Editor's Choice - Our Favorite Ade Advanced Optics Aquarium Hydrometers
1. Automatic Temperature Compensation Sea Water Salt Salinity Refractometer for Aquarium, 0% - 10% & 1....
User Ratings: 50 10
Ade Advanced Optics Salinity10 First Impressions
"No assembly required."I use this for my 10g brackish and it works ok. Like that it comes with everything needed. It is essential to get some specialized aquarium calibration fluid for 1. Looks to provide very accurate readings. I was surprise that the product was really cheap compare to the other ones. It is essential to get some specialized aquarium calibration fluid for 1. Hate the batteries, but once loaded, it seems to work fine.
- Automatic Temperature Compensation Sea Water Salt Salinity Refractometer for Aquarium, 0% - 10% & 1.0 to 1.070 S.g. Dual Scale Hydrometer By Adeadvancedoptics
- Manufacture: Ade Advanced Optics®
- Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 2.8 x 1.42 inches; 6.4 Ounces
- Editor's Impressions Of The Ade Advanced Optics Salinity10
- Accuracy [star rating='4']
- Quality [star rating='4.9']
- Value For Money [star rating='3.3']
- Affordability [star rating='3.2']
Ade Advanced Optics Salinity10 Final Thoughts
"Easy to use."Small problem with bubbles on the needle but other than that no issues. This one read perfect, and the others were completely inaccurate. Then I made a mark on it to set the salinity of my fish tank. Great product I used for beer making and my saltwater aquarium. Now that it's calibrated I love it! It's fast, it's tidy, and it's accurate. 026 and the tank isn't, new animals will go into shock.
Overall Score
3.9
(145 Points)

Peoples Choice - Other Highly Rated Ade Advanced Optics Aquarium Hydrometers
2. NEW RHS-10ATC 0-10% Salinity Refractometer Salt Water Aquarium
User Ratings: 53 7
Ade Advanced Optics RHS-10ATC First Impressions
"So, it does seem to work."Definitely a lot cheaper than a refractometer. I bought this refractometer as a more accurate option for salinity than a hydrometer. But there are some ways to keep on getting accurate readings. I bought this salinity meter for my aquarium. Small problem with bubbles on the needle but other than that no issues. The reading is big enough for you to read and it comes with the batteries. I don't know if that's a positive or negative but just different.
- NEW RHS-10ATC 0-10% Salinity Refractometer Salt Water Aquarium
- Manufacture: Ade Advanced Optics®
- Editor's Impressions Of The Ade Advanced Optics RHS-10ATC
- Accuracy [star rating='3.1']
- Quality [star rating='4.8']
- Value For Money [star rating='3.9']
- Affordability [star rating='3.1']
Ade Advanced Optics RHS-10ATC Final Thoughts
"I recommended!"I bought this and a hydrometer because of the reviews saying its not accurate. I have gone two years in this hobby with a hydrometer. Very easy, turn screw very slowly to calibrate. Very quick to calibrate and to use. Just give me one simple, accurate reading to go by, and I'm happy. Clear readout with the ability to calibrate and focus. Excellent piece of equipment for the price.
Overall Score
3.9
(68 Points)

3. Ade Advanced Optics aaosal Professional Automatic Temperature Compensation Sea Water Salinity Refrac...
User Ratings: 68
Ade Advanced Optics aaosal First Impressions
"What else can I say."I've tried several different refractometers now and they are mostly the same. When I saw the price offered on this one, I decided to buy and I love it. The refractor was off out off the box. I would suggest purchasing the salt calibration solution. I don't want to deal with temperature correction or. The product itself is very good quality and the included instructions are very clear. Looks to provide very accurate readings.
- Ade Advanced Optics aaosal Professional Automatic Temperature Compensation Sea Water Salinity Refractometer for Aquarium, Hydrometer, 0-100 ppt and 1.000-1.070 Salinity S.G.
- Manufacture: Ade Advanced Optics
- Editor's Impressions Of The Ade Advanced Optics aaosal
- Accuracy [star rating='3.5']
- Quality [star rating='5']
- Value For Money [star rating='4.5']
- Affordability [star rating='3.6']
Ade Advanced Optics aaosal Final Thoughts
"Arrived quickly."This requires repeatedly tapping the arm with a pencil. On the shaft of the refractometer, there's a little, rubber-covered nub. However, the numbers are soooo small it is sometimes hard to read. I have tried others before but this has given me accurate and stable results. I would suggest purchasing the salt calibration solution. It's fast, it's tidy, and it's accurate. When I compared it to what my local pet store was reading my water at it was dead on.
Overall Score
4.5
(9 Points)

4. Ade Advanced Optics aaosal-B Automatic Temperature Compensation Sea Water Salinity Refractometer for...
User Ratings: 26 41
Ade Advanced Optics aaosal-B First Impressions
"Be well my friend."Comes with a nice carrying case for easy and secure transportation. I have gone two years in this hobby with a hydrometer. It says in the instructions to use distilled water. Good quality and simple to use refractometer. The refractor was off out off the box. It is heavy and easy to read in any light. I use this for my 10g brackish and it works ok.
- Ade Advanced Optics aaosal-B Automatic Temperature Compensation Sea Water Salinity Refractometer for Aquarium, 0% - 10% and 1.0 to 1.070 S.G. Dual Scale Hydrometer, Black
- Manufacture: Ade Advanced Optics
- Editor's Impressions Of The Ade Advanced Optics aaosal-B
- Accuracy [star rating='2.2']
- Quality [star rating='3.2']
- Value For Money [star rating='3.5']
- Affordability [star rating='3.1']
Ade Advanced Optics aaosal-B Final Thoughts
"Couldn't be happier."Would be nice if stem were slightly larger for easier read. Looks to provide very accurate readings. Works well on my Saltwater Aquarium. I've tried several different refractometers now and they are mostly the same. 027, I'm so glad I bought this one and it came spot on. I use this to check the specific gravity of my marine aquarium. I felt it wasn't accurate which was verified by my LFS.
Overall Score
3.0
(4 Points)

Here Are Some Other Related Aquarium Hydrometers
5. Automatic Temperature Compensation Sea Water Salt Salinity Refractometer for Aquarium, 0% - 10% & 1....
User Ratings: 50 10
Ade Advanced Optics Salinity10 First Impressions
"No assembly required."I use this for my 10g brackish and it works ok. Like that it comes with everything needed. It is essential to get some specialized aquarium calibration fluid for 1. Looks to provide very accurate readings. I was surprise that the product was really cheap compare to the other ones. It is essential to get some specialized aquarium calibration fluid for 1. Hate the batteries, but once loaded, it seems to work fine.
- Automatic Temperature Compensation Sea Water Salt Salinity Refractometer for Aquarium, 0% - 10% & 1.0 to 1.070 S.g. Dual Scale Hydrometer By Adeadvancedoptics
- Manufacture: Ade Advanced Optics®
- Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 2.8 x 1.42 inches; 6.4 Ounces
- Editor's Impressions Of The Ade Advanced Optics Salinity10
- Accuracy [star rating='4']
- Quality [star rating='4.9']
- Value For Money [star rating='3.3']
- Affordability [star rating='3.2']
Ade Advanced Optics Salinity10 Final Thoughts
"Easy to use."Small problem with bubbles on the needle but other than that no issues. This one read perfect, and the others were completely inaccurate. Then I made a mark on it to set the salinity of my fish tank. Great product I used for beer making and my saltwater aquarium. Now that it's calibrated I love it! It's fast, it's tidy, and it's accurate. 026 and the tank isn't, new animals will go into shock.
Overall Score
3.9
(145 Points)

6. Hikari AccuProbe Aquarium Hydrometer, Full
User Ratings: 68 10
Hikari 96010 First Impressions
"Couldn't be happier."This device is a godsend and so much easier and cleaner to use. Bought this as a back up refractometer. I bought this salinity meter for my aquarium. My corals will be much happier now. I can check the water in 5 seconds without squinting. A hydrometer for making sure you have the right saltwater mix. Pretty darn accurate for the price.
- Hikari AccuProbe Aquarium Hydrometer, Full
- "Dry Hands" design avoids contamination of aquarium or water sample
- Accurate to 0.001 specific gravity and salinity (PPT) measurements
- Auto-temperature correcting design
- Designed to give a temperature-corrected reading in warm water aquariums – 68°F to 85°F (20°C to 30°C)
- Self-leveling, hanging device included
- Manufacture: Phillips Feed & Pet Supply Natural Balance
- Product Dimensions: 11 x 1 x 4 inches; 3.2 Ounces
- Editor's Impressions Of The Hikari 96010
- Accuracy [star rating='4.8']
- Quality [star rating='3.8']
- Value For Money [star rating='3.9']
- Affordability [star rating='4.9']
Hikari 96010 Final Thoughts
"Easy to use."There are conversion charts and tables online. If you let it sit in the tank overnight, it definitely gives an accurate reading. Very easy, turn screw very slowly to calibrate. The water was at what I expected it should be. Does just as good of a job of any meter you would buy at the store! If you read the directions in the box for the refractometer it's for freshwater. Used distilled water to calibrate, the screw is located under the rubber cap.
Overall Score
4.3
(9 Points)

7. Eyourlife Salinity Refractomer Aquarium Optical Optics Refractometer with Auto Temperature Compensat...
User Ratings: 64 8
Eyourlife First Impressions
"So easy to use."Great tool if you have a salt-water fish tank or a decorative pond. Ultimately, the measurement was exactly the same as our old tester. I have purchased before will buy again! Great product I used for beer making and my saltwater aquarium. I would suggest purchasing the salt calibration solution. I tried it over and over and no bubbles! Very quick to calibrate and to use.
- Eyourlife Salinity Refractomer Aquarium Optical Optics Refractometer with Auto Temperature Compensation ATC Digital Dual Scale Salinity Meter Hydrometer Specific Gravity for Saltwater Seawater Marine
- SALINITY REFRACTOMETER for measuring the salinity of salt water quickly and accurately, ideal for agriculture, industry and research application, such as Mariculture, Fish Culture, Aquarium, Marine Survey, Water Quality Monitoring, Salt Production, Manufacture of Normal Saline, Salinity Measurement in Food Processing etc. It can also be used for medical institutions and university research.
- DUAL SCALES: The Refractometer is a equipment to measure the liquid concentration(the concentration of salt) by using the light, working basis on that the liquid with different concentrations have different light refractive index. The Measures on 2 scales: Specific Gravity (0.001, Range: 1.000 - 1.070, D 20/20,) and Parts Per Thousand (1‰, Range: 0-100‰).
- ATC FUNCTION: Automatic Temperature Compensation during 10-30℃, eliminating data errors caused by temperature changes and guaranteeing a consistent accurate result.
- WITH DURABLE STORAGE CASING: With a sturdy and light weighted case, it is very convenient to storage and carry. The body is made of stainless steel and is very durable, the eyepiece is in high quality for better viewing, adopting optical glass lens rather than plastic lens for accurate measurement.
- PACKAGING: 1 x Salinity Refractometer, 1 Pipette, 1 x Instruction manual, 1 x Mini screwdriver, with a durable storage case.
- 1 x Salinity Refractometer
- 1 x Pipette
- 1 x Instruction Manual
- Manufacture: Eyourlife
- Product Dimensions: 7.91 x 2.99 x 2.2 inches; 5.6 Ounces
- Editor's Impressions Of The Eyourlife
- Accuracy [star rating='3.9']
- Quality [star rating='3.4']
- Value For Money [star rating='4.9']
- Affordability [star rating='5']
Eyourlife Final Thoughts
"And accurate."I've checked about 5 times with the hydrometer and each time has been near perfect. Great tool if you have a salt-water fish tank or a decorative pond. But there are some ways to keep on getting accurate readings. Pretty darn accurate for the price. So worth it considering its great quality and great price. Does just as good of a job of any meter you would buy at the store! It is a little cheaper made but it works great for the cost!
Overall Score
4.4
(18 Points)

8. ZRM&E Seawater Hydrometer for Aquarium Aquaculture Seawater Densimeter Ocean Hydrometer Salinity Met...
User Ratings: 70 30
ZRM&E First Impressions
"Gave me confidence."YOU WILL NOT get an accurate reading if there are bubbles on the needle. I have purchased before will buy again! I felt it wasn't accurate which was verified by my LFS. Very quick to calibrate and to use. It says in the instructions to use distilled water. I bought this refractometer as a more accurate option for salinity than a hydrometer. Don't spend your money on calibration solution.
- ZRM&E Seawater Hydrometer for Aquarium Aquaculture Seawater Densimeter Ocean Hydrometer Salinity Meter for Fish Tank Salinity Specific Gravity Test
- Made of high quality plastic, aquarium transparent, automatic accurate reading brine hydrometer
- Accurate, durable and easy to read salt and specific gravity of your marine aquarium, small and waterproof. If the specific gravity is between 1.000-1.019, it indicates that the specific gravity is low; if the specific gravity is between 1.020-1.023, it indicates that the specific gravity is normal; if the specific gravity is between 1.024-1.030, it indicates that the specific gravity is high
- The external range of the scale indicates salinity (PPT), and the internal range of the scale indicates gravity. And clearly mark the safe area. Application range: 0-40 degrees (1.000-1.030). If the salinity PPT is between 32-40, it indicates that the salinity is high; if the salinity PPT is between 27-31, it indicates that the salinity is normal; if the salinity PPT is between 0-26, it indicates that the salinity hydrometer is low
- Wide range of applications: Suitable for salt water and sea water fish tanks. Perfect for testing salinity and specific gravity of saltwater and seawater tanks, including solubility and specific gravity scales. Suitable for fresh water and sea water
- Easy to read swing arm pointer and ultra wide stable base can provide accurate test results
- Manufacture: DGHP
- Editor's Impressions Of The ZRM&E
- Accuracy [star rating='2.9']
- Quality [star rating='3.8']
- Value For Money [star rating='4']
- Affordability [star rating='3.2']
ZRM&E Final Thoughts
"Great Product, Thanks!"YOU WILL NOT get an accurate reading if there are bubbles on the needle. Get precise salinity readings in moments. If you let it sit in the tank overnight, it definitely gives an accurate reading. Compare it with the refractometer and adjust the refractometer so that it matches. Don't care much for having to post a review in order to activate warranty. Even the smallest bubble will throw the measurements way, way off. I would recommend this product to anyone that has a marine aquarium.
Overall Score
3.8
(4 Points)

9. Hikari AccuProbe Aquarium Hydrometer, Mini
User Ratings: 55 45
Hikari 96005 First Impressions
"NO BUBBLES!"However, the numbers are soooo small it is sometimes hard to read. Make sure to knock out the bubbles on the white dial by hitting it with your knuckle. It's fast, it's tidy, and it's accurate. I did NOT calibrate, but am getting accurate readings. Definitely a lot cheaper than a refractometer. Ultimately, the measurement was exactly the same as our old tester. Calibrate with distilled water and test every so often.
- Hikari AccuProbe Aquarium Hydrometer, Mini
- Ideally suited for use in Nano tanks, smaller setups or sumps of larger systems
- Accurate to 0.001 specific gravity and salinity (PPT) measurements
- Durable construction for extended life
- Designed to give a temperature-corrected reading in warm water aquariums – 68°F to 85°F (20°C to 30°C)
- Readings can be taken by taking the meter out of the aquarium and placing on a level surface or leveling the unit in the substrate
- Manufacture: Phillips Feed & Pet Supply Natural Balance
- Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 1 x 3.5 inches; 0.8 Ounces
- Editor's Impressions Of The Hikari 96005
- Accuracy [star rating='3.9']
- Quality [star rating='3.8']
- Value For Money [star rating='2.2']
- Affordability [star rating='4']
Hikari 96005 Final Thoughts
"Just got it."Next I calibrated the refractor with the calibration solution that I ordered too. Just give me one simple, accurate reading to go by, and I'm happy. Once I figured that out, it works great. So worth it considering its great quality and great price. Ultimately, the measurement was exactly the same as our old tester. Wipe down glass surface to dry it and put it back on the shelf til next time. It's a basic but reliable refractomer I use it for my aquariums.
Overall Score
3.2
(2 Points)

10. RZ Aquariums Salinity Refractometer for Seawater Marine Fish-Keeping, Dual Scales Specific Gravity S...
User Ratings: 74 3
RZ First Impressions
"Great product."I bought this salinity meter for my aquarium. I needed this product and it is a lot less expensive than the local aquarium store. When I saw the price offered on this one, I decided to buy and I love it. Works well on my Saltwater Aquarium. I was surprise that the product was really cheap compare to the other ones. But there are some ways to keep on getting accurate readings. Too that makes it appear too cheap.
- RZ Aquariums Salinity Refractometer for Seawater Marine Fish-Keeping, Dual Scales Specific Gravity Salinity Meter Hydrometer 0-100ppt & 1.000-1.070, Saltwater Tester with ATC Function
- Measures on 2 Scales: Aquariums refractometer features Specific Gravity (D 20/20) 1.000-1.070sg and parts per thousand 0-100PPT (1‰=1ppt=1000ppm)
- Seawater refractometer measures saltwater or salinity of water, ideal for aquarium, marine monitoring, fish-keeping,salty pools&spas and etc.
- ATC Function: salty water refractometer with automatic temperature compensation, allow you obtain accurate readings easier and faster
- Salinity Refractometer is made of aluminum body and ABS rubber light and very sturdy, comes with a hard plastic case, a mini screwdriver, a dropper
- Easy to Use: put 2-3 drops on the saltwater’s prism, towards light then to get the accurate readings through the optic eyepiece, ideal for replacement the poor quality and difficult to read hydrometer refractometer
- Manufacture: RZ
- Editor's Impressions Of The RZ
- Accuracy [star rating='4.5']
- Quality [star rating='5']
- Value For Money [star rating='4.6']
- Affordability [star rating='4.2']
RZ Final Thoughts
"Seems to work fine."I will get one later but for now this will do, since im just starting. Comes with a nice carrying case for easy and secure transportation. I decided to upgrade and it was easy to calibrate. Plenty of info on YouTube and the web if you don't know how. Small problem with bubbles on the needle but other than that no issues. The reading is big enough for you to read and it comes with the batteries. Be sure to adjust the focus by turning the eye focal when you first receive.
Overall Score
4.6
(296 Points)
