take a deep breath and then go back inside, get on line and by a refractometer.

 

[cain420]

dont throw it.. much more satisfying to break it with a hammer and send the parts to the manufacturer with a note attatched.. wait until you get your refractometer though...

 

[uberlink]

I had an IO hydrometer. Worked fine if you clicked it until all the bubbles came off. But I didn't completely trust it, and I finally bought a refractometer. Much prefer it because I feel like it's less hassle to get an accurate read.
I bought my refractometer on the big auction site for about $35 with shipping. Works great.

 

[deedee_207]

thanks guys guess im online shopping this morning.....pulled the hydrometer out again a few minutes ago guess what there is noooo fill line

 

[pchromis]

Stick with a refractometer that has ATC -Automatic Temperature Compensation-
Accurate readings without worrying about temp changes, especially when preparing/mixing water for changes.

 

[dr. evil]

just a quick question i have a refractometer i use for work to test the level of antifreeze in fire sprinkler systems and it measures SG also with ATC is this the same type that you guys speak of here.

 

[zman1]

I have a Deep Six by Coralife and a Sybon Refractometer. Here are the differences between the two.
Hydrometer = 1.021
Refractometer = 1.025
I still use my hydrometer for quick checks knowing what the difference is....
Hydrometer - Air bubbles on actuator and sticky actuator from dried salt can effect the arm motion of a Hydrometer. To boot mine is just plain old off. Thank goodness I never used it to bring my SG up to 1.025

 

[jsgreer1]

ive got an in tank hydrometer and it seems to be right.

 

[cabin7882]

are you dipping the hydrometer in the water and then taking it out? might sound dumb but I thought you just put it in the water and look at it that way but I realized that you fill it and take it out of the aquarium to get the reading. it will only hod the amount of water neccasary to test.