|
Salinity - Is It
Really Important?
Salinity or specific gravity (sg) are terms used to describe
the amount of salt that is in our water. Rivaled only by
temperature it is the most important parameter in our
tanks! In most ocean areas the salinity averages 1.026. In
our reef tanks we lower that a bit to help reduce stress
(remembering that stress is the biggest killer in this
hobby). A fish only tank can go as low as 1.020 but a tank
with any inverts (corals, snails, shrimp, clams etc.) need a
minimum of 1.023 to survive. I recommend running our reef
tanks at 1.024. Beware! A
reef
tank with an SG lower than 1.023 or higher than 1.026 can
have disastrous results!
There are several tools that measure salinity or specific
gravity. Over the years I've found many customers with salt levels WAY
high & determined that either evaporation was not being
replaced daily or the tools used were out of calibration.
Be responsible & replace evaporation daily & make sure your
tools are operating correctly. Your livestock depends on
you…& your tools. The most commonly used are:
Hydrometer:
I DO NOT Recommend Using!
Glass floating hydrometer with thermometer:
Pros: Inexpensive
Cons: Water movement makes reading them
difficult - inaccurate
Plastic swing
arm hydrometer:
I DO NOT Recommend Using!
Pros: Inexpensive...& that's where it ends
folks!
Cons: The swing arms
coat with hard to see mineral deposits resulting in higher
salinity than what it displays. These
have also been found to be inaccurately calibrated
from the
factory!
Refractometer:
The Best
Choice!
Pros: A little more expensive but a lot more
accurate. Can be calibrated to ensure its
reading
correctly. Does not rely on batteries or any power
source. IMO...worth the peace
of mind!
Cons: The additional cost
Digital Electronic (PinPoint) Salinity Meter:
Pros: Expensive in comparison to the hydrometer
but a lot more accurate & provides
a digital
readout at a glance. Can be calibrated to make sure
its functioning properly.
Cons: The additional purchase cost & relies on
batteries or power source. Most require
conversion.
AquaCorals has Refractometers in Stock - Get Yours Today! |
Shop
For:
