PH & Salinity ?

[meowzer]

OK, I know water quality is very important, BUT....If your PH is slightly low, and possibly your salinity is low too...can it kill corals...(Colt Coral, or gorgonians for example) I have 2 hydrometers, and both read 1.023 salinity, and when I took my water to a lfs the salinity measured low...1.018??? All my fish are doing great, crabs, snails, shrimp...no problems....BUT I am having a problem with colt and gorgonian...Any suggestions?

 

[geoj]

Any suggestions? Increase your salinity to 1.026 and have it tested at a different LFS. This way if your hydrometers is right then no prob and if it is off you bring the salinity up. I would go .001 each day.
Originally Posted by Bang Guy
Use full strength saltwater instead of freshwater for top off until your salinity is where you want it. To move salinity up.

 

[peef]

I wouldn't raise to 1.026 thats a bit high. .024-.025 is great. But that is just my opinion.
Biggest suggestion is don't use a hydrometer use a refractometer. BIG BIG BIG BIG BIG and did I mention BIIIIIIIIIIIG difference in accuracy.

 

[meowzer]

I,m looking at them now...

 

[flricordia]

I keep my tank at 1.026 and ph is 8.04 in morning and up to 8.4 in the evening and everything is doing supurb. I believe most natural reefs run about 1.026 and ph of 8.4-8.6.
Since I started using Salifert All In One (4 drops per day per 50gls) along with kalkwasser in my auto top off water (1tsp per gl top-off water) ph has stayed up.
Latest FTS taken today. Looks like 1.026 is Ok with it.
As Peef suggested, get a refractometer. Thsoe hydrometers are way too inacurate. A small bubble or dried salt can throw them off not to mention most are off to start with.

 

[geoj]

You get what I was saying. Yes get some other test like a refractometer. Till then use the hydrometer and bring the salinity up. If the salinity is now 1.018 then it will move up to 1.021 not good but better then 1.018. If the hydrometer is not off then you have not moved to high up just up to 1.026.
Good looking tank Flricordia

 

[geoj]

Ich?

 

[forsfed50]

I agree if you can afford it refractometer. If not adjust the mark on your hydrometer to your lfs but only if they use a refractometer. 1.023 means 1.018. Hydrometers are inaccurate.