The Puffer Forum

I have two Instant Ocean hydrometers. One is 6 mths old, one is brand new out of the box today. My new F8 tank, last week started to convert to brackish. One says 1.002 (smack dab in the middle of the 1.000 and 1.004). One says 1.004 SOLID. GRRRR I wash them out with fresh water after every use, I even let them sit in fresh water for an hour or so most of the time. Right on my kitchen sink. I don't want to buy another pinpoint. Anyone have any suggestions?

Try a hydrogen peroxide bath. Vinegar might work too. You need something acidic to remove the mineral deposits. Soak them over night, rinse them well, and try again.

Or cave in and get a refractometer like I plan to do one of these days.

I thought I read somewhere on this forum refractometers don't work for brackish tanks?

First piece of advice would be to buy a refractometer and toss those plastic hydrometers into the spare parts bin. They run $30-50 and it's one purchase you won't regret. :19:

Does David use a refractometer in the store? If so, maybe you can take a BW water sample in and compare his results to each of your hydrometers. If he doesn't have one for store use, we can arrange to meet and I'll bring mine.

roflmao.....refactometer...1.000, 1.010, 1.020, am I wrong??

P.S. was roflmao at wb hitting me in the ear with a stick!!!

They are fine for BW tanks.

I'd definately get a refractometer or at least take your hydrometers into a store that does have a refractometer and check them against that to see which is accurate (if either).

I just got a refractometer and my hydrometer was off by a few degrees too.

Ok, I must have misunderstood a post. I thought I read somewhere...ANYWAY....thought about it overnight and decided to get a refractometer and hold off on the pinpoint salinity monitor. This way I'll have two different devices to double check on each other. Besides, they are 1/2 the price. Any advice on which one to get?

They're pretty cheap on Ebay.

...or

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/p ... l&Ntx=mode matchallpartial&Np=1&pc=1&N=0&Nty=1

$42.99

I'm very disapointed that dr foster and smith dont ship anything to canada

Why not? Canada is a suburb of Chicago, right? P

roflmao, very funny.
I rarely order from them. They take over to a week to get it to me. I'm into instant gratification . I use thatpetplace, some orders I get in 48 hours. But I am only 2 states way....ty all. I'll get one soon...

i guess i'll have to stick to big als, at least they ship to me.