Hydrometer problems.

[Joey17]

I checked the sg of my brackish tank and i got a reading of 1.008 and then i checked it again just in case and my reading was 1.004. Is there something wrong with? It's a swing arm hydrometer.

 

[Pufferpunk]

Make sure to tap it a little after filling it to remove any bubbles that may raise up the arm, giving you a higher SG reading.

 

[No_Floaters]

Fill it and dump it several times to get rid of the bubbles like Pufferpunk says.

 

[Menagerie]

I gave up on the swing arm ones awhile ago. Now, the floating one is used and I just turn off the filter and float it in the tank for an accurate reading.

 

[malkore]

I too hated the swing arm hydro I got, for that very reason: back to back readings with radically different salinity. Used a floating bulb type because I had it left over from home-brewing, but that was annoying.

I love my refractometer now!

 

[Pufferpunk]

I also use a refractometer. I'd definately calibrate any hydrometer (especially the floating kind) against one, to find out how much they are off. I believe the floating ones are calibrated for temps in the 60s.

 

[Devilishturtles]

A refractometer can be found for as little as $40 to $50 in some places online. Definitley the way to go if you plan on keeping your brackish setup for a while. It's also a good idea to rinse your hydrometer in freshwater before and after every use to rid it of any salt buildup.

 

[Pufferpunk]

I paid <$40 from Ebay.