Running hypo indefinitely

ecam · Oct 14, 2015

Hey guys. I've been running hypo for the last 3 weeks and my fish have never looked better. I'm thinking of staying here and just running fowlr. Since corals don't like me!!!

What is the downside if any to keeping fish in such low salinity ?
all opinions are greatly appreciated

Waters · Oct 15, 2015

I am by no means an expert, but I don't think there is a downside to the fish, assuming you aren't going too low. Inverts on the other hand will not survive along with any hitchhikers that come from the live rock.

Daniel@R2R · Oct 15, 2015

@Humblefish might have some wisdom here.

cmcoker · Oct 15, 2015

Well, why were you running hypo? I am assuming ich or something. .. so is it actually relief from a parasite making them look better or the hyposalinity?

DeniseAndy · Oct 15, 2015

Lower than normal salinity has long term effects on the kidneys of the fish and shortens their life.

It will depend on if you are talking true hypo 1.010 or just lower specific gravity 1.018. Most public aquariums will run the marine systems at 32 salinity around 1.018 sg. This allows them less money on salt and also will keep parasites at bay. Not eliminate, but keep down.

I would not run them at hypo! This adds stress to their system and is not suppose to be a long term thing. It will have damaging effects. However, low sg will not have as much effect on them.

Humblefish · Oct 15, 2015

I would have to do some research to find the article, but I remember reading that long term exposure to hyposalinity will damage a fish's internal organs. Unless it's a species already predisposed to brackish conditions, like a puffer.

ecam · Oct 15, 2015

Guys thanks for the information. Im going to start raising the salinity this weekend back to normal. I think its right the relief from the rich is probably what is making them look so happy. Under these conditions I have a ravenous butterfly eating like a champ a jet black achilles and even a penny-sized yellow hippo eating and co-mingling with fish. Its nice too see and great to have rescued a fish that would've died on me. (The Achilles was esentially white with all the spots).

dh350twin · Oct 19, 2015

ecam said:
Guys thanks for the information. Im going to start raising the salinity this weekend back to normal. I think its right the relief from the rich is probably what is making them look so happy. Under these conditions I have a ravenous butterfly eating like a champ a jet black achilles and even a penny-sized yellow hippo eating and co-mingling with fish. Its nice too see and great to have rescued a fish that would've died on me. (The Achilles was esentially white with all the spots).

Pics?