testing salinity

[faulkincanyon]

what are you using to test salinity and what is a good mark to keep it at?

 

[faulkincanyon]

spelling is messed up ...sorry got in a hurry

 

[supercon71]

Refractometer calibrated with Pinpoint 53.0mS Calibration Fluid. Calibrate it to 35ppt (seawater) and that is what you want your water to be at.

Much more accurate than the swing-arm

 

[lockekeyy]

I agree with supercon, a refractometer is the best option... but a swing arm can be precise and give constant readings... just maybe not accurate (and yes, there is a difference)

 

[faulkincanyon]

so is there a certain brand I should buy or look for when going for a refractometer

 

[cloak]

My $6.99 floating glass hydrometer hasn't let me down.

 

[brians4671]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13298706#post13298706 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by supercon71
Refractometer calibrated with Pinpoint 53.0mS Calibration Fluid. Calibrate it to 35ppt (seawater) and that is what you want your water to be at.

Much more accurate than the swing-arm

ditto... if you plan on sticking with this hobby a refractometer and calibration solution is a great investment you will get a little piece of mind with at a small price.

 

[shuguley]

+1 on the refractometer and the calibration fluid, I bouth these exact two items from marinedepot and I am very happy!

http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewI...ment-Saltwater_Aquarium_Supplies~vendor~.html

http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewI...~view~idProduct~AM1437~idCategory~FITECL.html

 

[supercon71]

Generally speaking, all of the refractometers here will do a fine job for you:

http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_searchItem.aspx?IdCategory=&SearchText=refractometer&parsed=1

I think the differences in price mainly have to do with build quality. Personally I own one made by Sybon (http://www.premiumaquatics.com/aquatic-supplies/REFRACT-HD.html), which I hear is actually the same model as the one sold as Captive Purity (although this may be wrong) at Marine Depot. My Sybon is a well-made instrument with not a whole lot of plastic at all but i'm not sure what the construction materials of the "Marine Depot" model are.

Regardless, all will work well for you......some will have a few extra bells and whistles (but not much) and most will be made very well and last quite some time for you.