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This Week’s Reefing Tip – W/E  5/10  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.  Recently I found 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:

     1.  Hydrometer:
             a.  Glass floating with thermometer:
                     Pros:  Inexpensive
                     Cons:  Water movement makes reading them difficult - inaccurate

             b.  Plastic swing Arm:
                     Pros:  Inexpensive
                     Cons:  Unless rinsed after each use with freshwater the swing arms can
                     coat with hard to see mineral deposits resulting in higher salinity than what it displays.  Some
                     have also been found to be inaccurately calibrated from the factory!

     2.  Refractometer:
                     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

     3.  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.

Bottom line, no matter what tool you use to measure salinity in your tank it is critical that it's working correctly.

AquaCorals has Hydrometers, Refractometers & Calibration fluid In Stock!!

AquaCorals is a "Fragrance Free" Facility...
Thank you for not wearing perfume, aftershave, and or similar products inside the store.
For more info. click here

Cash & Checks Preferred...
I am often asked by local customers whether I prefer credit cards, cash or checks.  The answer is cash & checks are better because all stores pay a fee on every sale paid for by a credit card.  Paying by cash & checks helps keep costs down.  If no choice...Visa & Mastercard are always welcome.  :0)

Coral Frag Exchange Program
Notice:  Moratorium on Pink Anthelia, Striped Pulsing Xenia & Gold/Brown Capnella (Neon Green Capnella still accepted).
Due to massive numbers already in stock, I will not be accepting these corals for the Trade-In program.  I am currently looking at a wholesale outlet & hope to be able to take everything everyone can grow!  Check back here for notification as to when I can take the above corals again.
Make Some$ & Support your Reef Addiction....Umm I mean Hobby.  :0)
A wonderful result of a thriving reef tank is that your corals will GROW...right out of your tank if left unchecked.  At some point you'll be forced to harvest some of that growth.  Instead of throwing away what you cut, make babies & make $!  Bring in your baby corals based on the guidelines listed below & buy anything you like in the store whether live or dry goods.  :0)  You'll also be helping to save a reef!

1. Rock bases must be at least 3+ inches for soft corals

2. Mushroom rocks need a minimum of 2+ polyps per rock

3. Polyps such as Zoanthids & Cloves need a minimum of 5+ polyps per rock

4. Soft corals must be a minimum of 3+ inches (branching or matting species), fully tissue attached, binders removed & not glue dependent.

5. SPS cuttings must be a minimum of 1.5+ inches, glued &/or tissue attached to rock or suitable reef substrate.

6. Corals with nuisance algae, macro algae &/or aptasia will not be accepted

7. Monies must be used at the time the corals are brought in.

Rubble Rock:  I have cured rock that can be purchased then broken to make your own rubble to mount your cuttings on.  I also have specialized "plugs" for sale that will fit light diffuser grid holes for those of you needing to glue SPS, Gorgonians etc.

Got coral frags?...but don't want to take up the space or the time & hassle to mount?  Bag them up, bring them in & receive $ for each!  Note:  Soft coral frags must be fully healed to be accepted.

For those looking to try their hand at propagating I offer free "How To" advice.  :0)

Unmounted Coral Frags Now Available For Sale!
Unmounted coral frags are now available for purchase in-store!  Colorful SPS, Mushrooms, Zoanthids, Polyps and more.  Individual prices are listed on the frag tanks.  Come in & check them out!  :0)

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	Come relax & enjoy the big reef displays!	Tank Raised Xenia Striped Pulsing & Red Sea Pink
	A gift for AquaCorals...   A phenomenal custom designed Stained Glass Window!!! Designed & Hand Crafted by my super talented... awesome customer & friends... Karen & Dave Allen!	Custom "Lagoon" tank filled with LPS, SPS, Clams & More!