Fishless Cycling Salinity

[Learner123]

Hi All,

Very new to the hobby and am already obsessed

Quick question about salinity levels during cycling - - when I tested levels after 48 hours of mixing i landed at 35ppm and decided to fill up my 30 gallon. Prior to filling, I added live sand (and rock). I then added the saltwater and few days after mixed in the DrTim's One & Only as well as DrTim's Ammonium Chloride. I am on Day 2 of the cycle and tested salinity (40), ph (8.0), Ammonia (2.0) and Nitrite (0).

I am surprised to see salinity go up?! Should I do a water change now to bring it down or ride it out for 2 weeks (or so) once bacteria have taken more of a foothold?

Also, do you think the live sand and rock contributed to the higher salinity? I have about 2 inches of sand in the tank.

Appreciate any feedback.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Spare time]

Was there a decent amount of evaporation? What do you use to measure salinity? In small tanks, it's not surprising to see salinity rise by 5 ppt over a few days. Have you topped off the tank at all?

 

[Learner123]

Not much evaporation (I don’t think) about a 1/4 inch.

I use a refractometer purchased from Amazon.

Haven’t topped off tank, will do that now.

 

[Spare time]

Not much evaporation (I don’t think) about a 1/4 inch.

I use a refractometer purchased from Amazon.

Haven’t topped off tank, will do that now.

Have you calibrated the refractometer? I always do that if something seems off about it.

If it is correct, simply remove some water and replace with fresh or top off.

 

[Learner123]

Have you calibrated the refractometer? I always do that if something seems off about it.

If it is correct, simply remove some water and replace with fresh or top off.

Topped off tank yesterday and checked salinity today. Came in at 35ppm - you were right! Thank you!!

 

[Screwgunner]

If you do not have a ato top off your water once a day.

 

[Bfragale]

Hello Leaener123-

I made a quick video “everything a beginner reefer needs to know about salinity In our reef tanks”

maybe there is some useful information for you here


Everything Beginner Reefers Need to Know About Salinity in our reef tanks


good luck my friend and happy reefing!