Another Reef Chemistry Noob

Coastie Reefer · Dec 3, 2016

I'm testing with a refracometer, but I don't have calibration fluid. Just ordered calibration fluid from BRS. Initially calibrated with distilled water. Won't do anything until I confirm salinity.

Coastie Reefer · Dec 13, 2016

So I've been calibrating my refractometer and testing regularly, and my tank has been running at 1.024 (more like 1.0235 probably). IO posted levels are at 1.026, so I'm thinking my salinity is actually the issue here. How can I safely raise the the salinity from 1.024 to 1.026 or even 1.027 without adding salt directly to the tank. Is there a formula for boosting salinity via water changes. I.E. remove this much water and replace with water of a specific salinity level?

yellojello · Dec 13, 2016

I would bring it up slowly, especially with SPS. If you have 1.024 and did 100% water change with 1.026 new water, you'll get 1.026. 50% water change will get you to 1.025. 25% water change to 1.0245. Etc.

Coastie Reefer · Dec 15, 2016

Over the past few days I've gotten the salinity to 1.026. This has bumped my Ca to 400, Mg 1200, and dKH 9.1. Things seem to be more in line with the "standards". I'd like to get my all down a little but I'll let the corals do that on their own. Feeling much better about testing now. Thanks for all the help. Much appreciated.