SG - Why such a difference of opinion?

[joetst2]

I have heard numerous recommendations on the best SG for a reef tank. Wanted to get everyone's opinion on this MB. My LFS suggests a very low 1.020 to keep parasites in check. I have my tank at 1.022 and heard from a long time reefer that I should raise it to 1.025. I have had the tank running for 6 weeks now and have a minor (so far) outbreak of ich brought in by my good buddy the Kole Tang.
So let me hear your reasons for having your tank at whatever SG. Thanks.

 

[adrian]

If your keeping corals you want a salinity of around 1.024-1.026 SG, if your just keeping fish, not even live rock, you want a lower salinity of around 1.020 SG to help keep parasites at bay, this one is up for debate, Ive never kept a fish only tank, and I have seen just as many cases of ich in tanks with lower SG as Ive seen in reef tanks. HTH

 

[joetst2]

Yeah that's what I've been hearing as well. However, I've also heard that ich, for example, thrives at 1.025. Do you also agree with the views of some that say to just sort of live with ich and the only "treatment" being to maintain perfect water conditions?

 

[matt dowdney]

Don't forget to adjust your hydros reading to your temp. A 1.025 reading at 80 degrees is actually more like a 1.027. I know I have the website on my bookmarks somewhere, just send me an e-mail for it. And for the record I keep my reef at 1.025 and have never had a disease or ick problem. If you're really worried try taking your fish for a freshwater dip. Just do some research before you try it.

 

[andymi]

1.025 in my reef tank an 1.023 in my FO tank. The FO tank is larger (150) so I keep a little lower to save on salt mostly
-Andy

 

[jimi]

It should be 1.023-1.025 many inverts wont do well in lower salinity. As far as the parasite theory ich will thrive in 1.020 as well as it will in 1.025.

 

[twoods71]

Just for the record I keep mine at 1.023. With temp conversion making it around 1.024 - 1.025

 

[joetst2]

so my tank showing 1.022 at 80 deg F is more like 1.024 then??? I use the glass hydrometer that you float in the water. It was calibrated to SG at 75 deg F.
[ September 20, 2001: Message edited by: JoeTst2 ]

 

[burnnspy]

For the record healthy fish don't usually get ick. A major cause of ick is stress most likely due to overcrowding, incompatibility or inadequate water chemistry.
BurnNSpy

 

[joetst2]

or from a fish that is stressed during transit to a LFS and then bringing ich into my tank..........which is the case in this situation.