Safe way to increase salinity level

[ReefGirl87]

My 90 gallon is currently reading 30 ppm, no corals, just fish and crabs and snails at the moment. Any suggestions on how to safely raise the level without going over and not harming anyone?

 

[P-Dub]

Stop with freshwater top-offs till the salinity slowly raises to the level you need.

 

[Deezill]

Water changes with higher salinity. Raise it 2 points a day until u get to 35

 

[RedSea500MaxS]

Water change with higher salt level new water in ratio.

 

[ReefGirl87]

Stop with freshwater top-offs till the salinity slowly raises to the level you need.

Water change with higher salt level new water in ratio.

So top off with saltwater instead of freshwater? I have to top off as my water level goes below the water level line in my sump

 

[RedSea500MaxS]

So top off with saltwater instead of freshwater? I have to top off as my water level goes below the water level line in my sump

Yes but that’s slow....a water change with higher can get your rank to proper sg fastest....safely.

 

[ReefGirl87]

Yes but that’s slow....a water change with higher can get your rank to proper sg fastest....safely.

What if my tank is fairly new? Still do a water change? I don’t want to mess with the cycling process. It’s a month old.

 

[RedSea500MaxS]

Nothing in the tank...fish etc? If not you can simply add salt.

 

[ReefGirl87]

Clownfish and hermit crabs, few snails.

 

[DivingTheWorld]

My tank is similar in size (89g system). When I need to raise my salinity, I just dump 1/2 cup of salt in my overflow, then test again in about 24 hours. Should raise it about 0.0002-3. I recommend double and triple checking your salinity though before you start raising it.

Incidentally, I noticed the ppm measurement. Are you basing this off your Apex probe? I find the salinity probe to be notoriously inaccurate.

 

[ReefGirl87]

My tank is similar in size (89g system). When I need to raise my salinity, I just dump 1/2 cup of salt in my overflow, then test again in about 24 hours. Should raise it about 0.0002-3. I recommend double and triple checking your salinity though before you start raising it.

Incidentally, I noticed the ppm measurement. Are you basing this off your Apex probe? I find the salinity probe to be notoriously inaccurate.

Actually, I’m testing the salinity level the old fashioned way- with a hydrometer.

 

[2una]

Another way -
Work out how much total needed so you don't go overboard

Direct Salt Addition Calculator

Aquarium calculator; Estimate the amount of solid salt required to raise salinity to a target level.

www.hamzasreef.com

Throw some salt in a glass in the sump & it will take a few days to dissolve itself .......do it in parts not all at once

 

[ReefGirl87]

Nothing in the tank...fish etc? If not you can simply add salt.

Couple clownfish, hermit crabs and some snails

 

[P-Dub]

So top off with saltwater instead of freshwater? I have to top off as my water level goes below the water level line in my sump

That is correct. Others have made suggestions above that will work as well. Topping off with salt instead of fresh if you wish to have the most gradual increase in salinity. I have used the salt in a glass in the sump as well and that also works out well.

 

[RedSea500MaxS]

Those will all live in an ashtray. Lol....just adjust it and get rank back on track. Top off will takes months....100 gal at 3 then add 1/2 gal salt water...you will be at 3 For a loooooong time.

I believe having levels correct is best...my two cents. Not like you have very delicate corals that do not like changes. We adjust parameters weekly to optimum with our water changes.

But up to you. Good luck.

 

[YankeeTankee]

I'd get a refractometer first off.

I also agree with Redsea, using saltwater in the ATO will work but especially considering whats in your tank, you can go faster. You could mix saltwater to 40ppt and slowly add some over the course of a couple days if you're really worried but I wouldn't be.