Different Hydrometer Readings

[adamo]

Hi,
I have a kent hydrometer which is reading 1.022 and i have a coralife deep six reading just under 1.025 wondering which one to use and what you guys keep your level at.
Thanks

 

[Pistol]

I would only trust a refractometer

 

[EricTMah]

If it's the plastic style hydrometer that you scoop water into, then they can be pretty easily thrown out of wack. There's a little plastic washer that's part of the needle. If that gets gummed up it will give you false readings. I never trust those things. Use a floating hydrometer if you're not going to get yourself a refractometer

I keep my tank at 1.025 But that's a reef tank. I've kept FOWLERs between 1.022-1.025

 

[Neopimp]

I second the refractometer...

 

[adamo]

okay looks like i will be picking up a refractometer

 

[AdInfinitum]

You have no location...
Are you going to the swap?

 

[Poseidon]

I have a refractometer for sale 30$
I'll be at the swap too

 

[Sewerat]

I had one of those floating hydrometer needles that I was using religiously for my tank when I first set it up, not much in the tank for a very long time but when I finally got a good refractometer I found out I was maintains an actual reading of 1.032 not 1.025. So best to borrow a refractor for a local or take a sample to your LFS and see which one reads closer for the meantime until your refractor shows up

 

[AdInfinitum]

If there is demand I have an extra that I can bring to the swap. It is a "must have" piece of equipment even for fish keeping. IMO

 

[theyangman]

I have an extra too.

 

[adamo]

What is swap? i am located in toronto near yorkdale shopping mall

 

[Poseidon]

Ah, there is a frag swap/ meet / BBQ at a members house in London next week Saturday
That's what we are all referring too

 

[Jewel]

Hydrometers are very unreliable.