Too Salty

[normanknight]

Here is a question I don't remember seeing addressed before. If tank water is too salty, that is, over 1.025 to 1.027 would it gradually weaken the health of the fish. I recently lost three fish that I had had for over 7 months. They gradually seemed to have color problems, refusing to eat, and swimming erratically.
There were no changes made in either the feeding, temperature, or water circulation. Readings were all fine. Hydrometer reading 1.026,refractometer 35 ppt, amonia 0, nitrite 0, nitrate 10, temp 80, ph 8.2. No new animals added. This is a 40 gal, folr tank.
The fish were a flame angel, sixline wrasse, firefish goby, diamond goby, false perc clown.
I am gradually reducing my ppt to 30 to see if that will make the only fish left, the sixline wrasse happy. I don't expect the diamond goby to last much longer.

 

[robertmathern]

Sorry for your loss. Hope fully it will help others like me not make the same mistake.

 

[oceansidefish]

1.025 to 027 is fine actually some think inverts thrive in this slightly higher salinity

 

[mie]

I would have to agree that a salinity level of .25 to .27 would not kill your fish, especially a clown fish, maybe somthing else going on?

 

[sickboy]

I keep mine at 1.025, but it fluctuates between .024-.026, and no problems. I have a reef though, and fowlrs can be kept lower. Was it a sudden change?

 

[ca161406]

i keep my tank at 1.025-1.027. 35ppt ish and no probs at all.. natural sea water is about at 1.027 so i put my tank so simulate that.

 

[sepulatian]

My tanks are always 35 PPT.

 

[normanknight]

Thanks everybody for your great help. I guess my salinity was ok. I will look for something else to blame, but I can't imagine what it will be. It is so helpful to be able to discuss things like this with the people who have the experience.
Norman