Reef tank salinity really low..

[Be102]

So I finally managed to figure out where my salinity stands and it is very low.. I am getting readings of around 1.014, although everything coral wise and whatnot seems to be growing and thriving. I was wondering if this happened to anyone else whilst using instant ocean? I only have come to the conclusion it must be my salt because of today’s test.
I was making salt water for my TTM for ich on my clownfish. I decided today to stick my sensor prob into a little cup of the newly made water and I got a salinity of like 1.012.... I have no clue how. I make 20 gallons of water and add 10 cups of salt as per instructed to get a higher salinity and something is off. Any idea what’s going on? My hydrometer reads really low too so it’s surely not my sensor.

It’s strange because my corals are doing great.

 

[mich2599]

I use RF and I have to add more than what it indicates in order to get 1.025 SG. I use a refractometer to measure my SG they are more reliable than a hydrometer.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

I’d honestly get the refractometer.
(Some body had to say it )

I gave up on cups and adjusting too.
800 grams IO to 5 gal water is 35ppt.

The slow change won’t hurt them, it just changes the chemistry a bit. They adjust.

 

[Be102]

I’d honestly get the refractometer.
(Some body had to say it )

I gave up on cups and adjusting too.
800 grams IO to 5 gal water is 35ppt.

The slow change won’t hurt them, it just changes the chemistry a bit. They adjust.

I’ll try the refractometer again. But still think it’s lower than it should be.. I know it seems really low surprisingly but I think it’s s combination of just topping off with constant large top offs and or the continuing loss of salt during salt creep

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

I’ll try the refractometer again. But still think it’s lower than it should be.. I know it seems really low surprisingly but I think it’s s combination of just topping off with constant large top offs and or the continuing loss of salt during salt creep

You have calibration solution?

 

[Mal11224]

At this point, I am able to eyeball how many cups I need to add to my saltwater container but I always use a refractometer to pinpoint between 35ppt and 36ppt. I tend to keep my tank a little higher than 35ppt. I also recalibrate my refractometer every 6 weeks or so. I have the apex conductivity probe as well but trust my refractometer more. You should be able to get your salinity up slowly by adding saltwater to your top off.

 

[Be102]

You have calibration solution?

No it’s a Red Sea and it calibrates with ro/di I believe