Swing arm to Refractometer Questions

ODB_Heck · 08/03/2006, 10:19 AM

I just got my new refractometer and see that it says my saltwater is at 1.30 and not 1.26 like my swing arm says.

Is that really bad or should I try and correct the water ASAP?

graveyardworm · 08/03/2006, 10:22 AM

Swing arm hydrometers are notoriously inaccurate, if you your new refracto is calibrated and reading 1.030, then you should take steps to fix the high salinity.

ODB_Heck · 08/03/2006, 10:27 AM

I did not calibrate it...just pulled it out the box and did the test...hmm I should check the instructions...lol.

could the high salt be why im see no new coraline growth?

Amphiprion · 08/03/2006, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by ODB_Heck
I did not calibrate it...just pulled it out the box and did the test...hmm I should check the instructions...lol.

could the high salt be why im see no new coraline growth?

At that level, no. Check calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium if you are having trouble with coralline growth.

ODB_Heck · 08/03/2006, 10:49 AM

Thanks Amphiprion I was just wondering I think It may be my salt mix thats holding back my growth, I cant even rember the name of it.

Amphiprion · 08/03/2006, 10:56 AM

could be a possibility. I would look into kits testing for these things, that way, you know what is lacking. Otherwise, just rely on reasonably good salts to keep everything else up. I prefer instant ocean, myself.

08/03/2006, 10:19 AM	#1
ODB_Heck Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: New York city Posts: 78	Swing arm to Refractometer Questions I just got my new refractometer and see that it says my saltwater is at 1.30 and not 1.26 like my swing arm says. Is that really bad or should I try and correct the water ASAP?

08/03/2006, 10:22 AM	#2
graveyardworm Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Nottingham, NH Posts: 7,251	Swing arm hydrometers are notoriously inaccurate, if you your new refracto is calibrated and reading 1.030, then you should take steps to fix the high salinity. __________________ -David- President - New Hampshire Reef Club There’ll be no one to save, with the world in a grave Current Tank Info: 100 gal lagoon/seagrass, 100 gal sump, Lifereef 72" skimmer, 180 inwall, 125 inwall seagrass/lagoon in progress

08/03/2006, 10:56 AM	#6
Amphiprion Premium Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Mobile, AL Posts: 6,611	could be a possibility. I would look into kits testing for these things, that way, you know what is lacking. Otherwise, just rely on reasonably good salts to keep everything else up. I prefer instant ocean, myself. __________________ You've done it now, haven't you? Current Tank Info: 40g breeder patch reef w/ seagrass; 2-250w XM 10K; Vortech MP40wES & MP10wES; BM Curve 7 skimmer; carbon & occasional GFO

08/03/2006, 10:27 AM	#3
ODB_Heck Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: New York city Posts: 78	I did not calibrate it...just pulled it out the box and did the test...hmm I should check the instructions...lol. could the high salt be why im see no new coraline growth?

08/03/2006, 10:49 AM	#5
ODB_Heck Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: New York city Posts: 78	Thanks Amphiprion I was just wondering I think It may be my salt mix thats holding back my growth, I cant even rember the name of it.