can specific gravity fluctuate?

[scotty]

i was just cleaning the glass on my tank and decided to check the specific gravity....it has been 1.022 since i first set the tank up about 4 weeks ago...today it reads 1.024....can specific gravity change like that without adding salt?????? a few peices of salt that was encrusted to the filter fell in when i was cleaning...maybe that has something to do with it...i don't know....anyone have some insight? also, is this too high of a level for a fo tank? i have just been adding water to top off what has evaporated...other than that i have left the tank alone during the cycle...
thanks
scott

 

[melbournefl]

evaporation raises salinity
HTH
Later,
Paul

 

[scotty]

so, since i just topped off the water in the tank it should go back down?

 

[simm]

Yes. As mel said evaporation will raise it. I went from 1.021 - 1.023 in no time. Just top it with fresh water until it lowers to the level you want.

 

[scotty]

makes sense.....i guess i won't worry about it.....thanks!

 

[bang guy]

Temperature will also cause S.G. to fluctuate. I agree, in this case it's probably just evap.