Another Salinity Question

[jsteiert]

Yesterday my salinity level was 1.031, I did a 20% water change and it reduced to 1.027. Today I checked it again and its back to 1.031... What gives?
Is there something I am doing wrong here?
How can i get the salinity to stablize around 1.025?
37g tall tank
hang on protein skimmer
biowheel 350 filter
270gph powerhead
30lbs LR
20lbs Base Rock
40lbs Live Sand
Ammonia - 0
nitrites=0
nitrates= 5
PH=8.4

 

[1journeyman]

How are you checking it? Refractometer or hydrometer?
Are you having serious evaporation?

 

[birdy]

What are you using to measure salinity? If you are using a hydrometer with a swing arm you need to be sure you are getting all the bubbles off the swing arm. I highly suggest you get a refractometer, they are sooo much better.
How long did you let the saltwater age for your water change?

 

[dvincent]

If you want to lower your salinity just remove some of the water from your tank, and replace it with fresh ro/di water, depending on the size of your tank you may want to start with 1 or 2 gallons so as not to stress your live stock, also be sure and only use ro/di water for topping off your tank, if you use salt water you will only raise your salinity again. another tip is to invest in a refractometer for testing your salinity with, the little swing arm tester is not accurate, and changes depending on water temp. Darrin

 

[jsteiert]

I currently use the swing arm tester. I will look into getting a different type.
I do use DI water when topping off the tank though, this does bring down my levels some but the increase overnight. Is it normal to have salinity levels increase overnight like I am. After topping off the tank with 1-2 gallons I have a level of 1.028, overnight it rises to 1.031.

 

[pfitz44]

are you testing right after you add in your top off?? If so, wait 30-60 min, then test... your probabilly not getting an accurate reading due to teh fresh water u just added

 

[milomlo]

Originally Posted by jsteiert
I currently use the swing arm tester. I will look into getting a different type.
I do use DI water when topping off the tank though, this does bring down my levels some but the increase overnight. Is it normal to have salinity levels increase overnight like I am. After topping off the tank with 1-2 gallons I have a level of 1.028, overnight it rises to 1.031.
Get a refractometer! I got mine off the big auction site for about $30. You will be amazed at the difference you water will test at compared to the hydrometer.