Physical Retail Store

Wed - Sat 11am - 6pm
3 miles North off Fairfield I95 exit 133

Just 2 miles North of Shawmut & 2 miles South of Hinckley
RT 201.
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Retail Store Hours:
Wed - Sat:  11a - 6p
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Fairfield, ME


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A Maine Reef Aquarium Store &
 The Largest Soft Coral Aquaculture Facility In The USA!


    "Reefers Grow Their Own" ™

A Great Place to Visit Too!
Guaranteed Worth The Drive!
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Tanks & Stands on SALE!
January MEGA SALE!!

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Wholesale Inquiries Welcome!

Self Help - Answers to Common Reefing Questions & Problems

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!

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For Service & Pricing Call 872-8257

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Retail location prices may vary from online prices.