[hymie069]

since im new to the hobby how much does temperature affect your sg? and what is and ideal temp for a mixed soft coral and fish set up?

[Reefland]

Temperature only effects the reading of Specific Gravity when using a swing arm type hydrometer.

The optimal range for temperature is between 80-82 farenheit.

[hymie069]

would it be better to test water samles with a refractometer.(make the investment?)

Originally Posted by Reefland

Temperature only effects the reading of Specific Gravity when using a swing arm type hydrometer.

The optimal range for temperature is between 80-82 farenheit.

[zhenya]

Originally Posted by hymie069

would it be better to test water samles with a refractometer.(make the investment?)

I think it would be one of the best investments for your tank. One of our sponsors has them on sale right now.
http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merch...ode=Hydrometer

I just recieved mine today to replace one that my granddaughter busted up.

[Ninong]

Originally Posted by Reefland

Temperature only effects the reading of Specific Gravity when using a swing arm type hydrometer.

Scott,

Specific gravity is always dependent on temperature regardless of the instrument used to measure it. I believe you may be confused by something that Dr. Randy Holmes-Farley wrote in a recent article on this topic. Randy said that the swing-arm hydrometers do NOT seem to need correction for temperature, which is exactly the opposite of what you wrote above. I'm not sure why Randy wrote that other than that it might reflect the fact that the swing arm hydrometers are just not all that accurate to begin with.

Laboratory hydrometers are calibrated to 60 degrees Fahrenheit and some hobby hydrometers are calibrated to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The reading has to be corrected using the appropriate factor for each hydrometer.

We discussed this very recently in this thread: Specific Gravity and Temp.

I have never used a hydrometer because I don't trust them. Refractometers are much better and they are available for only about $45 now.

[hymie069]

thanx for all your feedback. i think i'l make the investment.

Originally Posted by Ninong

Scott,

Specific gravity is always dependent on temperature regardless of the instrument used to measure it. I believe you may be confused by something that Dr. Randy Holmes-Farley wrote in a recent article on this topic. Randy said that the swing-arm hydrometers do NOT seem to need correction for temperature, which is exactly the opposite of what you wrote above. I'm not sure why Randy wrote that other than that it might reflect the fact that the swing arm hydrometers are just not all that accurate to begin with.

Laboratory hydrometers are calibrated to 60 degrees Fahrenheit and some hobby hydrometers are calibrated to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The reading has to be corrected using the appropriate factor for each hydrometer.

We discussed this very recently in this thread: Specific Gravity and Temp.

I have never used a hydrometer because I don't trust them. Refractometers are much better and they are available for only about $45 now.