Hydrometers are FUBAR.....

[Ninja Spear]

Is their a Shelf Life for Hydrometers? I was changing some water this weekend and Realized I had 2 Hydrometers. They Both Read Differently. They are Both Deep Six Hydrometers.

I was Pissed. Is Any Suggestions on a Good Meter? I will Buy one online and have shipped to me this week.

 

[d2mini]

Screw hydrometers. Invest in a refractometer. They are all over ebay.
Saltwater Aquarium Tank Portable Salinity Refractometer - eBay (item 350261375017 end time Feb-02-10 08:38:01 PST)
One of the best items you will every buy for your tank.

 

[yote]

+1 Dennis

Do yourself AND your tank a favor and buy the refractometer.

 

[mng777777]

Yes they do have a shelf life, and that is where they should remain, on the shelf. Go with the refractometer! There is no better way.

 

[dcantucson]

Careful ordering off ebay as there have been a couple problems with the markings for the reedings not being right.

This ones safe:
https://www.petsolutions.com/Refractometer+I12518098+C1034.aspx

 

[Ninja Spear]

Well. Many thanks. For 50 Bucks its worth it.


Once I get my new Meter I will Shoot the Old ones with some Bird shot so they wont bother me again.

 

[mng777777]

That's one way of dealing with it... I hate to think of what will happen if your GF ever bothers you :)

 

[wontonflip]

I started off w/ a hydrometer. When I finally got a refractometer, I compared the 2 results, and my hydrometer was spot on with my refractometer. I was lucky, I guess, that it was still good. I believe my brother had it for a long time prior to me.

 

[Bifferwine]

Hydrometers need to be replaced every six months. Buy a refractometer instead and all your troubles will disappear!!!

(Maybe not ALL your troubles...)

 

[Ninja Spear]

Got my Refractometer</SPAN> today, My Water was Salty as All get out.

I will Post a Pic pf All three Hyrdometers reading Differently.

 

[mng777777]

Glad you chose to go that route! Don't bring the salinity down too quick.

 

[wontonflip]

Good choice! Make sure to lower the salinity slowly! Wouldn't want to shock your inhabitants.

 

[Rcpilot]

I use this floating type:
Hydrometer - Thermometer - 12 in. | Hydrometers | Testing Equipment | Aquarium - ThatPetPlace.com

Been using the same one for 2.5yrs. Still works. Don't care if it's calibrated with the latest fleebay electronic gadget. I trust a floating piece of glass more than an electronic device made in china.

 

[Solarfall]

Just make sure you calibrate the refractometer once in awhile. Mine usually goes off by like .001 every 2 months or so. So I calibrate it monthly.

 

[CDaubs]

Pardon my ignorance, but how DO you calibrate the refractometer? I know they all come with a type of adjustment. Where do you get the fluid to calibrate it? Are they properly calibrated when you first get one?

Thanks

 

[d2mini]

drsfostersmith have the calibration fluid.

RC, what electronic gizmo are you talking about?

 

[Rcpilot]

A refractometer. Aren't they electronic?

........... oh I hope so or I just stuck my foot in my mouth. :shock: Insert boot - chew vigorously! :mrgreen:

Edit:
not too tasty

 

[Bifferwine]

Nope refractometers aren't electronic, you crazy old coot!! ;)

 

[yote]

A refractometer. Aren't they electronic?

........... oh I hope so or I just stuck my foot in my mouth. :shock: Insert boot - chew vigorously! :mrgreen:

Edit:
not too tasty

Nope refractometers aren't electronic, you crazy old coot!! ;)

:lol: :lol: :lol:

 

[yote]

Pardon my ignorance, but how DO you calibrate the refractometer? I know they all come with a type of adjustment. Where do you get the fluid to calibrate it? Are they properly calibrated when you first get one?

Thanks

The best way to calibrate a refractometer,is to get a bottle of this Aqua Craft Refractometer Calibration Fluid - English

Its best to check the calibration on a new refractometer before you really trust it.You have no way of knowing how it was handled before it got to your door.