LFS salinity...
 

Has anyone tested the salinity of the LFS water b4? i tested some from the LFS on friday, and it was 1.020....kinda low no?

That's pretty low. Are you sure it was an accurate test?

my refractometer is set perfectly...

You will always find an LFS salinity to be low. I think the main reason is that a LFS isn't a long-term home but rather a temporary holding facility; and, with a lower salinity, they are able to save a lot of money in salt cost.

- Chad

I've tested some & it has ranged from 1.020 to 1.034. BTW, it is NEVER a good idea to add LFS water into your tank, even from their reef tanks because you never know what else you are getting with it. I know many LFS add a little copper into their tanks to control ick. Their reef tanks usually have their best water quality, but those corals come from all over & just to play it safe, NEVER use LFS water in your own tank. This is just a good habit & some LFS might be very diligent in their water quality control, but still, why risk it.

Anthony

Was this from a coral or fish tank?

Stores and most keepers will keep fish only tanks at a lower salt levels on purpose. The fish do well at these densities and many of the parasites that prey on the fish do not.

As a matter of fact I would be shocked to find a store's fish system above 1.20

Over the past year we've been establishing stock in our new FOWLR tank, giving us the chance to test the water from many of the Lower Mainland LFS (generally from their fish only tanks).

The SG range has been from 1.021 to 1.026. The 1.026 was a pleasant surprise, since that's the target SG of our systems.

What I've found more interesting is the range in nitrate levels, ranging from 20 to 160 ppm :exclaim:

i always test lfs water for sg and nitrates,sg is always low and nitrates are always high

What store was it?

i prefer not to say.