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Just curious what everyone uses to check the salinity of their water, a hydrometer or refractometer, and what brand!

-Josh

Dont remember the brand.

Dan


Dan

Coralife Hydrometer

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Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients

We use a refractometer at work, but I don't know what type it is. I think it's funny that the super-cheap owners actually bought a refractometer.

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And when he gets to Heaven, to Saint Peter he will tell: "One more Marine reporting, Sir! I've served my time in Hell."

You will find that most people use a hydrometer, as they are cheaper, and really do a pretty good job. The thing is, they are not as exact as the refractors. For 99% of the SW tanks that people have set up, the hydrometer does just as well for the price.

The reason is, that most tanks don't need to be so worried about the exactness of the salinity, as the live stock in them will do well in a variety of ranges. And, even when changing the water, the slight difference that the hydrometer might be off, is not large enough to cause problems with the live stock and such.

Now, for more in depth, the hydrometer measures the specific gravity of the water. So, there could be things in the water besides the salt, that increase the specific gravity. Thus making the readings off. But this difference is usually not enough to cause any problems. The refractor measures the actual salt levels in the water. So it is more precise. Though I don't remember exactly what they are, but there are some compounds that if in the water, will cause the refractor to be off slightly as well.

Most suggestions that I have heard, are that if you have extremely hard water, it is good to use a refractor. Such as using well water and the like.

Personally, I use a hydrometer, don't remember the name, and I have compared it to several refractors and get mostly a very close to same reading.

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There is always a bigger fish...

i use a Aqua medic refractometer think there the way to go

Both.

Get like an IO hydrometer and calibrate it with a good refractometer.

That's the best way to keep on top of your salinity IMO.

-Ferret

-Formerly known as the Ferretfish

Sybon refractometer.

I always use a refractometer, much more accurate.

Although, I always get weird looks from customers when I use it...

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I'm not your neighbor, you Bakersfield trash.

Heh, I get stares sometimes too. The saltwater people usually know what it is, but just forget about the rest of our clientele. Do you ever mess with their heads on stuff like that?

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And when he gets to Heaven, to Saint Peter he will tell: "One more Marine reporting, Sir! I've served my time in Hell."

Refractometer! They arent that much more expensive when you consider the replacement cost of a hydrometer on a yearly basis. IMO a refractometer is the only way to go and its easier to use, not to mention more accurate.

I dont remember what brand mine is though...ive used it so much the sticker with the name on it has worn off

Refractometer..

The only time I use my hydrometer is when I'm doing a quick check or I'm just too lazy to dig the refractometer out of the back of my aquarium cabinet..

All saltwater changes I do with my refractometer.. It's just always going to be your best bet.. Can't remember my name brand though.. It's blue.. Ha..

I'm glad I posted the question because I love the "extra" information I am getting. You all are the best! I have always used a hydrometer, but I really wanted to get a refractometer

-Josh

I use both i sit a hydrometer in my display tank behing the Powerhead and if it looks off i whip out the refractometer for a more accurate reading. I use my refractometer for water changes though of course