Salinity Algebra

[piscesblue]

I just got my refractometer and calibrated it to 0 with distilled water. My reef salinity is at 40ppt. My tank holds around 70 gal of water. How much water do I need to replace with freshwater to bring it down to 35ppt? Would this high salinity be the reason my mushrooms, snails a cleaner shrimp and an emerald crab died over ther first 2mo of the tank? I'm really pissed at my Red Sea hydrometer at the moment. Who in the hell has their tank at 68deg to get an acurate reading with that thing.
To everyone with a hydrometer, stop being cheap and pony up the $45 to the Drs or this site for a refractometer!

 

[theappe]

a refractometer is the best investment ever!

 

[lionfish1]

the best way would be to make your water change water like 37ppt and then like 35 the next time and bring it down slowly.

 

[tizzo]

I wouldn't give a dime to them stinkin' lyin' misguided, misinformed money hogs... Or "the dr's" as you call them.
But, your right a refractometer is best. Your tank is not at 68 degrees to calibrate it, you ambiotic house temp is 68 degrees, or supposed to be, when you calibrate it with your ro or di or rodi water.
If your salinity jumped quickly then it could be a reason for your critters dying, if it was gradual, then it's most likely not the reason.
Remove a gallon or 2 of salwater and replace with regular ro daily until your salinity comes down to your desired number.
HTH

 

[piscesblue]

Originally Posted by Tizzo
I wouldn't give a dime to them stinkin' lyin' misguided, misinformed money hogs... Or "the dr's" as you call them.
But, your right a refractometer is best. Your tank is not at 68 degrees to calibrate it, you ambiotic house temp is 68 degrees, or supposed to be, when you calibrate it with your ro or di or rodi water.
If your salinity jumped quickly then it could be a reason for your critters dying, if it was gradual, then it's most likely not the reason.
Remove a gallon or 2 of salwater and replace with regular ro daily until your salinity comes down to your desired number.
HTH
Who cares if the Drs lie, they have good prices and a better return policy. Who goes to a retailer for advice? Anyways, the Red Sea Hydrometer is calibrated to something obsurd like 68deg for it to read accurately and most of our tanks are in the upper 70's. Huge difference. Yes, I calibrated the refractometer at 68deg room temp so the reading should be accurate. As far as I know, my salinity has been at 40ppt since day 1 and all critters died slowly, except snails, I lost 1 a day of those guys. The strange thing is, all my hermits, coral banded and zoas are doing great. I thought it was copper poisoning until the refractometer arrived last week.