What is going on with parameters in Nano reef?

[eggplantparrot]

Just recalibrated my refractometer. And it’s now showing 1021....... I’m freaking out a bit! Is that where I’m going wrong!? Has my refractometer been incorrect all this time?? Thinking of just getting a new one??
Feel like I’m gonna cry
Are my fish going to be ok? Have they been used to that salinity I wonder? How quick can I now increase the salinity to 1025

Shall I switch ATO for couple days see how it goes?
Stupid stupid mistake of mine :mad: thanks /stigigemla for the suggestion of the refractometer

Its just how the thing works that makes it super sensitive to outside factors. If you press on the glass to hard during cleaning, or temperature of the day causes the material to expand/contract, all cause slight shifts in the tool, so calibrate with every use, or at least every day of use, it is well worth the time.

 

[Emma01]

Its just how the thing works that makes it super sensitive to outside factors. If you press on the glass to hard during cleaning, or temperature of the day causes the material to expand/contract, all cause slight shifts in the tool, so calibrate with every use, or at least every day of use, it is well worth the time.

Thanks guys I really really appreciate the advice. Stupid mistake I’ve made
ATO..... shall I turn off for couple days to increase salinity.... will this give me a gradual increase that’s not too quick

 

[eggplantparrot]

Thanks guys I really really appreciate the advice. Stupid mistake I’ve made
ATO..... shall I turn off for couple days to increase salinity.... will this give me a gradual increase that’s not too quick

That works, or use saltwater in ATO until display is at desired level, then change back to rodi.

 

[eggplantparrot]

Going back up to 1.025 should raise the alk cal and mag, but mix up the salt before you use it just in case.

 

[Captain Quint]

Thanks guys I really really appreciate the advice. Stupid mistake I’ve made
ATO..... shall I turn off for couple days to increase salinity.... will this give me a gradual increase that’s not too quick

A couple of things. There are several ways to do the rate increase. I cannot speak for everyone but you're not alone in this happening. I've raised my salinity by topping off with salt water just as you stated. It would be safe and gradual which might be a good idea as we don't know how long the rate has been 1.021. Please do not beat yourself up. In the hobby long enough...it happens and then some.

I just noticed you recently joined R2R and I'd like to take the opportunity to welcome you aboard and thanks for joining.

Let us know how it goes, please.

Some good people had already given good advice. This is a great place to be when we need help and we all need help from time to time.

Edit: from time to time it is not a bad idea to use some white distilled vinegar to clean mineral deposits off the test area of our refractometers.

 

[Emma01]

A couple of things. There are several ways to do the rate increase. I cannot speak for everyone but you're not alone in this happening. I've raised my salinity by topping off with salt water just as you stated. It would be safe and gradual which might be a good idea as we don't know how long the rate has been 1.021. Please do not beat yourself up. In the hobby long enough...it happens and then some.

I just noticed you recently joined R2R and I'd like to take the opportunity to welcome you aboard and thanks for joining.

Let us know how it goes, please.

Some good people had already given good advice. This is a great place to be when we need help and we all need help from time to time.

Thanks ever so much, this forum has been a life saver.... pittybi didn’t know about it sooner!
But anyway, thanks to you and everyone for the fab advice.
I’ll let you all know how I get on

 

[johnanddawn]

a couple things
1) your specs aren't that far off (if at all - some run tanks at those levels)
2) don't change anything too quickly, go a little high on your next couple water changes and let evaporation get you where you want to be
3) salt mixes are that way - sometimes we forget that when your mixing small batches of water, the salt mix may not be completely equal to the given specs. Some components of the mix may settle a bit more then others so that every time you make a new small batch it may be slightly different then the next. When mixing small batches slight variation in parameters unfortunately, is to be expected.