Salinity and cheap hydrometers
 

We all have a hydrometer right? Two even...? I thought my readings between my two probably set my salinity at around 1.025-026. Boy was I wrong! Try a refractometer people... I took a reading... almost 1.028! I know salinity is relevant, and what we should be looking for are keeping large swings at a minimum, but remember, salinity affects the levels of concentrated salts and minerals in your water, and long term ranges out of the norm of NSW are bound to adversely affect our corals.

Japarto at Safari has a nice unit ... amazingly accurate, and simple to use and calibrate. If we all had two, we've spent $30 - $50 already, and can't be sure of our readings... I would recommend bucking up and having peace of mind.

edited by Christy

purchase one from ocean aquatics in vancouver and shipping is cheap!

edited by christy

J&L Also has them. Thats where I got mine.

Refractometers are cheap and incredibly accurate, im very happy I ditched my Hydro for a Refrac.

This thread is likely to get taken down though cause prices have been posted.

Chris

Makes me nervous to know what my salinity really is :neutral:

I need to order one sometime soon.

I believe Chrsity has taken care of that, so we can keep the thread without issues. Please do not post prices, and then we gots no problems :razz:
I'd love to get a refractometer, although I tested my plastic unit against one, and it's right on.

I test mine periodically against a refractometer that I borrowed from work. It was always the same.

Looks like she has, but that was after my post. :rolleyes:

Cheers :mrgreen:

Chris

its nice that they are affordable these days, 5 years ago they were well over a 100 bucks.

I picked one up from Jayson @ SWC yesterday. Hydrometer was reading 1.024 and the refractometer placed it at 1.028. Eek, that's too high for me.

I'd be remiss if I didn't plug ivan at aquaria.ca A lot of us have his, and they're awesome (And reasonably priced!)

Andy