Acro Colors - Help

[reefer1]

Well, I thought I would get my water tested by the LFS. Alkalinity 130, Calcium 420, nitrates undetectable.
The shocker - my salinity measured 1.028. My refractometer measured 1.025. I don't know how it drifted out of calibration. This is the second time - it happened about a year ago also. Piece of s... It's time to switch to a conductivity probe. The tech there said the high salinity is probably my problem.
What are your thoughts?
So, how do you suggest I bring it back in line? I was thinking about replacing 1/2-gallon of tank water with pure Ro/Di water 3 times a day to gradually change the salinity.
Thanks

 

[Chaz D]

Your plan seems fine, however continue to monitor your cal/mag/alk since adding the ro/di will dillute these values...expect them to fall. You'll need to make adjustments. Even with your salinity at what it is, I still think low nutrients a bigger factor in your faded corals. Get yourself something to calibrate your refractometer with and use it every 2-3 times you test (takes a few seconds), a cheaper option is making your own.

 

[reefer1]

Update:
Thanks for all the great advice. My tank is now stable. The biopellet reactor is a distant painful memory. Nitrates measure between 2-5ppm(salifert test kit). Salinity 1.026. Alkalinity 7.7 calcium 400. Magnesium 1380
Most of the color has returned, although it took a while.
Great polyp extension
Some of the colors still not as expected though:
Red acropora still looks like a faded pink
Oregon tort shows bright blue tips with greenish brown body. Use to be all bright blue when first added
Strawberry shortcake very light pink

Any thing missing?
Any tweaks to suggest?
Thanks!