Refractometer vs hydrometer??
- Thread starter ren
- Start date
mlm
Active Member
A refractometer is mush more accurate as it is not affected by tempature. A hydrometer is calibrated at a certain temp and if your water is not at that temp you will not get an accurate reading. A refractometer costs over $100 that is why you don't see too many people with them.
ebeckels
Active Member
I do not have a refractometer... However, I'd be curious if this site really works... I posted it last night on a different thread... If someone has a refractometer and could comment to say if this works or doesn't work that would be awesome and could save us poor people a lot of guess work!!! here is the link<a href="http://www.aquasite.com/knowledge/calculator/calculator.shtml#calc" target="_blank">Salinity Calc.</a>
captained
Member
I picked up a new refractometer on ---- for $71 delivered- its a RHS-10ATC and they sell for at least $135 plus SH on most online sites, so I couldn't resist. I haven't done a temperature test to compare it to the old "dip and look" plastic hydrometer, but I know with the hydrometer I would get different readings if I didn't fill it exactly to the line on top, and sometimes the arm would get stuck so you'd have to tap it to be sure... for $71 I like feeling confident that its right.
nevurrmore
Member
I've got a refractometer and it is great. It was about $175 with shipping but well worth the price to save your investment in case of an ich outbreak. I haven't tried the comparison with the salinity calculator but I do know that I get different readings with a hydrometer. They are not near accurate enough to treat with hyposalinity. You could easily kill your fish by getting it too low, or have your salinity too high and not be effective against ick.