Need help finding a refractometer or hydrometer.

[Exotrezy]

You guys are making this measurement way to scientific. The temp error correction factor on the TM Hydrometer is really insignificant in the real world. I agree it is the "Gold Standard" and I have one but would never recommend one for everyday use. They are simply too delicate. I only use mine to verify my Hanna (which always reads low, BTW) so I can apply a correction factor. Years ago, I used a simple Instant Ocean box type and unless you're planning on doing Hyposalinity, I would just go with something inexpensive.

Yeah I was thinking with going with the instant ocean hydrometer which is what I basically had before. But reading reviews some people are saying that they aren’t that accurate so I might just purchase the TM just for long term. I mean when I was using my old one my colors are happy and very open so it seems my water is fine. I suppose the instant ocean ones could be fine.

 

[Reef Jedi]

I broke my hydrometer recently and need to buy a hydrometer or refractometer replacement. Any recommendations? I don't want to spend too much but people say the cheap amazon refractometers are bad.

Personally I’ve used a RedSea Refractometer for over 20 years. They will auto temp acclimate and are very accurate. I calibrate mine once every quarter and find it hardly ever needs it. Biggest thing is don’t drop it. Here’s a link to one on Amazon. I do not recommend an instant ocean hydrometer, they are very inaccurate and if one bubble is on the float and you don’t catch it your readings will be off.

Amazon RedSea Link

 

[Miami Reef]

Any cheap refractometer will work as long as you make a simple calibration standard to verify its accuracy.

I have the Tropic Marin hydrometer and the Milwaukee digital refractometer. Lately, I’ve been liking the Milwaukee more because it’s quick and easy to read the results. It’s accurate too.

I still occasionally use the hydrometer, but I’ve been using it less and less these past few months.

 

[slingfox]

I broke my hydrometer recently and need to buy a hydrometer or refractometer replacement. Any recommendations? I don't want to spend too much but people say the cheap amazon refractometers are bad.

Do not trust the cheap refractometers sold on Amazon to the major aquarium goods retailers. If you go the refractometer route then the best one are made by VeeGee. You can get them on Amazon but they are not cheap. Worth every penny since very convenient to use and accurate. Holds calibration very well too.

 

[SlowAndStupid]

I'll echo the tropic Marin hydrometer. I monitor daily with a salinity price on my hydros but confirm it's accuracy with the tm hydrometer periodically.

I use this calculator to adjust for temp.
https://www.hamzasreef.com/Contents/Calculators/SalinityCorrection.php

 

[Aaron75]

Yeah so can’t I just turn off the flow and have it float instead of buying another thing like a graduated cylinder and floating it in that?

Yea, that's exactly what I said I do. Here's an old picture i have for some reason. Lol

 

[Exotrezy]

Any cheap refractometer will work as long as you make a simple calibration standard to verify its accuracy.

I have the Tropic Marin hydrometer and the Milwaukee digital refractometer. Lately, I’ve been liking the Milwaukee more because it’s quick and easy to read the results. It’s accurate too.

I still occasionally use the hydrometer, but I’ve been using it less and less these past few months.

All the cheap ones I see are the amazon cheap refractometers and people say those need calibration very often.

 

[Exotrezy]

Yea, that's exactly what I said I do. Here's an old picture i have for some reason. Lol

Perfect thanks!

 

[Exotrezy]

thanks!

 

[245013]

I will be another voice for the TM hydrometer. It's delicate but I keep it in its case and handle it gently. Turning the pumps off and getting the water still is annoying but it doesn't take to long. After issues with our salinity due to a faulty checker that wouldn't calibrate (most likely user error) the TM hydrometer just makes my brain happy and confident in the reading.

 

[mh0ward]

Anybody know what the minimum water depth would be on the TM hydrometer to measure up to say 1.028?

 

[areefer01]

Anybody know what the minimum water depth would be on the TM hydrometer to measure up to say 1.028?

It seems with the Tropic Marin hydro hobbyist use something along the lines of a 500 ml tall graduated cylinder. I know that isn't giving you exact but that is at least what I see some use while also using it myself.

 

[KStatefan]

Anybody know what the minimum water depth would be on the TM hydrometer to measure up to say 1.028?

It is about 10 inches to the 1.028 mark but not sure why you would not want to measure under 1.028 SG. I would want a least 12" to be able to get down to 1.023 or so.

 

[D'sreef]

I use a cheap Amazon refractometer, I have never had issues. I calibrate it using so brs refact fuild cross referenced with 3% hydrogen peroxide (sg 1.01) never had an issue.

 

[NanoSteam]

I just got the TM Hydrometer, it's definitely my favorite. Verified my refractometer was correct with the calibration solution I have and the DIY solution. It also told me the Hanna checker is off by 0.003 no matter how many times I calibrate it.

 

[Baylott224]

Any cheap refractometer will work as long as you make a simple calibration standard to verify its accuracy.

I have the Tropic Marin hydrometer and the Milwaukee digital refractometer. Lately, I’ve been liking the Milwaukee more because it’s quick and easy to read the results. It’s accurate too.

I still occasionally use the hydrometer, but I’ve been using it less and less these past few months.

I use Milwaukee it's really good. And it's hard to compare sg especially when trying to compare a hydrometers results to a refractometer. Or a ec salinity meter with a hydrometer just pick one method of measurements. If you think it's wrong buy another device that usees the same test method and compare.

 

[Baylott224]

Red sea is just a regular refractometer. With red sea name slapped on it.

 

[dank.reefer]

I use a TM float and this Sea Reef true seawater refractometer sold by N I supply

True Natural Salinity Refractometer "Reef Sea Meter" for Reef Aquarium, Marine Seawater, Hydrometer

THE REEF SEA METER NATURAL SEA WATER REFRACTOMETER Specifically designed for aquarium use for measuring the salinity of Natural Sea Water (NSW) Specifications: Range: Minimum Division: Accuracy...

www.nisupply.com

I also have a cheap amazon refractometer, a BRS refractometer, and the Hanna Salilinity electronic meter.

Of all of the salinity "testers" I have, the TM and the Reef Sea are the only 2 that consistently read exactly the same, and agree with one another. All of the others are consistently all over the place.

If you have a Hanna Salilinity meter you may as well just "salt to taste". I have calibrated that meter with a brand new calibration fluid, tested the tank water then calibrated again with another brand new calibration fluid and had it read different. IME that tool is a waste of money.

 

[dank.reefer]

I use a TM float and this Sea Reef true seawater refractometer sold by N I supply

True Natural Salinity Refractometer "Reef Sea Meter" for Reef Aquarium, Marine Seawater, Hydrometer

THE REEF SEA METER NATURAL SEA WATER REFRACTOMETER Specifically designed for aquarium use for measuring the salinity of Natural Sea Water (NSW) Specifications: Range: Minimum Division: Accuracy...

www.nisupply.com

I also have a cheap amazon refractometer, a BRS refractometer, a Hanna Salilinity electronic meter(you may as well just salt to taste).

Of all of the salinity "testers" I have, the TM and the Reef Sea are the only 2 that consistently read exactly the same, and agree with one another. All of the others are consistently all over the place.

If you have a Hanna Salilinity meter you may as well just "salt to taste". I have calibrated that meter with a brand new calibration fluid, tested the tank water then calibrated again with another brand new calibration fluid and had it read different. IME that tool is a waste of money.

 

[Baylott224]

The Hanna one is a ec salinitymeter too. Like a high range tds pen and the converts that to salinity. I don't like that one.