snakeblitz33
Well-Known Member
Thats probably a good idea
LFS trouble. Should I leave them?
- Thread starter chips
- Start date
flower
Well-Known Member
As long as the salinity is stable it's all good...so if a hydrometer reads 1.024 all the time...it won't matter if it is dead on or not. The only good thing about having a refractometer is if you are doing hyposalinity otherwise it's just a big price tag item $6.00 Vs $50.00. Unless you top off with saltwater, I doubt salinity had anything to do with the fish dying, (yes it would affect the corals too) As for your acclimation method. I have used the drip, and the float in the bag and even (with seahorses anyway)...just let the bag float until the temps are equal and release the horse in the tank. I have never in 10 years lost a single fish to acclimation.
If you are going to move everything to a 125g...I woudn't purchase anything more either. However one method is really no better than the other for acclimating a critter. A refractometer is not a must have item. I just purchased my first refractometer this year. I used a little Red Sea hydrometer for years and years. Oh and when I got the refractometer, my little Red sea hydrometer read the exact same thing.
If you are going to move everything to a 125g...I woudn't purchase anything more either. However one method is really no better than the other for acclimating a critter. A refractometer is not a must have item. I just purchased my first refractometer this year. I used a little Red Sea hydrometer for years and years. Oh and when I got the refractometer, my little Red sea hydrometer read the exact same thing.
nicknacs
Member
My hydrometer is off by 0.002. Instead of buying a big expensive salt checker(that's what its called when you cant remember the name or see the previous post from your phone) I took 2 water samples to the LFS. One from the main tank and one from the refuge and they both tested at .027 when mine said .025 for both. so now i keep mine at .023 by mine and it tests at .025 at the LFS. I'm not sure why i took two samples and thought they could possibly be different with it all being connected but I guess it made sense in my head at the time.
nicknacs
Member
And i forgot to add that if your not sure on a fish and don't want to go home and look it up, just go pull one of the books the sell off the shelf and look it up in there store. Every fish store I have been to has at least a few books on saltwater fish species. I bought one called whats that fish. Not sure who its by but it gives you a easy to read break down of size,temperament, tank size required, food, where they came from and other important info with large full color photos of each one. It don't have every species in it but it cover a lot of popular ones and will give you a good idea of what your buying. I plan to keep it in my car so I have it when I'm out and about and end up at a fish store.
S
smallreef
Guest
LOL I keep a styrofoam box with a lid in my car with 2 books... Marine fishes, Reef Fishes, and Marine Invertebrates by Scott W. Michael & Ronald Shimeck....
great references and not having to depend on what your LFS says about putting the WRONG fish in your tank just to sell it (of being uninformed themselves)
great references and not having to depend on what your LFS says about putting the WRONG fish in your tank just to sell it (of being uninformed themselves)
flower
Well-Known Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by nicknacs http:///t/391164/lfs-trouble-should-i-leave-them/20#post_3467686
My hydrometer is off by 0.002. Instead of buying a big expensive salt checker(that's what its called when you cant remember the name or see the previous post from your phone) I took 2 water samples to the LFS. One from the main tank and one from the refuge and they both tested at .027 when mine said .025 for both. so now i keep mine at .023 by mine and it tests at .025 at the LFS. I'm not sure why i took two samples and thought they could possibly be different with it all being connected but I guess it made sense in my head at the time.
Unless you are doing hypo, it really doesn't matter if the SG is off a little...as long as it is stable.
Originally Posted by nicknacs http:///t/391164/lfs-trouble-should-i-leave-them/20#post_3467686
My hydrometer is off by 0.002. Instead of buying a big expensive salt checker(that's what its called when you cant remember the name or see the previous post from your phone) I took 2 water samples to the LFS. One from the main tank and one from the refuge and they both tested at .027 when mine said .025 for both. so now i keep mine at .023 by mine and it tests at .025 at the LFS. I'm not sure why i took two samples and thought they could possibly be different with it all being connected but I guess it made sense in my head at the time.
Unless you are doing hypo, it really doesn't matter if the SG is off a little...as long as it is stable.
snakeblitz33
Well-Known Member
I've had Hydrometers off by 1.004. I thoroughly believe in the importance of a calibrated refractometer. Especially since the op has corals.
flower
Well-Known Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by SnakeBlitz33 http:///t/391164/lfs-trouble-should-i-leave-them/20#post_3467719
I've had Hydrometers off by 1.004. I thoroughly believe in the importance of a calibrated refractometer. Especially since the op has corals.
4 points and every time you did a water change it was still off by 4 points....so the SG was stable and the same all the time, so what? It wouldn't hurt a thing, not even the corals. Now if you depended on it for hypo you would have a problem, but everyday maintenence...no big deal. I had a beautiful reef (no SPS) for 6 years before I even ever heard of a refractometer. They are not sold in any fish store around me out of 8, and the only place to get one is on line. Hydrometers are sold by the stacks, you can get one anywhere.
Believe me if a refractometer was all that can't do without...at least 1 store would carry it. When I ask why they don't I always get the same answer. Most people do not need to watch their SG that close. Mind you only one store even knew what hypo was, they all sell the kick ick stuff.
Being online and learning about all this great stuff is awesome, but you really do not need a $50.00+ refractometer to run a saltwater fish tank when you first start out. Not even with coral.
Originally Posted by SnakeBlitz33 http:///t/391164/lfs-trouble-should-i-leave-them/20#post_3467719
I've had Hydrometers off by 1.004. I thoroughly believe in the importance of a calibrated refractometer. Especially since the op has corals.
4 points and every time you did a water change it was still off by 4 points....so the SG was stable and the same all the time, so what? It wouldn't hurt a thing, not even the corals. Now if you depended on it for hypo you would have a problem, but everyday maintenence...no big deal. I had a beautiful reef (no SPS) for 6 years before I even ever heard of a refractometer. They are not sold in any fish store around me out of 8, and the only place to get one is on line. Hydrometers are sold by the stacks, you can get one anywhere.
Believe me if a refractometer was all that can't do without...at least 1 store would carry it. When I ask why they don't I always get the same answer. Most people do not need to watch their SG that close. Mind you only one store even knew what hypo was, they all sell the kick ick stuff.
Being online and learning about all this great stuff is awesome, but you really do not need a $50.00+ refractometer to run a saltwater fish tank when you first start out. Not even with coral.
snakeblitz33
Well-Known Member
I disagree. If you want to run a tank at 1.026 and your hydrometer is off by 0.004, then you would be putting it at 1.030 which is hyper salinity. Consistently high salinity levels can cause osmotic shock to any newcomers. If there is a better fly trap, use it!
flower
Well-Known Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by SnakeBlitz33 http:///t/391164/lfs-trouble-should-i-leave-them/20#post_3467867
I disagree. If you want to run a tank at 1.026 and your hydrometer is off by 0.004, then you would be putting it at 1.030 which is hyper salinity. Consistently high salinity levels can cause osmotic shock to any newcomers. If there is a better fly trap, use it!
That's why you have to acclimate your critters...to get them used to the SG in your tank. 1.030 won't hurt your critter a bit if they are used to the high SG consistently. I purchased my first refractometer last year. I like it just fine, but for 9 years I used a little hydrometer from Red Sea. I have never to this day lost a fish during or right after acclimation. In fact aside from jumping I can count on my fingers the fish I have actually lost over the years. I agree it's a handy dandy gadget....but it is not a must have or your tank dies item.
Also I would never tell someone to run their tank at 1.026 SG unless they had an Auto Top Off system, since all SG goes up as the water evaporates, and without an ATO the SG would climb high then drop again as soon as you add the top off water. I tell folks without an ATO to set their SG at 1.023 or 1.024 to allow some wiggle room on the SG.
Originally Posted by SnakeBlitz33 http:///t/391164/lfs-trouble-should-i-leave-them/20#post_3467867
I disagree. If you want to run a tank at 1.026 and your hydrometer is off by 0.004, then you would be putting it at 1.030 which is hyper salinity. Consistently high salinity levels can cause osmotic shock to any newcomers. If there is a better fly trap, use it!
That's why you have to acclimate your critters...to get them used to the SG in your tank. 1.030 won't hurt your critter a bit if they are used to the high SG consistently. I purchased my first refractometer last year. I like it just fine, but for 9 years I used a little hydrometer from Red Sea. I have never to this day lost a fish during or right after acclimation. In fact aside from jumping I can count on my fingers the fish I have actually lost over the years. I agree it's a handy dandy gadget....but it is not a must have or your tank dies item.
Also I would never tell someone to run their tank at 1.026 SG unless they had an Auto Top Off system, since all SG goes up as the water evaporates, and without an ATO the SG would climb high then drop again as soon as you add the top off water. I tell folks without an ATO to set their SG at 1.023 or 1.024 to allow some wiggle room on the SG.
snakeblitz33
Well-Known Member
Just have to agree to disagree.
At minimum you should have a hydrometer.
Better yet, to be more accurate, use a refractometer.
Can't we at least agree on that, flower?
At minimum you should have a hydrometer.
Better yet, to be more accurate, use a refractometer.
Can't we at least agree on that, flower?
flower
Well-Known Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by SnakeBlitz33 http:///t/391164/lfs-trouble-should-i-leave-them/20#post_3467896
Just have to agree to disagree.
At minimum you should have a hydrometer.
Better yet, to be more accurate, use a refractometer.
Can't we at least agree on that, flower?
Yes absolutely...perfectly worded to stave off old cranky ladies who just seem to argue with everyone. It's been a rough week...sorry. Still friends I hope?
Originally Posted by SnakeBlitz33 http:///t/391164/lfs-trouble-should-i-leave-them/20#post_3467896
Just have to agree to disagree.
At minimum you should have a hydrometer.
Better yet, to be more accurate, use a refractometer.
Can't we at least agree on that, flower?
Yes absolutely...perfectly worded to stave off old cranky ladies who just seem to argue with everyone. It's been a rough week...sorry. Still friends I hope?
rickross23
Active Member
yikes!
snakeblitz33
Well-Known Member
Lol, flower, we've always been friends. Lol.
flower
Well-Known Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by SnakeBlitz33 http:///t/391164/lfs-trouble-should-i-leave-them/20#post_3467905
Lol, flower, we've always been friends. Lol.
LOL...some days I look back at my posts, and realize how much of a "cranky" person I really am. I bet some days you feel like I follow you around to bug you.
Originally Posted by SnakeBlitz33 http:///t/391164/lfs-trouble-should-i-leave-them/20#post_3467905
Lol, flower, we've always been friends. Lol.
LOL...some days I look back at my posts, and realize how much of a "cranky" person I really am. I bet some days you feel like I follow you around to bug you.
snakeblitz33
Well-Known Member
Eh, sometimes, but I know it's not on purpose. All's good. 
I can be a bit of a rude, crass, and bitter person myself. I certainly don't mean to be, but sometimes what happens to us in real life affects our online personalities as well. I completely understand when it comes to other people online. Besides, I don't know any of you in person - and you don't know me. lol. Why get mad at someone that I've never met before and have to put up with on a daily basis?? LOL
I can be a bit of a rude, crass, and bitter person myself. I certainly don't mean to be, but sometimes what happens to us in real life affects our online personalities as well. I completely understand when it comes to other people online. Besides, I don't know any of you in person - and you don't know me. lol. Why get mad at someone that I've never met before and have to put up with on a daily basis?? LOL
chips
Member
Sorry I was not on here for a few days, been busy with some other things while I waited on my refractometer to come in. Thanks for all the posts. I followed the instructions on my refractometer that I found for $40 and tested my water. I came up with 1.024. This just happens to be the same as my hydrometer was reading. Good thing is my salinity was right. For the pros and cons on getting the refractometer I can now say that I have two ways to test SG and have doubled my chance of getting it at the right level.
I do like the refractometer because I don't have to worry about a bubble being under the swing arm of the hydrometer, even though it is easy enough to dump the water out and start over. I think the $40 investment was worth the piece of mind knowing my hydro wasn't off. I also added my auto top off unit last night and it is great. I had a sharpy mark on the side of the sump letting me know where the water level is suppose to be when I filled it up. With this auto top off, the water barely goes below the thickness of the sharpy mark. Typically I would come home and have to put about 2 gallons in it manually every day. This got me thinking, could that much evaporation then adding that much water at one time cause the issues?
I stopped by another LFS and talked to them about what I was experiencing without telling them where I got any fish or anything and wasn't bad mouthing anyone. They seemed to not want to bad mouth anyone either. I took them a water sample and they said everything looked great that I may have just had a bad run of fish. He also said that some of the fish could be a little hard to acclimate and get in your tank. He gave me a small frag of a duncan and wanted me to see how it did. I temp acclimated it, stuck it on a rock and put it in my fuge for low flow for about an hour. The arms were coming out right away. I added it to the tank it opened right up. When the lights came on the next day it opened even more and the color was great. I never had any other corals go in the tank and open up that fast. I have read on some places that they can take some time and have read that they can open right up. Either way, I added a new coral to the tank and it took the change and is doing good.
Here is a pic of the Duncan
I stopped by another LFS and talked to them about what I was experiencing without telling them where I got any fish or anything and wasn't bad mouthing anyone. They seemed to not want to bad mouth anyone either. I took them a water sample and they said everything looked great that I may have just had a bad run of fish. He also said that some of the fish could be a little hard to acclimate and get in your tank. He gave me a small frag of a duncan and wanted me to see how it did. I temp acclimated it, stuck it on a rock and put it in my fuge for low flow for about an hour. The arms were coming out right away. I added it to the tank it opened right up. When the lights came on the next day it opened even more and the color was great. I never had any other corals go in the tank and open up that fast. I have read on some places that they can take some time and have read that they can open right up. Either way, I added a new coral to the tank and it took the change and is doing good.
Here is a pic of the Duncan
flower
Well-Known Member
Yayyy! Nice little coral, congratulations.
Want to have some fun...ask any local fish store if they carry refractometers...lets see how many even know what one is. Of the 8 stores around me, ONE uses it but does not sell them because they said they are too expensive and few people worry about being that accurate. Oh and for the record, I agree with you, it is worth the peace of mind.
Want to have some fun...ask any local fish store if they carry refractometers...lets see how many even know what one is. Of the 8 stores around me, ONE uses it but does not sell them because they said they are too expensive and few people worry about being that accurate. Oh and for the record, I agree with you, it is worth the peace of mind.
chips
Member
There are two local stores, well three if you can count *****, The LFS in question said they could order one for me but they have never been good at ordering what they say they are going to order for you. It may take a month or so to get them to order it. The other LFS had one in stock but was expensive. I ordered one online for cheaper.
Yea I like the coral, it was a favorite of ours that we have wanted for a long time. I know it was as much bait for me to go back to that LFS as it is a test for my tank. But in the end it was still a freebie and is awesome.
Yea I like the coral, it was a favorite of ours that we have wanted for a long time. I know it was as much bait for me to go back to that LFS as it is a test for my tank. But in the end it was still a freebie and is awesome.
sweatervest13
Active Member
Nice freebie!!
Sounds like you had a bit of a bad run of fish. That and making sure you acclimate them correctly. Good luck with any new additions.
Sounds like you had a bit of a bad run of fish. That and making sure you acclimate them correctly. Good luck with any new additions.