Help! Whats the deal with my hydrometer?

[lps]

Can a Hydrometer brake? I bought a brand new swing hydrometer, and I cant seem to get a accurate reading. Ill mix my salt and test. It will give me a very high reading so then i test again about 2 seconds later and it gives me a very low reading. I can do this for thirty minutes and it keeps doing the same. Am i stupid? Which I'm guessing yes. Or is there something else wrong?

[salt-rookie]

Hydrometers are TERRIBLE for accuracy! Get a refractometer! Your fish and corals will thank you FOREVER! Don't have to spend much money....go to ebay!

[lps]

Ill buy one tomorrow at the lfs if I can. Im trying to fill my tank and this is completely holding me up. How about a digital like the American Marine Pinpoint Salinity Monitor?

[ret25yo]

try submersng it in the aquarium or mixing taank (whtever) and make sure you get all the micro bubbles off the swingarm .... or switch to a refractometer.

[salt-rookie]

Only BAD things happen quickly in a saltwater reef tank!

[120gallons]

Get a refractomer. You can get them for around $40...well worth it.

[lps]

Thanks all. I let it sit over night agian with water and it seems to be giving me consistant readings at least, but ill still hit up the lfs for a refractometer today.