Swing Arm Hydrometer vs. Refractometer

[JinxXx0085]

Howdy guys and gals!

Can I maintain a reef tank with only swing arm hydrometer?
I've heard so many different stories about hydrometer and how refractometer is better and so on.

What's pro/cons for each? Help me to make the decision.

 

[slicksammy]

Swing arm hydrometers are very inaccurate compared to a refractometer. When I went from the swing it read my water at 1.026 salinity and when I used the refractometer it was actually 1.020 not the greatest for a reef set-up. A must have if you have corals, mine are doing 10 times better now.

 

[LarryW]

stay away from the swing arm, a refractometer is the way to go. you can get one pretty cheap from MD, and under $60 bux.

 

[JinxXx0085]

Okay, okay! I'm going for refractometer now
Thanks guys for the quick responses.

 

[reefkoi]

You have to check the water fast with the refractometer because it evaporates fast and will change the reading quick.
I personally like the conductivity monitor best.
It is always on and always telling me my salinity, I never have to grab a sample of water the probe is always in the sump.

They are around $100 though but I thought I'd throw that idea out there.

I used a swing arm hydrometer for over 10 years though and yes there are off sometimes but you can check them against a refractometer to see. I think consistency is the key no matter if you are at 1.021 or 1.026 keep it stable.

 

[Rocmtnreef]

Yeah, I recently had some salinity swings in the tank do to a doser issue. I think the whole 120 was about to send out a recon mission on my *ss. The Tang almost tagged me a few times but......

Seriously though, the probe is a good idea. I seem to be constantly dosing my Ca/ Mag levels. I would love have these monitored, I just don't have the buckage right now. Guess I'll add it to the wish list.

 

[JinxXx0085]

LOL! Wish list is always good thing to have

I've went ahead and ordered myself a refractometer. I'm positive I'll get hang of using this with no time. I thank god countless time that I have a sump to go with my 29g!! It'll be real easy to check my salinity level, dose, and topping off there instead of having to take off my canopy off everytime