Refractometer

[fadec40]

:happyfish
I know this subject has been addressed many times, but here is another reason to invest in a refractometer.
I just received my refractometer, (from satlwaterfish.com).
The plastic hydrometer I had been using read 1.018 s.g.
The refractometer reads 1.020 s.g.
Enuf said!

 

[the monkey]

wow - you sure run it low.. I guess it's a good thing.
but seriously, .002 isnt' that bad. I was running my tank at 1.026 (or what my hydrometer thought was 1.026) when the new refractometer read 1.038....
yeah..... that high...

 

[fadec40]

I have wondered if 1.020 is ok. I run a fish only tank. Should a FO tank SG be higher?
But using the refractometer just makes more sense and is actually easier as well as more accurate.

 

[darth tang]

For a fish only tank, you are fine. However if you plan on having inverts or a clean up crew at some time....It will need to be raised.

 

[fadec40]

So. about 1.023-1.025 if cleanup crew added?

 

[darth tang]

I would keep it at 1.025 wwith a clean up crew.

 

[thomas712]

Originally Posted by Fadec40
So. about 1.023-1.025 if cleanup crew added?
Yes, but I'd put it closer to the 1.025 or 35ppt even to the point of 1.026 is fine for inverts. It is very noticable to watch them thrive and their shells grow instead of them crawlling around for a month or two and then wind up on the sandbed dead.
Thomas

 

[joe 09]

my lfs told me to run my fo tank at about 1.017,.018 to help keep the ich down.i had two cases of ich and lost hundreds of dollars of fish.so far so good.