specfic gravity

brwn_id_girl · 04/16/2006, 08:06 PM

Why do I have different readings in every section of my tank? The display is 1.024 the intake for the sump is 1.032 the return is 1.024 and the refugium is 1.023. I mixed the salt in a week ago mixing most into the display and stiring it with a hand held pump and some into the intake section before I thought of stiring the salt into the display because it was taking so long it pour it into the intake of the sump with the system running. Also a new found reefer friend in my town has offered to give me some of his change out water to help me cycle my new tank a little quicker. Is this a good idea?

Paintbug · 04/16/2006, 08:16 PM

what are you using to test the SG? hydrometer, or refractormeter? it could be from the tempature differences.

you said you found a new reefer friend.

buffet fan? LOL using some of his old water will help kick off your tank. shouldnt cause any problems as long as theres no diseases in his tank.

welcome from another NC reefer. im heading that way in the middle of May myself. well Holden Beach anyway.

kfisc · 04/16/2006, 08:23 PM

Is the temp the same in each section? Also, what are you using to measure specific gravity? Assuming you like your test instrument, my guess is it may be warmer in your sump, if that's where your heaters are, which could effect your reading- Also, I'd stick with letting your tank cycle on its own, w/out someone else's change water, the rationale being you want as much under your control as possible. Good luck-

brwn_id_girl · 04/16/2006, 08:30 PM

I am using a instant ocean hydrometer
I do not know the temp my digital termometer won't be here til tomorrow

kraze3 · 04/16/2006, 08:34 PM

Invest in a refractometer, best thing i ever bought. Those swing arms ones arent accurate. they can be thrown off by bubbles and stuff. they also need to soaw for 24 hrs to be broken in. Refractometers are extremelt easy and accurate, get one iwth ATC.

poppin_fresh · 04/16/2006, 08:44 PM

I agree with kraze3, throw that thing away. I know you probably just bought it, but we all make that mistake. Mine was off by a full six points when I checked it against a refractometer.

I bought my refracto online for $36 including shipping. I'm glad I did too. I have a baby Tang in hyposalinity (1.009 SG), treating for ick, and you cant safetely measure that low with a hydrometer.

brwn_id_girl · 04/16/2006, 09:04 PM

refractometers are $100 bucks on Dr. fosters

kraze3 · 04/16/2006, 09:07 PM

you sure...
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...pc=1&N=0&Nty=1
thats the exact one i have and it works great!

brwn_id_girl · 04/16/2006, 09:09 PM

thanx

dots · 04/16/2006, 10:58 PM

check marinedepot.com

Paintbug · 04/17/2006, 10:00 AM

heres the refractometer i use http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-Salinity-Ref...QQcmdZViewItem works great, metal frame. the same thing my LFS sells for $99.

04/16/2006, 08:06 PM	#1
brwn_id_girl Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Morehead City, NC Posts: 55	specfic gravity Why do I have different readings in every section of my tank? The display is 1.024 the intake for the sump is 1.032 the return is 1.024 and the refugium is 1.023. I mixed the salt in a week ago mixing most into the display and stiring it with a hand held pump and some into the intake section before I thought of stiring the salt into the display because it was taking so long it pour it into the intake of the sump with the system running. Also a new found reefer friend in my town has offered to give me some of his change out water to help me cycle my new tank a little quicker. Is this a good idea?

04/16/2006, 08:16 PM	#2
Paintbug Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Stoneville, NC Posts: 6,169	what are you using to test the SG? hydrometer, or refractormeter? it could be from the tempature differences. you said you found a new reefer friend. buffet fan? LOL using some of his old water will help kick off your tank. shouldnt cause any problems as long as theres no diseases in his tank. welcome from another NC reefer. im heading that way in the middle of May myself. well Holden Beach anyway. __________________ Never ask a girl over to see your crabs!! <-Tony-> Current Tank Info: NONE currently

04/16/2006, 08:44 PM	#6
poppin_fresh Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Vermont Posts: 1,982	I agree with kraze3, throw that thing away. I know you probably just bought it, but we all make that mistake. Mine was off by a full six points when I checked it against a refractometer. I bought my refracto online for $36 including shipping. I'm glad I did too. I have a baby Tang in hyposalinity (1.009 SG), treating for ick, and you cant safetely measure that low with a hydrometer. __________________ PBITAWA! Current Tank Info: None now. Past- 180g w/ 100g basement sump and 20g 'fuge. H & S skimmer, T'5s & Tunze

04/16/2006, 10:58 PM	#10
dots Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 6,258	check marinedepot.com __________________ ~Doug

04/17/2006, 10:00 AM	#11
Paintbug Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Stoneville, NC Posts: 6,169	heres the refractometer i use http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-Salinity-Ref...QQcmdZViewItem works great, metal frame. the same thing my LFS sells for $99. __________________ Never ask a girl over to see your crabs!! <-Tony-> Current Tank Info: NONE currently

04/16/2006, 08:23 PM	#3
kfisc Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 2,020	Is the temp the same in each section? Also, what are you using to measure specific gravity? Assuming you like your test instrument, my guess is it may be warmer in your sump, if that's where your heaters are, which could effect your reading- Also, I'd stick with letting your tank cycle on its own, w/out someone else's change water, the rationale being you want as much under your control as possible. Good luck-

04/16/2006, 08:30 PM	#4
brwn_id_girl Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Morehead City, NC Posts: 55	I am using a instant ocean hydrometer I do not know the temp my digital termometer won't be here til tomorrow

04/16/2006, 08:34 PM	#5
kraze3 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: RI Posts: 2,373	Invest in a refractometer, best thing i ever bought. Those swing arms ones arent accurate. they can be thrown off by bubbles and stuff. they also need to soaw for 24 hrs to be broken in. Refractometers are extremelt easy and accurate, get one iwth ATC.

04/16/2006, 09:04 PM	#7
brwn_id_girl Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Morehead City, NC Posts: 55	refractometers are $100 bucks on Dr. fosters

04/16/2006, 09:07 PM	#8
kraze3 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: RI Posts: 2,373	you sure... http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...pc=1&N=0&Nty=1 thats the exact one i have and it works great!

04/16/2006, 09:09 PM	#9
brwn_id_girl Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Morehead City, NC Posts: 55	thanx