Hydrometer...which one do you like/use....

[JasonA]

I just bought the "DeepSix" unit. My dad has always used a "floating" glass type..

The only thing I don't like about the DeepSix unit is that is seems to either get stuck or give different results..

Even though I just put in the salt about 24hrs. ago, in a 40g tank, I have around 770gph of water movement so I'd think it's be desolved pretty evenly by now..

A few times, it shows perfect SG...then another test, and it's sitting all the way at the top like the water is pure salt !!!

Or another time and it's sitting VERY low..if I tap on it, it floats up to near a normal SG

Just currious what others use out there..

Jason

 

[Corax]

I use that little cheap seatest deal with the swingarm.

 

[Awestralian]

I brought myself one of the floating deals.
Has the temperature below and the hydrometer up top, and floats in the tank water.
I was told good things by several people, but as to how accurate it is will be seen in time.
My logic in buying it over the needle type test units was that there are no false readings from airbubbles, i dont have to get it out, clean it, fill it just right, tap it, shake it, do the hokey pokey and turn around to get my reading .
Its always in there, its mobile if i need it to be (to look at corners of the tank, etc), and i can know whats going on with a good glance at it.

 

[VoodooChild]

I used to have the swing arm type, but kept getting mixed readings too. I eventually bought a "high-precision" hydrometer, the floating glass type. It's always consistent and I'm very happy with it. However, I paid like $20 for mine and I've seen cheap looking ones for $5. Unless it's improperly made with more weight to one side, the $5 runs by the same physics as the expensive one.

 

[Casino]

I use a retrofractor. With something as delicate as salinity, I wouldnt trust those plastic swing arms, they arent acurate 90% of the time.

 

[gcvt]

I use a refractometer too. I don't think hydrometers are worth the worry - they're just too inaccurate. I got my refractometer from North Coast Marines - only $50 in their Monthly Specials section.

 

[mogurnda]

Floaty arm hydrometer for day to day stuff, calibrated with the refractometer. Now that I know how inaccurate the plastic hydrometers are, I would never use one without being able to check it.