Salinity hydrometer very high, normal for a new aquarium?

[lmlaxo]

Hey guys,

So my tank has been set up since yesterday, bought good salt water from a professional store and I also added a conditioner and also a product to add the bacteria to help the cycle go faster. I just tested my water salinity with my hydrometer and it's at the highest that it can be. Is it normal because it's a new set up a new aquarium etc or no it's not I should add fresh water in there?

Thank you for your time

 

[LetItReef]

Maybe try it for few times and get an average of each readings. I would highly suggest look into a Refractrometer.

 

[bobman]

Where is it? The highest it can be dont tell us much 1.02? Yes if its to high slowly add fresh water to bring it down. If you got water from a "professional store" I dont se why you had to add chemicals. Bacteria is fine but you should have no reason to add anything else at this time.

 

[reeferfoxx]

Make sure bubbles aren't stuck to the swing arm.

 

[Diesel]

Make sure bubbles aren't stuck to the swing arm.

Correct, tap the meter after you fill it.
Refractometer is so much accurate.
Can you show us a picture from your Hydrometer with your water in there.
How long is this tank running?
If it is for a while your water will vaporize and salt will stay behind, that can result in high readings of your salt level.

 

[lmlaxo]

Where is it? The highest it can be dont tell us much 1.02? Yes if its to high slowly add fresh water to bring it down. If you got water from a "professional store" I dont se why you had to add chemicals. Bacteria is fine but you should have no reason to add anything else at this time.

Okay I just tried it again , such a beginner mistake lol I had to push the arrow to ''unblock'' it and it went to 1.025 .
So at this point I should fill up the rest of my tank with salt water ? cause there was water missing when I filled it up yesterday

 

[lmlaxo]

Make sure bubbles aren't stuck to the swing arm.

Thanks lol that was exactly the problem ahahahhaahha

 

[lmlaxo]

Correct, tape the meter after you fill it.
Refractometer is so much accurate.
Can you show us a picture from your Hydrometer with your water in there.
How long is this tank running?
If it is for a while your water will vaporize and salt will stay behind, that can result in high readings of your salt level.

everything its good I had bubbles stuck in the arrow of my hydrometer loll thats why is was so high lol I'm such a beginner at this, its now at 1.025.
My tank has been running since last night

 

[lmlaxo]

Maybe try it for few times and get an average of each readings. I would highly suggest look into a Refractrometer.

Thanks it's on my wish list for sure !

 

[Diesel]

everything its good I had bubbles stuck in the arrow of my hydrometer loll thats why is was so high lol I'm such a beginner at this, its now at 1.025.
My tank has been running since last night

Make sure you test a lot in this stage and write everything down that you experience as you can look back at it later to help you out if you went wrong some where.
We highly suggest to do a build thread where you all can post your test results and everything you do about your tank.
Post pictures Etc will help a lot for other members to understand how your tank looks like if they need to give you valuable advice.

And Btw..............

 

[bobman]

Glad you got it figured out. Hydrometers are not the best at measuring salinity however they are better than nothing. One thing I have found with them is they are pretty consistently inaccurate. So once you figure out where you need to be mark that spot. Meaning go to the ocean measure the salinity and mark it. Then as long as you take care of it a hydrometer can actually be more accurate than a refractometer even though the numbers may not agree . Good luck and I agree with diesel start a build thread and we can help you along the way. And welcome to reef2reef