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im still learning how to measure salt in the water. when i test with my hydrometer i get various results. some times it barely goes up, other times it goes to the max. is this just operator error or could it be that my hydrometer is a piece of junk? or is this just a sign that my salt hasnt dissolved completly?

*click *flash *click "whered he go???"

You have to make sure to knock all the bubbles off the swing arm. To do this, just tap it on something until you get a steady reading.

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Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients

Hydrometers can also be affected by temperature. Along with the fact you need to make sure you clean them out with distilled or ro water between uses or the salt will build up. If your going to use a hydrometer I suggest the ones that float. They are more accurate and still only around $10.

If you know your going to stay with saltwater a refractometer is entirely worth it. A low end version is the portable refractometer: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=9957&N=2004+114131 which you can also buy from premiumaquatics.com. It's probably the best thing I spent my money on for my tank. I don't think I could live without it. All it takes is a dropper full of water and about 30seconds to check the salinity with more accuracy than any hydrometer. There's rarely any guessing where the line is and I've never managed to make a mistake and get a false reading. I can also test water from a bag with new purchases when there wouldn't be near enough water to do that with a hydrometer. This refractometer does not withstand being dropped or any type of impact. If you want an indestructible version they can be had for around $200. This is as cheap as refractometers get but it's still as accurate as anything else you can buy. Just not as sturdy. Although I still have my refractometer while I broke my floating glass hydrometer.

i think the first couple of times i was having problems becuase of the air bubbles, i have been getting a consistant 1.020 the last couple of times. i added a bit more salt to bump it up a lil

*click *flash *click "whered he go???"

I agree that a refractometer is the best solution. I seem to notice that my hydrometer was off by .005 when I got my refractometer and calibrated it.I use the same one that Sham posted.