salinity/gravity

[darrenb20568]

hi everyone !!long time no speak!!but can anyone tell me why my sg/gravity seems to be going up off the scale when i measure it!!! i am using the run of the mill instant ocean hydrometer we all see around!!!i am using r/o water with instant ocean salt!!! we are talking 1.030 & above but this is way past the suggested level on the hydrometer !! ph is 8.6 temp is 25?????

[Grins]

The hydrometers are notoriously inaccurate. How much IO are you mixing and what kind of top offs are you doing?

[darrenb20568]

The hydrometers are notoriously inaccurate. How much IO are you mixing and what kind of top offs are you doing?
i am topping up with ro when the evaporation takes about a gallon away!!!thnxs for quick reply!!!

[Grins]

Pardon the silly question but I have to ask...are you using SW or FW when topping off?

[darrenb20568]

no prob!!i am topping off with the ro water from the lfs but i am not adding any instant ocean as i thought this was raising the sg!! am i incorrect

[mcox3]

I'm using this thing now... Works great... I tossed my Deep 6 Hydrometer quick!

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=12132&N=2004+114131

[darrenb20568]

cheers friend!!! i hope the problem is dodgy bit of kit & not something i am doing wrong !!!!

[Grins]

Yes, salt doesn't evaporate so you don't top off with it. Use FW for topoffs and SW for WCs. If my meter was showing that high of a reading I'd head to the nearest LFS and ask them what they show it as being. If it is really that high I'd go home and remove some water and add FW.

[Almondsaz]

Didn't see anyone respond to you temp. The temp should be around 78-81F which is 25-27C. I too would get rid of the hydrometer and get a refractometer...best dollars I have spent so far.

[darrenb20568]

cheers all!!!!