Best Accurate Hydrometer

[Ocean’s Piece]

I need to get a new hydrometer because my Tropic Marin High Precision Hydrometer’s stick just snapped while I was cleaning the hydrometer. I would prefer something cheaper than $40 and something that isn’t one of those floating hand hydrometers (if you don’t know what I’m talking about, something like the coralife deep six). I would get the tropic Marin hydrometer again if there are no better options which I really feel there aren’t for the accuracy and cost tbh. Tell me what you think

 

[Spare time]

I like the instant ocean ones. They seem to always be in line with a calibrated refractometer as long as you place it in sideways and then tilt it upright to remove air bubbles (and rinse with fresh water after)

 

[Ocean’s Piece]

Just ordered the same hydrometer

 

[Jekyl]

Refractometer with calibration fluid IMO

 

[dedragon]

Just ordered the same hydrometer

Hope you mean the tropic marin, i dont think the instant ocean has a hydrometer other than the floating arm one, those suck

 

[dedragon]

+1 for refractometer. easy, reliable, and cheap

 

[rockdiver]

I have 2 swing arms and a calibrated refractometer and for years they all read within .5 of each other. When I do my water change I use all 3 for reference.
I have been looking at the tropic one but figured why confuse myself even more if that reads way different. But I'm sure it wouldn't since my reef seems to be doing good.
Swing arms work but just have to rinse them after using them.
And can't beat the price.

 

[Spare time]

Hope you mean the tropic marin, i dont think the instant ocean has a hydrometer other than the floating arm one, those suck

I have used many of the instant ocean ones. You just have to do the tilt to not get bubbles in it. (Ive made thousands of gallons of saltwater with them and no issue asong as they are used and cleaned properly)

 

[KellyCorals]

I own a hydrometer and a refractometer and now I have a digital Hanna tester and it’s spot on every time. I think they are slightly more than $40 but not by much. I picked mine up for $30 at reef-a-poloza

 

[monkeyCmonkeyDo]

Glass floating hydrometer.
Beer refractometers with atc are best.
Calibration fluid too.
D

 

[WVNed]

this

made all the water for this

and this

and all the other ones

T

some I dont even have pictures of

Best accurate hydrometer isn't for sale. Maybe when I die.

and API test kits
How did we do it?

 

[dedragon]

I have used many of the instant ocean ones. You just have to do the tilt to not get bubbles in it. (Ive made thousands of gallons of saltwater with them and no issue asong as they are used and cleaned properly)

over time accuracy and precision can decline as it is purely made of cheap plastic and is mechanical in operation. Maybe the one i had (and im sure many others) have failed overtime or given inaccurate readings. Havent heard of any real issues with a refractometer though

 

[monkeyCmonkeyDo]

Ned when i 1st started i used the instand ocean version of that.
The readings were never constant. It was troublesome to use with the arm and air bubbles.
When i calibrate the refractometer. I get very similar results constantly.
D

 

[BoxKing]

I own a hydrometer and a refractometer and now I have a digital Hanna tester and it’s spot on every time. I think they are slightly more than $40 but not by much. I picked mine up for $30 at reef-a-poloza

69$ but worth every penny- they also test your temp at the same time so these are great for testing salinity for your mixed salt to match both to your tank with a 10 second dip

 

[KellyCorals]

69$ but worth every penny- they also test your temp at the same time so these are great for testing salinity for your mixed salt to match both to your tank with a 10 second dip

Couldn’t agree more!

 

[WVNed]

It has 1 moving part and all it has to do is float.
Not sure why people cant make them work.

But if you cant work something that has 1 moving part and never needs calibrated I wish you luck with a refractometer.

 

[tehmadreefer]

Why in these modern days would anyone use a hydrometer, when tone and time again they are proven to be off. Get a refractometer for 20 bucks on Amazon and call It a day!

 

[dedragon]

I keep acros, a little more sensitive to changes in water chemistry, so i personally wouldnt risk it. I used the hydrometer 15 years ago and just am giving my experience using them.
I wouldnt use api either as it is just an annoying kit, titrations are faster for me as well, but i also worked in a veterinary lab for a few years

 

[WVNed]

I worked as a pharmacy technician for 17 years. Maybe that's why I could work API test kits.
I can rebuild car engines too. Maybe that is why I can work a complicated mechanical thing like a hydrometer.

 

[monkeyCmonkeyDo]

I make airplanes. Dont fly.
D