Water from Austin Aquariums

[farrah]

Do any of you purchase your water from Austin Aquariums? I was getting some unexpected SG readings from my tanks using my hydrometer, so I tested my reef water from Austin Aquariums which they keep at 1.023. My hydrometer read it as 1.020. I went in and inquired, and they said that their new maintenance guy tested the water with his new refractometer, which read it at 1.026 while their hydrometer read it at 1.023. So to compensate, (instead of getting a new hydrometer, or preferably using a refractometer of their own) they are mixing the water now so that their hydrometer reads 1.020. I realize that hydrometers are typically a bit innacurate, but what are the chances that both theirs and mine is off by the same exact amount? I'm worried that the new maintenance guy didn't calibrate his new hydrometer (or something else that might give an inaccurate reading) and that their SG is way too low. I've been buying my water from them for a year and half, but now I'm scared to do my water changes.

[CD]

I realize that hydrometers are typically a bit innacurate

IME they are too inaccurate to trust. We sprung for a refractometer before we set up our old 75G, and am thankful that we did. For a system of any size it is invaluable, and they can be found (fairly inexpensive) on eBay all the time. Not aware of LFSs that carry them, but maybe someone else here in Austin knows of one. Sounds like it would be a good addition to your equipment. Do you still have the nano and the pico? Did you get that larger tank you were talking about?

Anyway, if you are still running the nano and pico only, why not just get a refractometer, buy RO/DI, and mix the salt in yourself? That way, you will be sure of your SG, and with small tanks, you won't have to be buying much salt...I'm pretty sure AA sells it in the smaller bags. If you need some SW with 1.025 SG while you are getting these items (if that's the way you decide to go) LUK and we'll be happy to give you some ;)

W.

[farrah]

Hrmm... in response to the forum change: I really meant this to be more personal situation rather than a vender experience... AA has helped me out a lot, and my intension wasn't to defer anyone from going there. I just wanted to see if anyone else got their water from there and could maybe do a quick SG test to see if it they get the same thing.

Wendy, thank you for the information. I've been looking online at different refractometers, but don't know how to choose one. I found one for $39 at Dr. Foster's and Smith, but don't want to get a cheapy model that ends up being just as bad as the hydrometer in the long run. Do you (or anyone else) have recommendations as far as that goes? I could definately use some water in the mean time, and would be happy to pay you for it! Also, if I brought some water, would you mind seeing what your refractometer reads the SG at?

Farrah

[CD]

I'll send you a PM Farrah...we'll get you taken care of ;)

W.

[JimD]

I use the $39 one from Drs F&S, it works just fine, calibrate it to zero with ro/di..