reef tank salinity 1.020

[wschang812]

is it safe? i know it is a bit low for inverts, but everything seems fine. any experience with low salinity? thanks

 

[thesauce]

I've found lower salinity to promote algae growth. You may need to dose trace elements for your corals as well.

 

[mckostya]

after heavy rain falls reef locations are often subjected to much lower salinities than those we keep. is some cases corals could expel their zooxanthellae, bleach and even die. If it is dropped slowly corals should adjust. I would keep an eye on how everything responds.
is there a reason you are keeping salinity that low? treating for parasites?

 

[wschang812]

whenever i put my hand into the tank, the auto top off turns on and stars pumping water. i always forget to turn off the switch before putting my hand in the water. now the water is at 1.020. i will mix some salt today and tomorrow to increase salinity gradually.

 

[pecan2phat]

I experimented with 1.018 and 5 days later, SPS started to RTN.

 

[wschang812]

whats rtn?

 

[rookie07]

why would your ato go on when you put your hand in? shouldn't the water level remain constant.

 

[daaznmofo]

rapid tissue necrosis

 

[mr_X]

i don't think your coral will survive long term in that salinity. the object is to mimic the habitat we harvest these corals from. why would you consider subjecting them to something different?

 

[Tom K]

If you put your auto top off pump on a timer set to go on once a day for a few minutes. then you will not have this problem

 

[darkdrako]

How is it set-up? Are you usingfloat valves?

 

[wschang812]

using single float. everytime i put my hand in the water, creates a bit of wave and the ato starts to pump. will increase salinity tonight. timer for a few minutes once a day is genius. thanks for the advice

 

[Salty Dog]

keep it at .25 period

 

[ClosetFishGeek]

For a fish only system it will work, however for inverts you should try to be in the range of 1.023-1.025 the later being the salinity of the water surounding most reefs.