refractomer or hydrometer

[karazy]

which do you prefer and why?

[marie]

I use both, I use the hydrometer because its quick and easy to use and i periodically use the refractometer to check on the accuracy of the hydrometer

[Chaloupa]

Refractometer....I was using only a hydrometer but when I found out HOW out of whack it was...I stopped!

[midgetwaiter]

Refractometer....I was using only a hydrometer but when I found out HOW out of whack it was...I stopped!

You should make sure your refractometer isn't the one out of wack Calibrating it with RO/DI can cause issues, use something like Pinpoit salinity fluid.

My glued back together 4 times Aquarium Systems hydrometer finally died so I use the refract now. I calibrate it every week though.

[SeaHorse_Fanatic]

Small investment considering how much your livestock is worht. Refractometer.

[OCDP]

I use a Hydrometer (instant ocean)

When I was using a refracto with my old setup, I compared the results to the hydro with each test, and they were always bang on for me.

[mark]

Used Hydrometer for years always seems okay until one day mixing salt using the usual amounts and was low, checked on the display and low there as well. Did a comparison with a refractometer and numbers all where I expected, checked the hydrometer and was off ~0.006

Not to say a refractometer will go out of cal, just have more confidence in it so been using one since. Easy to use, easy to clean.

[Aquattro]

Using the same hydrometer I've had for 10 years. Checked it once against a refractometer, it was bang on.

[ShrimSkin]

I was using the instant ocean hydrometer when I started out, until like the others I found out how off it was and switched to a refractometer.

[kwirky]

yeah if a refractometer is calibrated it's bang on. I find a refractometer much faster and I don't bruise my finger flicking bubbles off a swing needle.

Also a refractometer only needs 2 drops of fluid. Great when you're testing the salinity of creatures you're acclimating vs. tank water. It's kinda hard to submerge a hydrometer fully in a bag of snails only filled 1/4 full with water :P

[WhoPoopWrasse]

I started out with a hydrometer and it was always off, it wouldn't read the same thing twice in the space of 5 minutes so I switched to a refractometer...

[StirCrazy]

Using the same hydrometer I've had for 10 years. Checked it once against a refractometer, it was bang on.


I think someone needs to update this post. :mrgreen:

Steve

[Keri]

I like my refractometer, I had little faith in my hydrometer being right as I was always getting bubbles in it. I just don't have the patience to flick them all out :)

[Aquattro]

I think someone needs to update this post. :mrgreen:

Steve

Shut up!! Yes, my trusty hydrometer finally gave up, and threw y salinity off (1.030). I've since bought a refractometer :)

[RSM]

Refractometer = accuracy.

[saltwater-virgin]

I use both, I use the hydrometer because its quick and easy to use and i periodically use the refractometer to check on the accuracy of the hydrometer

I do the same

[fragNplug]

Finaly got a refractometer, 60$ at redcoral, my hydrometer was out by .04
my supposed 1.024 sal was actully 1.029

[Mrfish55]

I use the pinpoint salinity meter, it has been checked against a refractometer and my old hydrometer and all three are accurate.

[dkcrx]

After reading this thread, I'm going to get a refractometer tonight, now I don't trust my 8 year old hydrometer.

[0sprey]

Refractometer. Fast, easy, reliable. Hydrometers are a PITA.

[MikeP]

+1