Beth, I have a question

[hnf2k]

you were telling me the other day about how to setup my quarantine tank. i got it all setup(almost, i just need to get a heater). now, when i introduce a new fish to my tank i want the water level in my quarantine tank to be 1.009? i have a swing arm hydrometer, is that accurate enough to use for this or does it have to be exactly 1.009? also, when my salinity level is so low is all the bacteria on the bioballs(the filter im trying to cycle)going to die off? and if so will i have to keep recycling my tank everytime i drop the salinity that low?

 

[beth]

First off, you can't introduce new fish with a specific gravity of 1.009. You need to introduce the fish then gradually drop the specific gravity to 1.009. No the swing arm won't get an accurate reading for hyposalinity. You'll need to either get a salinity monitor [expensive] or a refractomer. You can get good refracts online for about $70. The next chooice would be a very good glass hydrometer. But, if you have the money, get a refract. Really makes measuring salinity a snap, not to meniton accurate.
The bacteria will be fine.