Specific gravity

goldenreef · Nov 20, 2020

So i just want to make sure i have a reef tank with 3 corals some inverts 2 clowns and one malnarus wrasse. My saltinity is inbetween .23-.24 i just want to make sure that was ok for my tank dose anyone have any thoughts ?

lapin · Nov 20, 2020

goldenreef said:
So i just want to make sure,
I have a reef tank with :
3 corals
Some inverts
2 clowns and one malnarus wrasse.
My saltinity is inbetween .23-.24
i just want to make sure that was ok for my tank dose anyone have any thoughts ?

The corals need 1.025 - 1.026 or 35ppt
Sea water, where most of our corals come from is around 1.026

Flippers4pups · Nov 20, 2020

goldenreef said:
So i just want to make sure i have a reef tank with 3 corals some inverts 2 clowns and one malnarus wrasse. My saltinity is inbetween .23-.24 i just want to make sure that was ok for my tank dose anyone have any thoughts ?

How are you testing your salinity?

goldenreef · Nov 20, 2020

Flippers4pups said:
How are you testing your salinity?

With a hydrometer

xxkenny90xx · Nov 20, 2020

I like mid range like 1.024 for a hydrometer since it could be off by a bit. But go get yourself a floating hydrometer or a refractometer!

Garf · Nov 20, 2020

Buy a refractometer and make sure to calibrate it. Use @Randy Holmes-Farley DIY calibration solution to nail it.

Flippers4pups · Nov 20, 2020

goldenreef said:
With a hydrometer

I would recommend a refractometer and calibration fluid. Hydrometers can be inaccurate at times.

Mastiffsrule · Nov 20, 2020

Evening,

I am with Kenny. I run .24. I do this mainly for the fact I lean more heavily to fish than coral. The higher up, less dissolved oxygen for the fish. I like .24 for a good balance to keep the fish happy.

For measuring, I am old school. Again with Kenny, the floating has been best. You need to know how to use it. I also use a coralife hydrometer. For others, I recommend the refractometer and calibration solution.

And most import, an ATO or way to keep salinity in you tank stable.

Happy reefing.

xxkenny90xx · Nov 20, 2020

Mastiffsrule said:
Evening,

I am with Kenny. I run .24. I do this mainly for the fact I lean more heavily to fish than coral. The higher up, less dissolved oxygen for the fish. I like .24 for a good balance to keep the fish happy.

For measuring, I am old school. Again with Kenny, the floating has been best. You need to know how to use it. I also use a coralife hydrometer. For others, I recommend the refractometer and calibration solution.

And most import, an ATO or way to keep salinity in you tank stable.

Happy reefing.

Here is what I use (among other things)

Mastiffsrule · Nov 20, 2020

xxkenny90xx said:
Here is what I use (among other things)

The best. Not many folk know about them, or use them right.

Backreefing · Nov 20, 2020

xxkenny90xx said:
Here is what I use (among other things)

Trash it , because I was useing something very similar. And instead of 1.026 it was really 1.033 ! I finally bought a reflectometer . I really wish I had bought it sooner , I lost a lot of corals do to junk equipment.
I think with that thing in the picture the paper insert with the scale printed on it can move throwing everything out.

xxkenny90xx · Nov 20, 2020

Backreefing said:
Trash it , because I was useing something very similar. And instead of 1.026 it was really 1.033 ! I finally bought a reflectometer . I really wish I had bought it sooner , I lost a lot of corals do to junk equipment.
I think with that thing in the picture the paper insert with the scale printed on it can move throwing everything out.

I have 2 refractometers as well. This hydrometer is very old and is still spot on. I also thought the paper might move originally but it never has. This is easily my most trusted tool for checking salinity

stanlalee · Nov 21, 2020

lapin said:
The corals need 1.025 - 1.026 or 35ppt
Sea water, where most of our corals come from is around 1.026

"Need" is too strong of a word. I kept every kind of coral for the first 10-12 years reefing at 1.023 with no ill effects. I moved to 1.025 mostly to compensate for error. At 1.025 a .002 swing/error in either direction causes no ill effects. At 1.023 I don't want to be off even .001 for and length of time.

clm65 · Nov 21, 2020

Mastiffsrule said:
The best. Not many folk know about them, or use them right.

Can you elaborate? I use one of these, and I think I’m using it right, but now you have me wondering .

lapin · Nov 21, 2020

stanlalee said:
"Need" is too strong of a word. I kept every kind of coral for the first 10-12 years reefing at 1.023 with no ill effects. I moved to 1.025 mostly to compensate for error. At 1.025 a .002 swing/error in either direction causes no ill effects. At 1.023 I don't want to be off even .001 for and length of time.

Ya need is prob the wrong word
I should have said
"I have better growth in my tank at 1.026 than at 1.024"

thatmanMIKEson · Jun 5, 2021

Backreefing said:
Trash it , because I was useing something very similar. And instead of 1.026 it was really 1.033 ! I finally bought a reflectometer . I really wish I had bought it sooner , I lost a lot of corals do to junk equipment.
I think with that thing in the picture the paper insert with the scale printed on it can move throwing everything out.

LOL "TRASH IT" thats funny these are great and around 60$ now i believe. There is no mechanical error if you take care of them (the reason they come in a very protective case from MFG.) and use them in a completely still body of water (a beaker big enough to fit in at the correct temperature) they are spot on or extremely close. but i use one of these along with the millwauke Refractometer. and when they are spot on together i feel good.

its a good idea to have 3 or more ways to check and use and educated guess on what your at, ive only had problems when i rely on one tool no matter what it is. dont trash it give it another shot!!