Hydrometer Scare

Discussion in 'Salt' started by ZC42, Jan 16, 2012.

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  1. ZC42

    ZC42 Corkscrew Tentacle Anemone

    Joined:
    Nov 27, 2011
    Messages:
    709
    Location:
    WONDERLAND
    Today I tested the salinity of the tank after coming back for a 2 day vacation, and the hydrometer read 1.019!! At first I couldn't believe it so I did the tests another 2 times. Both came back 1.023. I was so relieved. Just had my first experience with how inaccurate hydrometers can be ;D.
     
    ZC42, Jan 16, 2012
    ZC42, Jan 16, 2012
    #1

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  2. leighton1245

    leighton1245 Horrid Stonefish

    Joined:
    Oct 28, 2010
    Messages:
    2,081
    wait till you switch from a hydrometer to a refactor meter and you find out that what you thought was 1.026 was really 1.023 or 1.022
     
    leighton1245, Jan 16, 2012
    leighton1245, Jan 16, 2012
    #2
  3. Mobalized

    Mobalized Teardrop Maxima Clam

    Joined:
    Sep 13, 2011
    Messages:
    828
    I just realized I need to cal my refractometer more often and not flick the lens to get bubbles out. Apparently my flicking has been knocking it out of cal.
     
    Mobalized, Jan 16, 2012
    Mobalized, Jan 16, 2012
    #3
  4. phil_n_fish

    phil_n_fish Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2011
    Messages:
    61
    Location:
    Bella vista, AR
    Has anyone used a electronic salinity monitor?
     
    phil_n_fish, Jan 16, 2012
    phil_n_fish, Jan 16, 2012
    #4
  5. chelseagrin

    chelseagrin Fire Goby

    Joined:
    Dec 13, 2011
    Messages:
    1,346
    i freak out alot when i forget to rinse out my hydrometer and the dried salt keeps the swing arm in place.
     
    chelseagrin, Jan 16, 2012
    chelseagrin, Jan 16, 2012
    #5
  6. rlman41299

    rlman41299 Skunk Shrimp

    Joined:
    May 29, 2010
    Messages:
    288
    Location:
    bay area, california

    yup! you need to calibrate more often than you think. my whole reef tank almost got wiped out by my refractometer. all the while it was reading 1.025 but in reality it was only reading 1.015 (verified with a friends refractometer). lost all my sps colonies.
    so now i keep a calibrating solution.
     
    rlman41299, Jan 16, 2012
    rlman41299, Jan 16, 2012
    #6