Salinity questions

[jobu28]

If hypo at 1.09 kills all parasites why cant you just keep your salinity there in a fish only tank? If not there, what is the lowest salinity you can keep your tank at? I would think that could eliminate alot of trouble in a fish only tank? Just a thought.

 

[bang guy]

Fish can tolerate a salinity of 14ppt but it's not healthy long term. Your fish will be parasite free but will not live a full life and salinity lower than natural salt water (35ppt).

 

[florida joe]

Hypo will not kill ALL parasites Hypo WILL kill many things you want in your tank. We are trying to mimic the natural environment for our tanks a salinity level lower then natural such as hypo levels while not having an immediate detrimental effect on our fish over a long time frame will

 

[lion_crazz]

Yep, as the previous two posters responded, it is about long term healthy of the fish.

 

[jobu28]

Thanks for the replies. Just figured i would ask. What would an ideal salinity in a fish only tank be? I have asked a few people and gotten all different answers. On another note, i am new to the forums and have seen where you cant do hypo and copper. Why is that? Just trying to learn. My last SW tank was 13 years ago. i never had any problems but there werent any forums like this that i knew of.

 

[lion_crazz]

I keep all my tanks at the natural salinity of the ocean - 1.025/35 ppt. I don't see any reason to deviate from what is natural to the fish.
I would not do copper and hyposalinity at the same time because it would be too much stress on the fish, in my opinion. I have not seen anything that said you cannot do it though. Just a lot more work on you - as you have to work hard to maintain the exact salinity, as well as exact copper level.

 

[sepulatian]

Welcome to the boards! Copper and hyposalinity treatment is very stressful to the fish when combined. The PH tends to drop during hypo, which will make copper toxic to the fish. The two together are also very hard on the fish's kidneys. It can lead to sudden death. Never mix the two.
I too keep my SG at 1.025. Use a refractometer to test.