Newby Questions

[tizmylife]

1) I have two hydrometers that give me different readings. The Instant Ocean brand reads 1.026 the Coralife Deep Six brand reads 1.021. I tend to think the Instant Ocean one is correct because it reads 1.000 when I test distilled water. The Coralife hydrometer does not measure less than 1.012 so I can not test it against a standard like distilled water. Anyone have any comments.

2) I am going to purchase a new reef system test kit. Are there any websites that rate reef test kits? Does anyone have any experiences with different brands that can offer advise on which ones to use and which ones to avoid?

Thanks!

[Octoshark]

I recommend a refractometer over a hydrometer, by far

[DThompson]

1. Take both hydrometers to your LFS, assuming they have refractometers, and have them calibrate it for you.

2. As far as test kits go, everyone is going to have a different opinion. Something I do is keep two different brands. If I get a whacky reading I can test it with a different kit. This will keep you from fixing something that does not need to be fixed.

[PapaKlix]

Originally Posted by tizmylife

1) I have two hydrometers that give me different readings. The Instant Ocean brand reads 1.026 the Coralife Deep Six brand reads 1.021. I tend to think the Instant Ocean one is correct because it reads 1.000 when I test distilled water. The Coralife hydrometer does not measure less than 1.012 so I can not test it against a standard like distilled water. Anyone have any comments.

those hydrometers are at least $10 a piece, for another $20 you could have the bulkreefsupply refractometer and actually know what your salinity is. hydrometers are hit or miss.

Originally Posted by tizmylife

2) I am going to purchase a new reef system test kit. Are there any websites that rate reef test kits? Does anyone have any experiences with different brands that can offer advise on which ones to use and which ones to avoid?

Thanks!

IME - elos are very reliable and accurate for calcium, alk and magnesium. i have used API for alk as well and it seems to be fine, although it only goes in one degree increments. i will never use API for calcium again as i had one telling me my calcium was at 420ppm but it was really like 320ppm!

also, i've read that there is no such thing as an accurate test kit for phosphates so you may want to read some more on the topic and not waste any $$ on a phosphate kit, but spend the money on a photometer.

[tizmylife]

Thank you all for responding. I will be refractometer shopping tomorrow and order a couple of test kits. Thanks again!