Noob Salt question

jslaney · #1 09-15-2008, 02:25 AM

I just bought some red sea salt and Hydrometer and they are saying that I should keep my specific gravity at 1.021 (at 27 C). On the web I have read it should be 1.026 at that temperature.

The Hydrometer even has a "safe range" on it to make sure your in which is well below the 1.026 marking.

Any comments?

michika · #2 09-15-2008, 02:36 AM

Stick with 1.024 to 1.026 at 77-82 degrees. Hydrometers are notorious for being out. Have it tested by someone with a refractometer so you can ensure you are getting a proper measurement.

MikeP · #3 09-15-2008, 02:38 AM

Anywhere between 1.021 and 1.026 is fine. I keep my tank at 1.024, the most important thing is to be consistent with where you keep it.

mseepman · #4 09-15-2008, 02:38 AM

I think that a lot of people keep their gravity at about 1.024 and feel pretty comfortable at that range. Hydrometers tend to also be touchy about giving you a proper number, that's why most people move towards a reflectometer as soon as they can get one.

jslaney · #5 09-15-2008, 06:08 PM

Thanks for the replies. I have it at 1.024 right now as that was in the middle but will make sure I have it checked with a refractometer. I wonder why Red Sea says to keep it so low.

Jon.

ElGuappo · #6 09-15-2008, 06:32 PM

Thanks to another reefer i know that my Hydrometer is out almost 1 full point. used a refracto and compared results. if yu cant afford a refracto this is a good way to go. just have someone with one test your water and compare results.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mseepman

I think that a lot of people keep their gravity at about 1.024 and feel pretty comfortable at that range. Hydrometers tend to also be touchy about giving you a proper number, that's why most people move towards a reflectometer as soon as they can get one.

spreerider · #7 09-15-2008, 07:13 PM

my hydrometer was out .4 when i tested it with a refractometer, lucky for me it was out in exactly how much i over did my salt so i ended up perfect.

Aquattro · #8 09-15-2008, 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jslaney

I wonder why Red Sea says to keep it so low.

Jon.

Makes the salt last longer, you are happy you don't have to buy as much? Dunno. It should be 1.026 for proper levels.

RuGlu6 · #9 09-15-2008, 11:11 PM

I'd say keep it at your LFS level.
Better survival rates for your fish and coral, less shock.
All you have to do is when you bring some new live stock home measure salinity with whatever means you have at home and this will be your level.
I keep it at J&L's 1.024