I think all my levels are too low

Dolf · #1 03-15-2009, 01:27 PM

"The lower salinity limit that most reef animals can tolerate at for at least a few hours is about 30 ppt. This represents the salinity normally found in estuaries, or around river mouths or, periodically, in some lagoons after substantial rainfall. Coral reefs are generally located in areas that have salinities in the range of 35 ppt to 38 ppt. Most of our corals, and the associated fauna including fishes, will live best at those conditions."

Comes from an excellent article on salinity and temperature here... http://www.ronshimek.com/salinity_temperature.html

Check the accuracy of what you are using to measure and know that temperature can affect (in a small way) some forms of measuring salinity...

Myka · #2 03-15-2009, 07:18 PM

Oh I forgot to mention that if you are using a plastic swing arm hydrometer you should check its accuracy against either a refactometer (your LFS should be willing to do this for you), or calibrate it yourself as hydrometers are notoriously inaccurate.

Dolf · #3 03-16-2009, 12:40 AM

I found the article I was looking for which discusses salinity and how to measure it by Randy Holmes Farley... http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-06/rhf/index.php . I only include it because your salinity seems so low that I question if it is an accurate reading. The begining discusses salinity and the end the different ways to measure it.

Snappy · #4 03-16-2009, 01:23 AM

When keeping stoney corals I would recommend an SG no lower that 1.024 and keep in mind natural sea water is about 7 DKH & ca is close to 400. Unless running zeo I suggest keeping the alk closer to 8-9 DHK and ca 420-440. Your fish will be fine & your corals will be happy.