Editor's Choice - Our Favorite HydroLogic Aquarium Hydrometers

1. HydroLogic HLTDS DM-2 Industrial Monitor

HydroLogic HLTDS First Impressions

"Case is nice as well."

Don't care much for having to post a review in order to activate warranty. YOU WILL NOT get an accurate reading if there are bubbles on the needle. The water was at what I expected it should be. However, the numbers are soooo small it is sometimes hard to read. Get precise salinity readings in moments. Was calibrated and worked perfect right out of the box. I would suggest purchasing the salt calibration solution.

  • HydroLogic HLTDS DM-2 Industrial Monitor
  • Measures The Flow Of Untreated Water Coming In Versus Purified Water Going Out
  • Comes Equipped With A 1/2" Inlet And 3/8Th Inch Outlet
  • Features An Auto-Off Function To Conserve Battery Power
  • No Assembly Required
  • Manufacture: Hydro-Logic
  • Item Weight: 2.38 pounds
  • Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 5.1 x 1.7 inches
  • Editor's Impressions Of The HydroLogic HLTDS
  • Accuracy [star rating='4.3']
  • Quality [star rating='5']
  • Value For Money [star rating='4.5']
  • Affordability [star rating='4.7']

HydroLogic HLTDS Final Thoughts

"Using for my Pacman frog."

Looks to provide very accurate readings. It is a little cheaper made but it works great for the cost! I've checked about 5 times with the hydrometer and each time has been near perfect. Once I figured that out, it works great. I needed this product and it is a lot less expensive than the local aquarium store. Clear readout with the ability to calibrate and focus. Easy to use, easy to clean, easy to read.

Overall Score
5.0

[star rating="5"]
(1 Points)

2. Aquarium Refractometer, Seawater Salinity Meter Aquarium Optics Refractometer Temperature ATC Digita...

Hongzer First Impressions

"Easy to use."

Functions just as it is supposed to. It is essential to get some specialized aquarium calibration fluid for 1. It is easy to read and perform the procedure in seconds. It did not need adjusting to calibrate, though I tried to just to see how it worked. Once I figured that out, it works great. Be sure to buy the calibration solution and test this before use! So once your instant ocean shows a measurement.

  • Aquarium Refractometer, Seawater Salinity Meter Aquarium Optics Refractometer Temperature ATC Digital 0-10%
  • 0 to 10% salinity, 0.01% scale.
  • Durable aluminum body, durable and can use for a long time.
  • Adjust the focus by twisting the handle.
  • Compact design with rubber handle.
  • Soft and flexible eyepiece for added comfort. Instant and reliable aqueous solution measurement.
  • Manufacture: Hongzer
  • Item Weight: 8.4 ounces
  • Product Dimensions: 6.69 x 1.57 x 1.57 inches
  • Editor's Impressions Of The Hongzer
  • Accuracy [star rating='5']
  • Quality [star rating='5']
  • Value For Money [star rating='5']
  • Affordability [star rating='5']

Hongzer Final Thoughts

"So far so good."

It is a little cheaper made but it works great for the cost! Pretty darn accurate for the price. Ambient room light at night is not enough and makes what you're viewing dark. Normally that gives the more accurate reading. Now its easy to make sure I have the correct amount of salt in my aquariums. I was surprise that the product was really cheap compare to the other ones. This refractor should last a good number of years.

Overall Score
5.0

[star rating="5"]
(2 Points)

3. Accurate Automatic Hydrometer Salt Water Salinity Meter Salinimeter for Fish Tank (Square Type)

User Ratings: 63 16

YOSOO123 First Impressions

"Seems to work fine."

It is a little cheaper made but it works great for the cost! Now that it's calibrated I love it! I got this to have a more accurate read than the hydrometer. I decided to upgrade and it was easy to calibrate. I will get one later but for now this will do, since im just starting. Now that it's calibrated I love it! Plus it is super easy to use and clean.

  • Accurate Automatic Hydrometer Salt Water Salinity Meter Salinimeter for Fish Tank (Square Type)
  • 15 centimeters (6 inches) from the bottom of the water to avoid the error caused by the oil film on the water.
  • Keeping your hands clean and can prevent pollution of water from the fish pond.
  • It is easy to read and the precision can be + (-) 0.001 units of specific gravity. Professional design make it able to get accurate reading when the temperature of the fishpond is at 18 degrees -28 degrees
  • Fish pool, both inside and outside the cylinder can be read. The hydrometer that can float on the surface of the water is simple and easy to read.
  • The proportion of water sample can be automatically detected. The proportion, salinity and conductivity of sea water are shown once.
  • Manufacture: Yosoo123
  • Part Number: Yosoo537gtqix12
  • Item Weight: 3.24 ounces
  • Product Dimensions: 5.51 x 3.54 x 0.79 inches
  • Style: Square Type
  • Batteries Included?: No
  • Batteries Required?: No
  • Editor's Impressions Of The YOSOO123
  • Accuracy [star rating='4.2']
  • Quality [star rating='4.4']
  • Value For Money [star rating='3.4']
  • Affordability [star rating='4.5']

YOSOO123 Final Thoughts

"0, it reads 1."

I use this for my 10g brackish and it works ok. I have purchased before will buy again! Would be nice if stem were slightly larger for easier read. I have gone two years in this hobby with a hydrometer. It is easy to read and perform the procedure in seconds. Ambient room light at night is not enough and makes what you're viewing dark. I have a 2000+ gallon pond and I just put salt in it last month.

Overall Score
4.0

[star rating="4"]
(13 Points)

4. Sinotech Hand Held Brix Honey Refractometer Rhb-90atc withCalibration Oil

Sinotech First Impressions

"This tool does that."

When I compared it to what my local pet store was reading my water at it was dead on. I would recommend this product to anyone that has a marine aquarium. Great product I used for beer making and my saltwater aquarium. Plus it is super easy to use and clean. I don't want to deal with temperature correction or. Get precise salinity readings in moments. Does just as good of a job of any meter you would buy at the store!

  • Sinotech Hand Held Brix Honey Refractometer Rhb-90atc withCalibration Oil
  • Test Fruit Brix And Honey Water
  • Heavy-duty and lightweight With its aluminum construction
  • ATC CompensationRange: 10°C~30°C (50°F~86°F)
  • Protable Type
  • 58-90%Brix 38-43 Be° (Baume) 12-27% Water
  • Manufacture: Sinotech
  • Editor's Impressions Of The Sinotech
  • Accuracy [star rating='3.4']
  • Quality [star rating='3.2']
  • Value For Money [star rating='2.5']
  • Affordability [star rating='3.4']

Sinotech Final Thoughts

"NO BUBBLES!"

I bought this and a hydrometer because of the reviews saying its not accurate. I compared the readings using this hygrometer and the calibrated refractometer. Works great,& comes in a storage box. Used distilled water to calibrate, the screw is located under the rubber cap. So worth it considering its great quality and great price. My only criticism would be that it's a little too dark. This requires repeatedly tapping the arm with a pencil.

Overall Score
3.0

[star rating="3"]
(1 Points)

5. Exo Terra Terrarium Hydrometer

User Ratings: 66 5

Exo Terra PT2466 First Impressions

"Great product."

Great product I used for beer making and my saltwater aquarium. I couldn't decide between this and one of the float arm meters or both. For the price you definitley cant beat this meter is great! However, the numbers are soooo small it is sometimes hard to read. 027, I'm so glad I bought this one and it came spot on. Does just as good of a job of any meter you would buy at the store! He is too cute not to want to take care of properly.

  • Exo Terra Terrarium Hydrometer
  • Wipe clean
  • Analog hygrometer
  • Adhere the hygrometer in the terrarium
  • Clear analog dial display
  • Easy to read and install
  • Great for monitoring the humidity levels
  • Manufacture: Exo Terra
  • Product Dimensions: 0.5 x 4.1 x 7 inches; 0.64 Ounces
  • Editor's Impressions Of The Exo Terra PT2466
  • Accuracy [star rating='3.4']
  • Quality [star rating='3.9']
  • Value For Money [star rating='4.9']
  • Affordability [star rating='4.9']

Exo Terra PT2466 Final Thoughts

"Great tool."

I have a 2000+ gallon pond and I just put salt in it last month. Plus it is super easy to use and clean. Bubbles can greatly affect the reading. 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! Simple to use, but if there are any air bubbles the results will be way off. Now its easy to make sure I have the correct amount of salt in my aquariums.

Overall Score
4.3

[star rating="4.3"]
(1002 Points)

6. Coralife Energy Savers ACLAF877 Deep Six Hydrometer

User Ratings: 67 7

Coralife 100108103 First Impressions

"024 and my refracto read."

I found mine was calibrated out of the box. At first, I was getting bubbles sticking to the rotating arrow. Wipe down glass surface to dry it and put it back on the shelf til next time. So once your instant ocean shows a measurement. Does just as good of a job of any meter you would buy at the store! I tried it over and over and no bubbles! Simple to use, but if there are any air bubbles the results will be way off.

  • Coralife Energy Savers ACLAF877 Deep Six Hydrometer
  • Included components: All Components included in Picture and Description
  • Cora life is one of the markets leading manufacturers of premium aquarium products
  • Cora life's Hydrometer takes a true water sample at six inch depth
  • Easy to read and accurate, this specific gravity meter is designed to give temperature-corrected readings in warm water aquariums
  • Coralife is one of the market’s leading manufacturers of premium aquarium products
  • Coralife's Hydrometer takes a true water sample at six inch depth
  • Specific Gravity and Salinity PPT Scales
  • Optimal Specific Gravity / Salinity range indicator on scale
  • Manufacture: Central Garden & Pet
  • Product Dimensions: 6.69 x 0.79 x 4.72 inches; 3.2 Ounces
  • Editor's Impressions Of The Coralife 100108103
  • Accuracy [star rating='4.8']
  • Quality [star rating='5']
  • Value For Money [star rating='4.8']
  • Affordability [star rating='4.4']

Coralife 100108103 Final Thoughts

"Easy instructions."

I couldn't decide between this and one of the float arm meters or both. Once I figured that out, it works great. Now its easy to make sure I have the correct amount of salt in my aquariums. I use this for my 10g brackish and it works ok. My only criticism would be that it's a little too dark. I will update later to see if the refractor will keep its calibration. The instant ocean hydrometer will always be right.

Overall Score
4.3

[star rating="4.3"]
(543 Points)

7. Pen Type Salinity & Temperature Meter ATC NaCl Salt Water Quality Tester for Saltwater Aquarium Hydr...

User Ratings: 49 17

Gain Express 837-2 First Impressions

"Easy to calibrate."

Just rinse with warm water afterwards. I run brackish tanks and it works perfectly. Hate the batteries, but once loaded, it seems to work fine. I tried it over and over and no bubbles! Excellent piece of equipment for the price. The water was at what I expected it should be. 026 and the tank isn't, new animals will go into shock.

  • Pen Type Salinity & Temperature Meter ATC NaCl Salt Water Quality Tester for Saltwater Aquarium Hydroponics Food
  • MEASURING RANGE: 0~9999 ppm or 10.0ppt~100.0ppt or 0.0%~10.0% or 0.950~1.080 (S.G.) based on NaCl with ±%F.S ±1 digit / ±0.5°C Accuracy
  • DISPLAY: Dual Temperature and Salinity in four measurement units (ppm, ppt, %, S.G) / 30 x 18mm LCD Size
  • APPLICATION: Salinity measurement in fish pond, tank, aquariums, laboratories, food processing, hydroponics, Aquaculture, and other water monitoring facilities.
  • FEATURES: Waterproof IP65 / One touch calibration / Auto power off and Non-Sleep mode disable / Multi points calibration
  • POWER SUPPLY / SENSOR : 4 x LR44 button batteries
  • User friendly easy to operate with One-touch calibration
  • Manufacture: Gain Express Holdings Ltd
  • Batteries: 4 LR44 batteries required.
  • Editor's Impressions Of The Gain Express 837-2
  • Accuracy [star rating='3.2']
  • Quality [star rating='4.1']
  • Value For Money [star rating='3.2']
  • Affordability [star rating='3.8']

Gain Express 837-2 Final Thoughts

"So, it does seem to work."

But with alittle persistance I am able to read it. Perfrct for someone learning or anyone for that matter. Once I adjusted the refractometer, my aquarium salinity read 1. Works great,& comes in a storage box. Works well on my Saltwater Aquarium. It did not need adjusting to calibrate, though I tried to just to see how it worked. Would be nice if stem were slightly larger for easier read.

Overall Score
3.8

[star rating="3.8"]
(99 Points)

8. Pet Dog Cat Refractometer Pet Urine Specific Gravity Refractometer Serum Plasma Protein: 2~14g/dl, C...

User Ratings: 66 16

RZ First Impressions

"Clear directions."

Trying to turn it by hand won't work. The water was at what I expected it should be. I would recommend this product to anyone that has a marine aquarium. The instant ocean hydrometer will always be right. And it is much more accurate than my old salinity meter. This requires repeatedly tapping the arm with a pencil. Bubbles can greatly affect the reading.

  • Pet Dog Cat Refractometer Pet Urine Specific Gravity Refractometer Serum Plasma Protein: 2~14g/dl, Clinical Animal Refractometer Hydrometers Urine Tester 1.000-1.060SG for Veterinary Cat Dog Pets
  • TRIPLE SCALES REFRACTOMETER: Left scale for testing urine specific gravity of large animals such as dog, the middle scale can measure cats urine specific gravity or other small animals, the right scale tests serum or plasma protein level for all animals.
  • QUICK & EASY OPERATION: few sample than other lab hydrometers, just 2 or 3 drops of solution and wait for a few seconds, accurate data automatic shows, automatic temperature compensation 0°C-30°C/50°F to 86°F
  • MEASURING RANGE: Serum or plasma protein: 2-14g/dl, large animal like dog and small animals like cats’ urine specific gravity 1.000~1.060 SG, resolution: 0.001SG. Ideal for your home pets, clinical veterinary and pet owners.
  • DURABLE REFRACOMTER: comfortable holding and non-slip ABS rubberized grip, anti-rust aluminum body for long term using. Strictly quality and safety standards approved.
  • COMPACT SIZE: Lightweight and pocket size lab refractometer, comes with sturdy plastic box, mini screwdriver, pipette and wiping cloth and manual packed together, easy to carry and storage.
  • Manufacture: RZ
  • Editor's Impressions Of The RZ
  • Accuracy [star rating='4.5']
  • Quality [star rating='5']
  • Value For Money [star rating='4.7']
  • Affordability [star rating='3.9']

RZ Final Thoughts

"These seem spot on."

I have tried others before but this has given me accurate and stable results. Now that it's calibrated I love it! I use this to check the specific gravity of my marine aquarium. Looks to provide very accurate readings. Get precise salinity readings in moments. Make your own by simply boiling some water and collecting the condensate. I use this for my 10g brackish and it works ok.

Overall Score
4.0

[star rating="4"]
(8 Points)

9. Dual Scale Salinity Refractometer ATC 0-100ppt (0-10%) & 1.000-1.070 Specific Gravity, Portable Mete...

User Ratings: 76 4

Gain Express RES-10ATC First Impressions

"Documentation is limited."

So once your instant ocean shows a measurement. And always make sure there is no bubbles on the measuring unit. Make sure to knock out the bubbles on the white dial by hitting it with your knuckle. But with alittle persistance I am able to read it. Make your own by simply boiling some water and collecting the condensate. Works great,& comes in a storage box. Trying to turn it by hand won't work.

  • Dual Scale Salinity Refractometer ATC 0-100ppt (0-10%) & 1.000-1.070 Specific Gravity, Portable Meter Tester for Seawater Salt Sea Water Aquarium Brackish Reef Tank Marine
  • Range: 0-100ppt (0-10% Salinity) and Density/ Specific Gravity 1.000-1.070 1ppt Salinity and 0.001 g/cm3 Density Resolutions
  • Water or a salt (brine) refractometer preferred by aquarist, it checks saltwater & brine or salinity of water, best for aquariums and marine monitoring
  • True seawater or a salt (brine) refractometer preferred by aquarist
  • Calibrate simply by distilled water, comes with free screwdriver for calibration
  • Has automatic temperature compensation (ATC) and has built with the highest and finest quality of aluminum & rubbe
  • Manufacture: Gain Express Holdings Ltd
  • Part Number: REB-32ATC
  • Material: ABS Material for Handle
  • Item Weight: 9.9 ounces
  • Color: 0-10% Salinity
  • Batteries Included?: No
  • Batteries Required?: No
  • Editor's Impressions Of The Gain Express RES-10ATC
  • Accuracy [star rating='3.6']
  • Quality [star rating='5']
  • Value For Money [star rating='5']
  • Affordability [star rating='4.4']

Gain Express RES-10ATC Final Thoughts

"Good product."

For the price you definitley cant beat this meter is great! Now its easy to make sure I have the correct amount of salt in my aquariums. Comes with a nice carrying case for easy and secure transportation. Get precise salinity readings in moments. I have tried others before but this has given me accurate and stable results. Im using it for trying to create water conditions for amano zoes. I couldn't decide between this and one of the float arm meters or both.

Overall Score
4.6

[star rating="4.6"]
(49 Points)

10. Aeroway Salinity Refractometer, Aquarium & Seawater - Dual Scale (1.0 to 1.070 S.G.)

User Ratings: 79 3

Aeroway 8541957182 First Impressions

"021 the other read."

Make sure to knock out the bubbles on the white dial by hitting it with your knuckle. Normally that gives the more accurate reading. I will get one later but for now this will do, since im just starting. I run brackish tanks and it works perfectly. I strongly recommend a refractometer vs. This device is a godsend and so much easier and cleaner to use. On the shaft of the refractometer, there's a little, rubber-covered nub.

  • Aeroway Salinity Refractometer, Aquarium & Seawater - Dual Scale (1.0 to 1.070 S.G.)
  • Measure salt water or salinity of water, ideal for aquariums and marine monitoring.
  • Features automatic temperature compensation (ATC),The main part is made of chromium, it's very durable.
  • Measures on 2 scales, Specific Gravity (D 20/20) and parts per thousand (‰).
  • Comes with hard case, dropper, screwdriver and cleaning cloth.
  • We offer premium quality and the best service, no matter what reason cause dissatisfaction,just return it within 30 days for a full refund. No questions asked, no hassle.
  • Manufacture: Aeroway
  • Editor's Impressions Of The Aeroway 8541957182
  • Accuracy [star rating='3.7']
  • Quality [star rating='4.2']
  • Value For Money [star rating='4.9']
  • Affordability [star rating='4.7']

Aeroway 8541957182 Final Thoughts

"Works great!"

Simple to use, but if there are any air bubbles the results will be way off. I compared the readings using this hygrometer and the calibrated refractometer. Normally that gives the more accurate reading. It's a basic but reliable refractomer I use it for my aquariums. Every time I leave to do something I come back and it's at the bottom of my tank. I bought this and a hydrometer because of the reviews saying its not accurate. So worth it considering its great quality and great price.

Overall Score
4.6

[star rating="4.6"]
(43 Points)

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