New to this and need advice

[kittenboo]

Where would I get one both of these and how much are they? Do they stay in the tank? Or is it someting that you did in. The one that I have now to measure SG was like $15. I'm sure it isn't that good. But the thing was reading .026 before fish and LR where added and now it reads .019. I thought that it was a little crazy. and yes I did acclimate the fish. But I used the float method. So that's my story. Thanks again for all of your help

 

[magickyl]

Toss out your swing arm and purchase a refractometer. Add more LR and wait about 3 weeks between adding each new fish. Aclimate them properly and never add water to your tank from the bag that the fish came in. Use the drip method to aclimate your new fish.
I would get some powerheads 2 - maxi jet 1200's to get water flowing through the tank.
Sorry to hear about all the fish that you lost. Don't get discouraged. The best thing to do is read all that you can about the hobby on these boards and in books. Good luck!