salinity

TC51 · #1 07-16-2007, 01:45 PM

Hi guys
I have a 33 gal reef has been ruining for approx 7 weeks now, I have been maintaining a salinity level of 1.025 without much problem until now. I did my usual morning water top up and tested my water, to my surprise the salinity level was at 1.029. I am just using the cheap coralife deep six tester.
I have not changed any of my procedures since starting the tank, so I am confused as to what would cause this sudden rise in the salinity level. I am new to the salt game and would appreciate any advise as to what would cause this and what I should do to bring it back on line to were it should be.
Thanks
Tom.

Doug · #2 07-16-2007, 01:53 PM

That would be a pretty large jump in salinity. If nothing has changed in the top off procedure, then I would be checking the tester. If none are available, how about taking a sample to the lfs to have to checked.

If it ends up being the correct salinity, then bring it back down slowly. Does this tank have livestock in it and if so, has it been affected?

surgeonfish · #3 07-16-2007, 02:13 PM

Did you recheck the salinity? Make sure you tap the hydrometer to release any airbubbles that can adhere to the swinging arm.
Do you wash the hydrometer with fresh water after testing?
Does the arm swing freely?
I would recheck with a second meter, buy a refractometer or take it to a LFS to test before trying to correct the salinity in your fishtank.

TheReefGuy · #4 07-16-2007, 04:55 PM

ther might of been air bubbles on the little pointer.

TC51 · #5 07-16-2007, 06:41 PM

Thanks for the replies guys
Doug Yes I do have some livestock in the tank yellow tang, couple clowns and a few coral frags they all seem to be doing OK I will be picking up a refractometer tonight so that will make a difference as I believe it to be a faulty meter. I do wash with fresh water after each check.
I am in the process of setting up a 120 gal and transferring the live-rock and livestock soon so getting the 33 operating at peek is important to me.
Once again thanks very much for your replies and help guys I appreciate it.
Tom

Doug · #6 07-16-2007, 06:46 PM

Glad it was just an error in the measure device and the inhabitants are fine. Even the swing arms are fine, as long as one checks them on occassion with someones refractometer.

bv_reefer · #7 07-17-2007, 12:26 AM

-i'm just starting off my 33-gallon and was wondering where i shud have my
specific gravity?? -myb 1.024 cuz it's gonna be reef, so anyone ??

andresont · #8 07-17-2007, 12:49 AM

I keep my salinity levels close to what my LFS has in my case J&L this helps in acclimatization process.
And staff that I buy appreciates this too. I keep it at 50Ms which is what ? 1.024? I use monitor sorry don’t have a table handy..

ron101 · #9 07-18-2007, 04:59 AM

Calcium Chloride and Sodium Bicarbonate (aka alkalinity buffer) additives will also raise salinity levels over time.

When I used to use a swing arm hydrometer I would periodically soak it in vinegar to get rid of any build up.

bv_reefer · #10 07-18-2007, 05:57 AM

-hi just wondering i just got some cured live rock and a chromis today
cuz i just started cycling yesterday, and I tested my pH, and it read
exactly 8.5, and i know that for saltwater u shud be sitting @ about
8.1-8.5, so i waz wondering if that will be a problem when i get more
finicky and sensitive fish, or even when i'm cycling, will it interfere with
regular coralline algae growth?