one simple cycling question!!!

[mrtuskfish]

i do not have a hydrometer, what does it do, i am making a list of stuff i need for when i go to the LFS, so tell me what i need, and roughly how much they cost, so far my list is is, sand, salt meter'measurer thingy, and now a hydrometer,
thanks,
shane

Maybe your "meter'measurer thingy" is a hydrometer. It tells you the specific gravity of the salt water. Basicaly, "how salty it is". They're not expensive; but very necessary--you can't just measure salt according to the directions on the salt container. That may be what you have; any decent dealer would tell you that, plus it is another sale for him. Most hydrometers are just plastic boxes with a swinging arm and a salinity scale; have your dealer make sure its accurate and it will work just fine.

 

[wantvws]

salt meter'measurer thingy, and now a hydrometer,
thanks,
shane

They are one and the same. I have the cheap plastic Instant Ocean one, but apparently there are better ones out there. There are also refractometers which measure the specific gravity and are apparently much more accurate and reliable. Someone else with a refractometer will chime in I'm sure.
Robbie

 

[guppy1]

ok cool, then i can call my salt measurer thingy on my list a hydrometer,
thanks for straightening me up!!!, pics up in less than 1 hr, hopefully the phone works right!!!

 

[clown-lover]

There are two ways to measure your salinity level (how much salt you have in your water).. One is a questionable way, one is the better way to measure and one while expensive is a the easiest way to measure.

Hydrometer - questionable way because to many things affect the readings of the salt to water ratio.. If you have an Instant Ocean type, it could be bubbles on the swing arm that cause your readings to be to high, or an incorrectly manufactured arm could cause your readings to be to low. The cost is cheap (4 to 10 bucks) but you really do get what you pay for..

Refractometer - the better way to measure your salinity level. After calibrating the unit you place a few drops of salt water on the lens and look through the view finder. Through the view finder you will be able to accurately read what the salinity level of your tank. Cost can be as low as 50 bucks or as high as 200 bucks. Should be checked for calibration specially if it drop it, or it gets bumped hard etc.

Electric Monitor - something like the pinpoint or others. Again once calibrated you simply place the probe somewhere either in your tank or sump (if you plan on installing one) and it gives you a constant reading of your salinity level. It will need to be recalibrated occationally (I am not sure as to how often as I don't own one). Costs can be quite high (150 ++)

Hope that helps.

 

[soccerkidbs]

i would go with a refratometer. all of my hydrometers have different readings. on ebay you can get one for 30 bucks... unless they suck but i am sure someone ha one and can pipe in.

 

[tamableanimal]

This is where I bought my Refractometer.
http://diyreef.com/shop/index.php

 

[Catpicklesdog]

I definately rate a refractometer over a Hydrometer. I have a swing arm Hydrometer in my sump (it was free with some test kits so I thought why not) It's currently reading 1.015 and my refractometer is reading 1.026 (I haven't done a top off yet!!). I know which one I trust more.

 

[1boatnut]

Dr. Fosters has refractometers on sale right now for $41.00
I would not trust a swing arm

 

[guppy1]

yea i saw them on drs. foster, as soon as i get 41 bucks its mine, lol,
thanks to all,
Shane