Salinity - Safe Top End

[Hermit Up North]

What is the top end on salinity in a reef tank? Mine is 1.028, should I bring it down? I usually run 1.026 on this reef (2 year old tank) but somehow it got away from me. Your advice, as always, is greatly appreciated.

TIA
Hermit

 

[Anonymous]

i'm fairly certain that areas of the red sea get as high as .030, or thereabouts.

though i think it's best not too let your tank get too close to that-since any further evaporation may put you in a dangerous area :wink:

i once had a tank get a very high s.g.-off the hydrometers scale-because it was faulty, and i had no idea that it was...

some of the corals in the tank actually survived, to my amazement.

oh- and never clean a swing arm hydrometer w/bleach-it'll bind any residue of carbonates/calcium right onto the needle :wink:

 

[suckair]

heh it gets above .030 in honduras.. I have to use a few extra pounds to dive in Utilla.

I have let my rubbermaid systems climb as high at .035 "was a stupid mistake" and suffered no ill effects. I did notice polyup extension was not normal for a few days so I tested it. Soon after that I started using refractometers.

 

[john f]

How are you checking sg? I hope not with a swingarm hydrometer. They are worthless. If you can't afford a refractometer, then just go buy a large floating type glass hydrometer.

First make sure the reading you are getting is a "true" reading before making any adjusments based on false data.


John

 

[Marcosreef]

What are Natural Reef Salinities and Temperatures…Really…
and Does It Matter?
http://www.animalnetwork.com/fish2/aqfm ... efault.asp

Specific Gravity: Oh How Complicated!
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/ ... mistry.htm

Both are great articles.

Marco

 

[Hermit Up North]

Thanks to all who replied, and especially Marcosreef for the most informative research articles.

Hermit