Salinity 1.021

[bergshawn]

Measured my salinity today after adding some top-off FW and its measuring at 1.021. I know this is a little low, and would like to have it at 1.024. Will it be OK overnight at this level? Want to wait until tomorrow or Tuesday evening to do a partial water change to up the salinity. I know the fish will be OK, but I know low salinity isn't good for the Anemone and Pepp. Shrimp. Is 1.021 too low though?

 

[bang guy]

Shrimp definately live longest at a Salinity of 35ppt. I'm not sure if it makes a difference with Anemone but I suggest 35ppt as that's their natural habitat.
Raising the Salinity too quickly is even more detrimental to Shrimp that a low Salinity. My suggestion would be to let Salinity rise slowly by topping off with saltwater instead of fresh. It might take a week or so but it will be a lot better for your tank.
Just a point to ponder - if you only provide the Specific Gravity without also including the temperature then there's no way we can determine what your salinity is.
If you're using a swing-arm hydrometer that has not been calibrated against a refractometer then there's also no way of knowing what your salinity is.
Guy

 

[bergshawn]

I am using a swing-arm hydrometer. Have yet to purchase a refractometer. Temp. is 79-80 degrees. So what you are saying is that this salinity will not hurt the shrimp as long as it is brought up slowly within the next week?

 

[dburr]

Yes that is what he is saying.
Take your swingarm to your LFS and read it against their hydrometer, then you will know where your water is at before you make any changes.

 

[bergshawn]

Just purchased a refractometer off of ----. Should have it by the end of the week. Will probably wait until then to do anything that way I know exactly what I am working with. For $50 w/ shipping ya can't go wrong.

 

[elan]

i remember when i got my refractometer off ----... i found my swingarm, which was calibrated against my LFS, was way off......

 

[bergshawn]

Yeah.. I know I've needed one for a while now. Used my uncle's when I first setup my tank and it was so nice to have around. Been using the swing-arm since and it's such a pain in the neck. You can get a different reading everytime you test. Will be so much nicer when I won't have to keep testing until I get the same reading three times in a row, lol.

 

[legion]

Swing arm and glass hydrometer were both off .002
Go with a refractometer if ya got the $$ (about 50.00 shipped to your door)

 

[bergshawn]

Already ordered it yesterday. Should have it by the end of the week I am hoping.

 

[elan]

yeah.. i remember when i got mine.... i tested almost anything liquid in the house...lol