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View Full Version : What instrument do you use to measure salinity?

seashells
07-10-2006, 07:26 PM
I was wondering how everyone measures there salinity and how much they have spent on their test instrument.
muck
07-10-2006, 07:29 PM
Refractometer. Bought it for $65.
Joe Reefer
07-10-2006, 07:35 PM
+1
marie
07-10-2006, 07:54 PM
Refractometer, it was a christmas present :biggrin: so I'm not supposed to know how much it costs :razz:
andrewsk
07-10-2006, 08:09 PM
Aquatronica system.
Midknight
07-10-2006, 08:39 PM
Refractometer, but do I have to say how much I paid? :redface:
Lets just say it was the only one I could find in town at the time.
Psyire
07-10-2006, 09:06 PM
Aquatronica Salinity Probe & periodic checking via. Refractometer.
seashells
07-10-2006, 09:20 PM
Don't have to give exact price. I have seen some threads saying they have a difference of .15 to .28 in salinity due to evaporation etc. I was wondering exactly what instrument they were using to get these numbers. BTW we use a refractometer here. Never got any consistency with a hydrometer. I was also wondering how important fluctuations to salinity are in the tank. What is a safe variation over a 24h period. In light of the necessary calibration of our devices which are better over the long run, Refractometer or Electronic meter?

Doug
TheReefGeek
07-10-2006, 10:41 PM
Refracto & Hydrometer

I use the refracto once and a while to make sure my hydro is accurate, because i'm lazy and the hydro is easier to use.

refracto - $65
StirCrazy
07-11-2006, 02:44 AM
was using swing arms but found out all 3 of mine were out by 0.003 when I got my refractometer.

Steve
mark
07-12-2006, 04:34 AM
Hydrometer - it might be off but it's my understanding any error is consistent so at least no S.G. swings with water changes.
Funky_Fish14
07-12-2006, 04:43 AM
Refracto & Hydrometer

I use the refracto once and a while to make sure my hydro is accurate, because i'm lazy and the hydro is easier to use.

refracto - $65

Haha no way? Dipping the whole assemply in water, smashing it around for it to even tell me I have salt in the water, then waiting a few minutes? Haha much easier to use the refrac IMO.

I paid $65 from my refrac. I didnt bother checking my hydrometer's accuracy cause I could never get a consistant reading out of it anyways, so I wouldnt know which is actually the 'correct' measurement with it.:lol:
OCDP
07-12-2006, 03:57 PM
I find them both easy to use. My refrac. is accurate, and I tested against my hydro. And to my surprise the hydrometer is very accurate. Go figure.