hydrometer

munki · 06-02-2007, 11:43 PM

i bought an instant ocean hydrometer, but i dont know how to use it. i read the instructions on the back of the package, but i still dont get it

i fill it up with water and the plastic needle thing goes all the way up and past the 1.032 mark. the only reason it stops is because there is a plastic bar right there. anyone have any pointers for me? thank you

this is the one i have-
http://www.everythingforpets.com/ima...op_1_23575.jpg

thanks again

sasquatch · 06-03-2007, 12:15 AM

when I used them I always found the swing arm got covered with bubbles, so fill it up get a towel and tap its base a couple of times, look at the arm and make sure NO bubbles are stuck to it

InLimbo87 · 06-03-2007, 12:36 AM

Hate to say it, but my pointer would be to buy a refractometer. Hydrometer's are ridiculously innacurate and finicky (as you're seeing already).

vdituri · 06-03-2007, 02:03 AM

Make sure after each use to rinse with fresh water. If you don't then salt crystals will form as it drys and it will impede the swing arm from swinging the next time.

DrHank · 06-03-2007, 07:36 AM

Swing arm hydrometers are unfortunately not very accurate. On the other hand bulb hydrometers (if you can find a good one) are. I've been using mine since 1972 when I first started in saltwater and it works as well today as it did then. Is it as accurate as a properly calibrated hydrometer? No. There is a small inherent error but it is consistent.

Make sure to do as Sasquatch and Victor said to minimize inaccuracy for the time being. When you can afford it, I would recommend a good refractometer or at least a good bulb hydrometer.

reefer3 · 06-03-2007, 10:17 AM

I bought a deep six hydrometer and it was off right out of the package. Do what evryone else is saying and if it still dont work take a sample to your LFS and let them test it to see if youors is right or wrong.

sasquatch · 06-03-2007, 10:37 AM

Here is a comparison test of units purchased in several locations and the testing results for accuracy.Steve New Page 1

reefer3 · 06-03-2007, 10:48 AM

WOW!!! 12 hydrometers and all right on the dot. I deffinetly didnt expect that.

sasquatch · 06-03-2007, 10:56 AM

once again showing how urban myths are spread,as so many things in this hobby are, as I keep telling my wife" Honey you can tell me the same thing a hundred times, repetition will NOT make it true" lol

reefer3 · 06-03-2007, 10:58 AM

Well I belived it because my first one read 1.025 when it really was 1.021 I had it tested at 3 LFS to make sure then I bought a IO hydrometer and havent had any problems with it at all.

lcstorc · 06-03-2007, 11:49 AM

With the hydrometers it is very important to rinse them well after each use and store them upside down. Also do as suggested and tap it several times to be sure there are no bubbles. If you do this while it may be off, it should be off consistantly the same amount. So once you figure out how far it is off, you can get a pretty accurate measurement by knowing how far off it is.
With that said, I really do recommend a refractometer. If for no other reason they are super easy to use and you know right where you are assuming it has been calebrated properly.

sasquatch · 06-03-2007, 12:20 PM

Temperature: a typical calibrated hydrometer is adjusted at 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Cooler water is more dense than warmer. A change of ten degrees plus or minus is accompanied by a specific gravity reading change of @ 0.001. Is this a big deal? In the grand scheme of things, no. Just know that if you want to keep your spg at 1.025 at 80 degrees F., set your reading at 1.023 on the hydrometer. Reputable manufacturers of specific gravity measurers will either standardize their hydrometers at tropical temperatures for warm water use, or give a scale, formula for interpretation.

Copied this from a very long article, I have never seen this mentioned on a swing arm, trying to keep it stable appears to be more critical than the actual number

munki · 06-03-2007, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrHank

Swing arm hydrometers are unfortunately not very accurate. On the other hand bulb hydrometers (if you can find a good one) are. I've been using mine since 1972 when I first started in saltwater and it works as well today as it did then. Is it as accurate as a properly calibrated hydrometer? No. There is a small inherent error but it is consistent.

Make sure to do as Sasquatch and Victor said to minimize inaccuracy for the time being. When you can afford it, I would recommend a good refractometer or at least a good bulb hydrometer.

are bulb hydrometers the ones that float?
thanks

tbittner · 06-03-2007, 07:07 PM

I agree about the refractometer. So easy to use and maintain. And really not that much more expensive then a hydrometer.

Sasquatch, did you also test the hydrometers after time and post the results? I hadn't heard that about them that they degrade over time so I'm really curious.

Thanks!

tbittner · 06-03-2007, 07:13 PM

oops, when I did a "Post Quick Reply" it kept telling me there was an error. I didn't realize that it went ahead and posted anyway.

06-02-2007, 11:43 PM	#1 (permalink)
munki Plate Coral Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 707 View Gallery Karma Komment	hydrometer i bought an instant ocean hydrometer, but i dont know how to use it. i read the instructions on the back of the package, but i still dont get it i fill it up with water and the plastic needle thing goes all the way up and past the 1.032 mark. the only reason it stops is because there is a plastic bar right there. anyone have any pointers for me? thank you this is the one i have- http://www.everythingforpets.com/ima...op_1_23575.jpg thanks again

06-03-2007, 12:15 AM	#2 (permalink)
sasquatch Brunt of all Jokes~ Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: the very farthest west coast of canada Posts: 8,917 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: hydrometer when I used them I always found the swing arm got covered with bubbles, so fill it up get a towel and tap its base a couple of times, look at the arm and make sure NO bubbles are stuck to it __________________ castawayreefers.com

06-03-2007, 12:36 AM	#3 (permalink)
InLimbo87 Harlequin Tuskfish Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Orlando Posts: 999 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: hydrometer Hate to say it, but my pointer would be to buy a refractometer. Hydrometer's are ridiculously innacurate and finicky (as you're seeing already). __________________ We are forever responsible for that which we tame... Oceanic 33g Cube Tank Thread ~Ian~

06-03-2007, 02:03 AM	#4 (permalink)
vdituri Excellent Guesser :D Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Sacramento California Posts: 5,730 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: hydrometer Make sure after each use to rinse with fresh water. If you don't then salt crystals will form as it drys and it will impede the swing arm from swinging the next time. __________________ Victor ----- People come into our lives for a reason, a season or a lifetime. When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person. When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend and they are. They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.

06-03-2007, 07:36 AM	#5 (permalink)
DrHank Golden Moray Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Crestview, FL Posts: 2,284 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: hydrometer Swing arm hydrometers are unfortunately not very accurate. On the other hand bulb hydrometers (if you can find a good one) are. I've been using mine since 1972 when I first started in saltwater and it works as well today as it did then. Is it as accurate as a properly calibrated hydrometer? No. There is a small inherent error but it is consistent. Make sure to do as Sasquatch and Victor said to minimize inaccuracy for the time being. When you can afford it, I would recommend a good refractometer or at least a good bulb hydrometer. __________________ Doc Dr Hank's 210 Build: http://www.reefsanctuary.com/forums/...nks-tanks.html

06-03-2007, 10:17 AM	#6 (permalink)
reefer3 Limpet Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Illinois Posts: 132 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: hydrometer I bought a deep six hydrometer and it was off right out of the package. Do what evryone else is saying and if it still dont work take a sample to your LFS and let them test it to see if youors is right or wrong.

06-03-2007, 10:37 AM	#7 (permalink)
sasquatch Brunt of all Jokes~ Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: the very farthest west coast of canada Posts: 8,917 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: hydrometer Here is a comparison test of units purchased in several locations and the testing results for accuracy.Steve New Page 1 __________________ castawayreefers.com

06-03-2007, 10:48 AM	#8 (permalink)
reefer3 Limpet Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Illinois Posts: 132 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: hydrometer WOW!!! 12 hydrometers and all right on the dot. I deffinetly didnt expect that.

06-03-2007, 10:56 AM	#9 (permalink)
sasquatch Brunt of all Jokes~ Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: the very farthest west coast of canada Posts: 8,917 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: hydrometer once again showing how urban myths are spread,as so many things in this hobby are, as I keep telling my wife" Honey you can tell me the same thing a hundred times, repetition will NOT make it true" lol __________________ castawayreefers.com

06-03-2007, 10:58 AM	#10 (permalink)
reefer3 Limpet Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Illinois Posts: 132 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: hydrometer Well I belived it because my first one read 1.025 when it really was 1.021 I had it tested at 3 LFS to make sure then I bought a IO hydrometer and havent had any problems with it at all.

06-03-2007, 11:49 AM	#11 (permalink)
lcstorc Sunshine Reefer Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Cocoa Fl Posts: 20,008 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: hydrometer With the hydrometers it is very important to rinse them well after each use and store them upside down. Also do as suggested and tap it several times to be sure there are no bubbles. If you do this while it may be off, it should be off consistantly the same amount. So once you figure out how far it is off, you can get a pretty accurate measurement by knowing how far off it is. With that said, I really do recommend a refractometer. If for no other reason they are super easy to use and you know right where you are assuming it has been calebrated properly. __________________ Peace LYNN You can't change the past but you can change how you view it. A reef tank is like a racecar. The faster you go the harder you crash. Lynn and Franks saltwater adventure Lynn's 20g clown tank Lynn's 90g of sunshine Every 60 seconds you spend upset is a minute of happiness you'll never get back. In Loving Memory Of Z 01/22/07 - 08/19/08

06-03-2007, 12:20 PM	#12 (permalink)
sasquatch Brunt of all Jokes~ Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: the very farthest west coast of canada Posts: 8,917 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: hydrometer Temperature: a typical calibrated hydrometer is adjusted at 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Cooler water is more dense than warmer. A change of ten degrees plus or minus is accompanied by a specific gravity reading change of @ 0.001. Is this a big deal? In the grand scheme of things, no. Just know that if you want to keep your spg at 1.025 at 80 degrees F., set your reading at 1.023 on the hydrometer. Reputable manufacturers of specific gravity measurers will either standardize their hydrometers at tropical temperatures for warm water use, or give a scale, formula for interpretation. Copied this from a very long article, I have never seen this mentioned on a swing arm, trying to keep it stable appears to be more critical than the actual number __________________ castawayreefers.com

06-03-2007, 07:07 PM	#14 (permalink)
tbittner Watch this Ma! Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Northern VA Posts: 5,562 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: hydrometer I agree about the refractometer. So easy to use and maintain. And really not that much more expensive then a hydrometer. Sasquatch, did you also test the hydrometers after time and post the results? I hadn't heard that about them that they degrade over time so I'm really curious. Thanks!

06-03-2007, 07:13 PM	#15 (permalink)
tbittner Watch this Ma! Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Northern VA Posts: 5,562 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: hydrometer oops, when I did a "Post Quick Reply" it kept telling me there was an error. I didn't realize that it went ahead and posted anyway.

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