What hydrometer would you recommend?

[Sati]

I'm not up to buying a refractometer right now so which hydrometer would you recommend?

Deep Six Hydrometer

SeaTest Hydrometer

High Precision Hydrometer

I'd like to do one big order from Drs Foster & Smith and these seem to be all they have. But if you have another one you'd suggest tell me about it please Thanks!

 

[TheMadNucleus]

Holly,

If you are $ constrained, as most of us are, and you are keeping FO the Deep Six is a fine unit - very reliable at giving a reasonably accurate reading. Naturally though the refractometers are going to give you the best results.

I have successfully used the deep 6 for years on a few of my past FO tanks.

 

[BillyZ]

ack! that's what i get for voting before reading the post! I voted other as I was going to suggest a refractometer... 8O but now that I see thats not an option, I would tend to agree with Brain, a FO you should be alright with the Deep six, if you've got inverts, I'd go with the High precision.

 

[cj10488]

ack! that's what i get for voting before reading the post! I voted other as I was going to suggest a refractometer...

LOL Same here.. I Voted other for the Exact same reason.. You can check on ebay for the Refractometer from premiumaquatics.. They usually list them on there for 39.00 plus s/h.. I think i paid 42.00 shipped for mine.. If I had to choose between the 3 I would go with the deep six... It was only off by .002-.003 It was reading a bit low.. Read 1.024 and was really 1.026-1.027.. I would say get the deep six and set it at 1.023-1.024 and you should be just perfect.. But I would still opt for the Refractometer..

James

 

[reefrunner69]

I would recommend either of the swing arms, and if possible have it checked by someone with a refractometer. Then you can know it's accurate, and if not, you can know how far it's off and adjust accordingly. I bought a refractmeter with that in mind, pull it out every now and again and verify the swing arm, but to be honest, it's just as easy to use the refractometer so I ditched the swing arm all together.

 

[pecan2phat]

I had used 2 different sized SeaTest and a Deep Six and they all gave me different readings. Now I just use a refractometer.
Sad part is that what it cost me to buy the three hydrometers, I could have bought the refractometer. ( Also a AM PinPoint salinity monitor is great, no hassles & always shows a monitored reading)

 

[WarOrks15]

well i had a swing arm and just got my refractometer last night. tested my water with the swing arm and it was only .001 off. i had one from Marine Enterprises. but i love my refractometer so much. i got it for only $50 + S&H but i had an order of $150 at the time so the sipping on just that was not that bad.

now i want the salt at 30 ppm right? this is for a reef tank.

 

[reefrunner69]

now i want the salt at 30 ppm right? this is for a reef tank

35 ppt for a reef tank @ 80*F

 

[Boxster]

I know Refractometer is not an option here, but please reconsider it. For the extra $30, go with the refractometer than you would not regret.

 

[Sati]

I think you've all got me convinced to wait now. Currently I have 4 FW tanks. I hope to set up a SW tank this year, but I was also eyeing some BW puffers so I thought I could get away with a hydrometer for brackish.. I think you're all right to spend extra $ on a refractometer though. In the long run it will pay for itself. Are there any particular brands I should be on the lookout for? Also, any websites with good deals you'd recommend in addition to Ebay searches? All of you, thank you very much

 

[BillyZ]

i'm sure any brand should be ok... be sure you can calibrate and it's self temperature adjusting...