Well, I am finally to the point my new tank is full and I am checking salinity. I have a nice Tropic Marin high precision hydrometer that I like. I have a question about the factory settings and I figured you guys would know something. The shaded blue section is between 1.025 and 1.027 which is the target they suggest. But I notice salinity settings vary out of that range. It seem most I read here like 1.025 which at the top end of their range. I have seen some as low as 1.019 and 1.023. This for a mixed reef tank. I was wondering why they have this range when many here suggest below 1.025.
Really 1.026 is ideal. More salt mix in the water means more trace elements. Good call on the hydrometer, those things are awesome! Be sure to account for temperature when using it
The organisms in our tanks appear to do fine at a wide range of salinities.
That said, unless you are trying to cheap out on salt (like LFS may) or are matching an LFS for delivery, I see little reason to target anything other the typical ocean average of 35 ppt, or sg = 1.0264.
IMO, some of the lower values that folks "recommend" have simply been passed down from earlier generations of reefers as if there were an established reason for them. I could never find one.
in fact, some are purely technical mistakes made by those early reef masters.
For example, in this old thread, I document how one of these reef masters thought he was recommending 35 ppt in his book (and said so), but then gave the wrong specific gravity, possibly confusing density with specific gravity:
Reef Central is dedicated to the marine reef aquarium hobby. Learn about reef aquarium setup and maintenance, and view coral and marine fish photos. Visit our online community and discuss and chat with hobbyists of all levels from beginner to advanced.
www.reefcentral.com
"The specific gravity (s.g.) that I suggest, which corresponds to 35 ppt salinity, is 1.0234 at 77 Degrees Fahrenheit. "
The value of 1.0233 is the density of 35 ppt seawater at 77 deg F, not the specific gravity, which is about 1.0264.
I wonder how many reefers relied on this misinformation.
Well, I am finally to the point my new tank is full and I am checking salinity. I have a nice Tropic Marin high precision hydrometer that I like. I have a question about the factory settings and I figured you guys would know something. The shaded blue section is between 1.025 and 1.027 which is the target they suggest. But I notice salinity settings vary out of that range. It seem most I read here like 1.025 which at the top end of their range. I have seen some as low as 1.019 and 1.023. This for a mixed reef tank. I was wondering why they have this range when many here suggest below 1.025.
I go 1.025 simply because it is close to nature and it is easy to remember 25. There can be problems with taking in new animals as I have found many stores and retailers use lower salinity. Drip method and/or QT tank usually get you around this and I find things that crawl out of the water in nature seem to be less effected by the shift.
The organisms in our tanks appear to do fine at a wide range of salinities.
That said, unless you are trying to cheap out on salt (like LFS may) or are matching an LFS for delivery, I see little reason to target anything other the typical ocean average of 35 ppt, or sg = 1.0264.
IMO, some of the lower values that folks "recommend" have simply been passed down from earlier generations of reefers as if there were an established reason for them. I could never find one.
in fact, some are purely technical mistakes made by those early reef masters.
For example, in this old thread, I document how one of these reef masters thought he was recommending 35 ppt in his book (and said so), but then gave the wrong specific gravity, possibly confusing density with specific gravity:
Reef Central is dedicated to the marine reef aquarium hobby. Learn about reef aquarium setup and maintenance, and view coral and marine fish photos. Visit our online community and discuss and chat with hobbyists of all levels from beginner to advanced.
www.reefcentral.com
"The specific gravity (s.g.) that I suggest, which corresponds to 35 ppt salinity, is 1.0234 at 77 Degrees Fahrenheit. "
The value of 1.0233 is the density of 35 ppt seawater at 77 deg F, not the specific gravity, which is about 1.0264.
I wonder how many reefers relied on this misinformation.
Thanks Randy for your informed reply. I use Tropic Marin salt and hydrometer at 78 F.
I would like your opinion: Should I get something else to check the accuracy of their hydrometer or is it safe just to use it alone? If there are no accuracy issues with this manufacturer there is no need. I hate to buy a second one just to check. What would you do?
Thanks Randy for your informed reply. I use Tropic Marin salt and hydrometer at 78 F.
I would like your opinion: Should I get something else to check the accuracy of their hydrometer or is it safe just to use it alone? If there are no accuracy issues with this manufacturer there is no need. I hate to buy a second one just to check. What would you do?
