Stupid Hydrometers

[as40]

:argh

Too bad I just saw this:
http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=7179&highlight=hydrometer+accuracy

F*%#@!& little b$#^? at the LFS sold me an "Instant Ocean Hydrometer", one of those little plastic needle ones, for $15 friggin bucks the other day, AFTER I asked her which one, that or the big thermometer types, was more accurate, and they were both around the same price!!!

:rant:

They don't do refunds or exchanges either. Guess I will be ordering one of those nice glass ones online, as I won't give that store any more of my hard-earned money than I absolutely have to.

 

[M-pire]

That sux...sounds like your LFS was going for the higher profit, or just didn't know.

Anyone know if these glass hydrometers are anything like the ones used to measure how much alcohol is in something?

 

[slipknottin]

The hydrometer you have is fine. Just use it once in water of known salinity, then calibrate it. People have been using those forever...

 

[Kurt]

I have an aquarium systems floating needle type. I find mine to be accurate. Actually bought a second one because I didn't trust just the one reading. The second one read exactly as the first one. Then even compared it to a friends glass bobbing type one.
Mine shows higher salinity than that one. Always got exactly the same readings from the two aquarium systems hydrometers, although on the package states be carefull of bubbles on the floater. One thing I notice is if I am mixing cold salt water, the water will show much higher salinity when at tank temperature.

 

[mogurnda]

The floating needle unit will be fine. They are often inaccurate, but can be calibrated with a refractometer. Assuming you get rid of the bbbles, they are consistently inaccurate, so you can adjust accordingly. Your LFS, if they are any good, should be able to calibrate it for you.

 

[as40]

Whew...

Okay, that reassures me a bit. Yeah, didn't really want to spend any more on another hydrometer. I'll bring mine next time I'm at the LFS, and hopefully they'll be able to calibrate it (doubt it though, they have a big sign saying they won't even do water tests for people ).

Thanks all!

 

[Decz]

What kind of LFS doesn't do water tests? I find that ridiculous. A good LFS is the one that walks you through everything, including water parameters/testing.
Go find yourself a new LFS!

 

[as40]

I'd love to, but I'm somewhat limited where I'm at--- unless I want to drive a good ways to another one, or shop at, dare I say it, a Petco/Petsmart. The awesome place they used to have down the road from me closed a while ago. :shake: