refractometer

[Manta]

Need some advice I'm a newb ,i purchased a new refractometer i have been using the instant ocean swing arm.The swing arm gave me 1.024 the new refractometer is at 1.032.The refractometer is new just got it from bulk reef supply with testing solution.I think I checked the calibration properly I added 3 drops of test solution and it was at 35ppt and I also tried distilled water and read 0 ,can the swing arm be that off .

 

[lnevo]

Yes

 

[KathyC]

..and if you need more folks to confirm..trust the refractometer. Hydrometers are extremely unreliable. Toss it.

 

[LBC]

Note to self: Get a refractometer! (I never have yet in this hobby)

 

[Manta]

I guess that's why when I was mixing my 1/2 cup of salt to 1 gallon of water i always had to add more to get to where in needed to be ,but in reality it was correct the hydrometer was off.Thanks Kathy for replying to my other post about my ammonia and nitrite problem,I believe it was the new rock that I added that caused the problem.the clowns are okay I did a 50% water change that night and another 50 yesterday and also cut back on there food .nitrite are now zero ammonia went down from 1ppm to 25ppm .

 

[Moneymaks24]

Can't believe they even sell swing arm still. Shame

 

[Manta]

I read somewhere that the hydrometer needs to be seasoned over night with saltwater,i wonder if that would make that much of a difference.

 

[KathyC]

I guess that's why when I was mixing my 1/2 cup of salt to 1 gallon of water i always had to add more to get to where in needed to be ,but in reality it was correct the hydrometer was off.Thanks Kathy for replying to my other post about my ammonia and nitrite problem,I believe it was the new rock that I added that caused the problem.the clowns are okay I did a 50% water change that night and another 50 yesterday and also cut back on there food .nitrite are now zero ammonia went down from 1ppm to 25ppm .

Good ..progress..I like that
Keep doing small water changes.. 1 G a day if you can. The tank is going to have to finish the cycle with the fish in it, but at least the ammonia is neutralized (as far as the fish are concerned). Not an ideal situation, but..


Any chance of getting a few more pieces of fully cured live rock and adding it to your tank? (not from a LFS as their rock is often not truly fully cured...as they constantly add new uncured rock to their tanks)


Have you read how a tank cycles? If not, we can provide you with lots of info to read about it It's important stuff to know, even for the future!


Please, please toss the hydrometer..if you really want to season it, put some salt & pepper on it first...and throw it in the garbage anyhow lol
Yeah, they are that bad!