Since I set up my tank I've been using instant ocean salt. I measure my salinity with a swing arm hydrometer although I am buying a refractometer in the next 30 days or so. My question is, I've read here on the boards that the the instructions on the amount of salt to use (1/2 cup to 1 gallon) is supposed to bring the salinity of the water right up to about 1.025. EVERY TIME I've made batches of salt water, that amount of salt brings the salinity up to about 1.018 and I have to use about 1/8 cup more per gallon to bring it up to about 1.025. Is it safe to say that my hydrometer is inaccurate? :?
Concern about salinity with instant ocean salt...
- Thread starter bleedingthought
- Start date
I think it may be a combination of an inaccurate hydrometer and the batches actually mixing lower then the instructions state. I'm not sure about the newer batches of IO, but the older batches were designed to mix to 1.020-1.023 if you followed their instructions.
You know the best solution already: get that refractometer
You know the best solution already: get that refractometer
Meanwhile, seeing as I don't really know anyone with a refractometer, what should I do? Keep it steady (even if it's at some crazy level like 1.035! 8O) until I buy the refractometer ? (might be anywhere between a week and 2 months until I'm able to get it) Or lower it a bit just in case?
until I'm able to get it) Or lower it a bit just in case?Things have been ok. Fish and inverts are doing great. Mushrooms, kenya tree, and hammer are also good. Zoas are still coming along since I received them (5 days ago) but half of the polyps have not opened up still. Xenia is the only one that doesn't look very good but doesn't seem to be horrible... Not shriveled up but no polyp extension yet (Same rock as the shrooms, got it 5 days ago also).
I don't think the zoas and the xenias are really reacting to the salinity though. Might be alright just to keep it like it is for now then, right?
Thanks!!
I don't think the zoas and the xenias are really reacting to the salinity though. Might be alright just to keep it like it is for now then, right?
Thanks!!
You can always make a homemade calibration solution with table salt to verify your readings...
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-06/rhf/index.php
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-06/rhf/index.php
jusreefin":1lmetz2z said:
That is what I fear might be going on in my tank. I think I might just lower it to 1.023 like Unarce said.
Now, how much tank water would I have to replace daily with fresh water in order to decrease the .002 over the course of a week? My total volume is about 90 gallons total.
Don't go too nuts on your poor hydrometer.... there are a number of factors here.
Try hitting the hydrometer with a good hot water soak and be sure to rinse a couple of times (assuming you are the self contained plastic float type and not the glass bulb ones).
I am not a solid believer in refractometers - as light sources can vary greatly and thus your reading. I am sure that there are people here that will disagree with me greatly. But, every wavelength of light has it's own refractivity......given, the refractometry of anything is less dependent on temperature then density, but that difference is slight in the ranges we are talking about the aquarium.....so, in the end, I think consistency is the key.
It's a tad of crapshoot in the end. You are comparing a solution of new water - from the tap or RO or what ever, to a solution in the aquarium containing who knows what (i.e. various proteins and hormones), unless you have the perfect reef system (which wouldn't require water changes).
Just my humble opinion.....
Try hitting the hydrometer with a good hot water soak and be sure to rinse a couple of times (assuming you are the self contained plastic float type and not the glass bulb ones).
I am not a solid believer in refractometers - as light sources can vary greatly and thus your reading. I am sure that there are people here that will disagree with me greatly. But, every wavelength of light has it's own refractivity......given, the refractometry of anything is less dependent on temperature then density, but that difference is slight in the ranges we are talking about the aquarium.....so, in the end, I think consistency is the key.
It's a tad of crapshoot in the end. You are comparing a solution of new water - from the tap or RO or what ever, to a solution in the aquarium containing who knows what (i.e. various proteins and hormones), unless you have the perfect reef system (which wouldn't require water changes).
Just my humble opinion.....
i always just get it AROUND the correct salinity.. then get it right on by either adding more salt or FW.. i use hydrometer btw.. much more accurate than my swing was..
btw.. ive never been able to hit the suggested salinity just by following the directions on the bucket
b
btw.. ive never been able to hit the suggested salinity just by following the directions on the bucket
b
SnowManSnow":3ge0kklz said:i always just get it AROUND the correct salinity.. then get it right on by either adding more salt or FW.. i use hydrometer btw.. much more accurate than my swing was..
btw.. ive never been able to hit the suggested salinity just by following the directions on the bucket
b
Did you mean to say refractometer instead?
Or maybe that you DON'T use a hydrometer?
Well, trigger, poing taken. But I'd still like to have that refracto just to be safe. At least have something to compare the hydrometer to, you know? :wink:
This is a good and cheap refractometer
http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_the ... sp?CartId=
I have it, and it works well
I use Oceanic, and it's really not that big of a deal. Add the standard 1/2 cup of mix to a gallon then bring the temp up to your aquarium's and add more salt or water till it reads right. Even when I uses a hydrometer I never had a problem.
http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_the ... sp?CartId=
I have it, and it works well
I use Oceanic, and it's really not that big of a deal. Add the standard 1/2 cup of mix to a gallon then bring the temp up to your aquarium's and add more salt or water till it reads right. Even when I uses a hydrometer I never had a problem.
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