Lil Help

[Peregrine]

Good day all,
I am attempting to raise the salt level for my figure 8's
Currently they are in a freshwater solution (just the regular amount of aquarium salt for maintenance).
My problem (I think) is my hydrometer. Previously I have had primarily freshwater fish, and my test kit for salt was a liquid one (add 2 chemicals until the color changes), recently I bought an "Instant Oceans" hydrometer (the swing arm type)

I have been making test solutions in a 3 gal bucket, and have been using both test methods to get a base line, but the results are not consistent between the 2. The hydrometer tests reverse osmosis water at 1.000 (good), tap water at 1.003 (??) and my tank water at 1.004

I know results would vary from water source to source, but approximately how much salt would ball park a 1.008 solution
1 table spoon/5gal=maintenance, how much would put me in the 1.007-1.009 range? It may only be an approximation, but it would help me calibrate my results

[Phaedrus]

In my experience it takes 8 flat tablespoons of instant ocean to bring 3 gallons of water up to ~1.010 SG. Take that as you will. I have the same swing-arm instant ocean hydrometer as well.

[lisalisa]

IME swing arm hydrometers are extremely unreliable... I invested in a refractometer and it's one of the best purchases I've made. Especially if you intend to do more brackish or even SW tanks, IMHO they're a must-have.

[Peregrine]

Right after I wrote this, I read the setting up a brackish tank article (which I should have done first), it gave me a similar ball park
--and as for a refractometer, I have started researching them and am, watching a few on E-bay to see if I can get deal (pet stores here seem limited, some didn't even have hydrometers or salt test kits)

Thnx for the advice

[YBeNormal]

Here's the one I purchased: http://tinyurl.com/cokae

It costs $44.95 and I'm very happy with it.