Salinity Keeps Creeping up

fishnugget1 · Nov 2, 2019

I try to keep my reef at 1.025-1.026. I follow instructions on Tropic Marine and 2.5 cups per 5 gallons makes water at 1.026. I am using B- Ionic 2 part dosing. My temp average is 77.3.

I am using a Tunze ATO which keeps my water levels in check. Working perfectly. However, my salinity keeps rising to 1.027.

All my reading says that I should keep reef at 1.025-1.026 for healthiest corals. I can't seem to do that. My salinity keeps creeping up.

Any suggestions?

motortrendz · Nov 2, 2019

What are you using to measure salinity?

fishnugget1 · Nov 2, 2019

milwaukee electronic as well as a BRS

fishnugget1 · Nov 2, 2019

both read the same.. Both have been calibrated

Quietman · Nov 2, 2019

Doesn't using two-part result in a slight salinity increase over time due to non-depleted ions remaining after calcification. Read something about it, let me look.

Here it is....

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/2-part-and-salinity.205498/

fishnugget1 · Nov 2, 2019

KrisReef · Nov 2, 2019

I had this happen when my wife put saltwater into the ato instead of ro water.

Over what time period is your salinity increasing?

Feet4Fish · Nov 2, 2019

2 Part is your culprit

Auquanut · Nov 2, 2019

1.027 SG shouldn't have a dramatic effect on the tank, but you can remove small amounts of water from the sump and let the ATO replenish until you hit the desired level. It shouldn't affect Alk and Calk too much, but I would keep an eye on them.

Larry L · Nov 2, 2019

@fishnugget1

Quietman said:
Doesn't using two-part result in a slight salinity increase over time due to non-depleted ions remaining after calcification. Read something about it, let me look.

Here it is....

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/2-part-and-salinity.205498/

^^^ It's this (most likely).

Sometimes the buildup is less noticeable, like if you are removing salty water via your skimmer or whatever, but it does build up over time.

When my salinity creeps up like this, I just remove a little tank water and let it get replenished by RODI from my top off, and slowly bring it back down that way.

120reefkeeper · Nov 2, 2019

My take on this is that most likely the 2 part is the culprit. I would do a water change with slightly lower salinity. This will balance it back out.

Example 1.024

Make sense?

X-37B · Nov 2, 2019

Yep its the 2 part like everone said.
Thats why we monitor it for stability.
All avove methods work.
Taking a small amount of tank water out and letting the ato do the work is how I do it.

Saltfishlover · Nov 2, 2019

Evaporation?

fishnugget1 · Nov 2, 2019

dose a calcium reactor fix this issue?

Randy Holmes-Farley · Nov 2, 2019

fishnugget1 said:
dose a calcium reactor fix this issue?

it’s not generally a problem, and such reactors have their own issues, but it is correct that they do not raise salinity.

fishnugget1 · Nov 2, 2019

What issues should I be aware of with calcium reactor

Randy Holmes-Farley · Nov 3, 2019

fishnugget1 said:
What issues should I be aware of with calcium reactor

It drives pH down. That’s my biggest concern.

Cory · Nov 5, 2019

Removing tank water and replacing with fresh water is not the best way to reduce salinity when dosing two part. Its best to do a lower salinity water change to correct the salinity when using two part. If your at 36ppt and want 35ppt doing a 40% water change at 34ppt would be better than using pure water. Unless Randy thinks this is wrong?