correct salinity

loseriam

loseriam

Member
I am trying to get my salinity levels right but every one has a different idea of whats right. What is the highest it should be and whats the lowest? Now how do I know if my Specific gravity meter is right? I do get different readings on 2 different ones. Please just answer with your recomendations
Thank you
Kevin
 
beckzilla

beckzilla

Member
If you have a reef tank then the salinity should be between 1.023 and 1.025. Gettin a good retractometer will take care of your accuracy measurements.
 
mudplayerx

mudplayerx

Active Member
Sometimes it also depends on what livestock you wish to keep.
Also, make sure your hydrometer does not have ANY air bubbles on it or you will get a wildly inaccurate reading.
 
bang guy

bang guy

Moderator
In my opinion hydrometers must be calibrated with a precision device like a TDS meter or a refractometer. Until you know if they are accurate they are not useful.
A Salinity of less than 35ppt is stressful except for a hyposalinity treatment for fish. A Salinity above 40ppt is also detrimental.
 
mudplayerx

mudplayerx

Active Member
So you don't think I can trust my hydrometer? It is made by Coralife and is laser engraved with a certificate number saying that it was calibrated.
 
bang guy

bang guy

Moderator
I don't care if they engraved it in Diamonds. Calibrate it yourself so you know. Hydrometers are notoriously inaccurate.
 
beckzilla

beckzilla

Member
Moo........mudplayerx, listen to Bang Guy, he is one of the most knowledgable people on this board if not THE most knowledgable. He is just trying to help IMHO.
 
bang guy

bang guy

Moderator

Originally posted by mudplayerx
Wow, no need to have a cow.
Sorry, my lame attempt at trying to be funny.
 
loseriam

loseriam

Member
Are you saying that I shouldnt rely on my Specific Gravity Meter I do get different readings on 3 different ones. Now again I see 2 people with2 different opinions on Salinity. Beckzilla says between 1.023 and 1.025 then you go to Bang Guy and he says anything below 35ppt is stressful, but isnt 35ppt higher then 1.025 at least thats what I see on my meter. Please give me more input.
 
bang guy

bang guy

Moderator
35ppt is about 1.026 at a water temp of 80F.
Find someone with a refractometer and compare your hydrometer against it. Note the difference and adjust your reading by that much.
Calibrate it that way every 6 months and you should be fine. I've seen hydrometers of by more than 5ppt so it can definately be a problem.
 
orucco

orucco

Member
Mine was off by that much and thanks to Bang, Beth and others on this board I heeded there advice and bought a refractometer and adjusted it to 35ppt before I added livestock. My tank is doing great, thanks again.
 
loseriam

loseriam

Member
I dont want to sound stupid but am I now hearing correctly that the salinity should be 1.026 which is 35ppt and if it was to differ a little would I rather be a little higher or a little lower. Esspecially hearing that 1.023 - 1.025 is correct I would think lower. Could someone or would you agree. I find it hard keeping it lower because my water keeps evaporating.
And hey guys I have to thank you, this is great to get advice from others that arent trying to sell me something.
Kevin
 
loseriam

loseriam

Member
I dont want to sound stupid but am I now hearing correctly that the salinity should be 1.026 which is 35ppt and if it was to differ a little would I rather be a little higher or a little lower. Esspecially hearing that 1.023 - 1.025 is correct I would think lower. Could someone or would you agree. I find it hard keeping it lower because my water keeps evaporating.
And hey guys I have to thank you, this is great to get advice from others that arent trying to sell me something.
Kevin
 
mburnickas

mburnickas

Member
I have 2 hydrometers and they are both wrong, yes, wrong. One is too low and the other too high.
So I bought a Refractometer about 5-months ago and BINGO....correct Sg 100% of the time...best $43 ever..
I tossed the hydrometers in the trash..
 
gregm779

gregm779

Member
If you have a lot of fish it is better to go lower if more coral 1.026 is the max. Some people that have FO tanks run them at 1.016 just to cut down on illnesses. I wouldn't suggest that for the normal reef 1.024-1.025
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top