Getting S.G level correct

NewToMarine · 03/19/2007, 07:00 PM

I am new to the hobby. Over the weekend I added water to my tank for the first time and got my filters and heater, aerator running. After 24 hours of running, my S.G level was at 1.030. So I took out about a gallon and a half of water and added 2 gallons of fresh water. (I have a 30 gallon tank) Now today, 24 hours after the water change, my S.G level is measuring at 1.012. Did I change too much water, or could it be something in my filters that is pulling the salt out? I want to get my level stable so I can add some live rock to my tank.

Andrew · 03/19/2007, 07:04 PM

To Reef Central

Make sure you are keeping your hydrometer clean and make sure there aren't any bubbles attached to the arm when taking the reading.

sir_dudeguy · 03/19/2007, 07:07 PM

To Reef Central

what andrew said, but also, hydrometers arent always the most accurate anyways. To get a good reading, you should use a refractometer.

But at this point, if you're positive it is that low, take out maybe a half gallon and replace it w/a half gallon that is higher in SG

Deep6 · 03/19/2007, 07:23 PM

First thing you need to do is go to ebay and order a Salinity Refractometer. They are much better and the link below is where I got mine for about $35 shipped. Then remove some water and replace it with water that has a higher level of salt than where your tank is at now to increase the level to 1.024-1.026

http://stores.ebay.com/Gain-Express-Holdings-Ltd

bertoni · 03/20/2007, 12:04 AM

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-06/rhf/index.php

That article will help calibrate your hydrometer, or a refractometer, if you buy one. I agree that the change in SG sounds like a measurement problem, though.

03/19/2007, 07:00 PM	#1
NewToMarine Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Oregon Posts: 11	Getting S.G level correct I am new to the hobby. Over the weekend I added water to my tank for the first time and got my filters and heater, aerator running. After 24 hours of running, my S.G level was at 1.030. So I took out about a gallon and a half of water and added 2 gallons of fresh water. (I have a 30 gallon tank) Now today, 24 hours after the water change, my S.G level is measuring at 1.012. Did I change too much water, or could it be something in my filters that is pulling the salt out? I want to get my level stable so I can add some live rock to my tank.

03/19/2007, 07:07 PM	#3
sir_dudeguy Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 10,841	*To Reef Central* what andrew said, but also, hydrometers arent always the most accurate anyways. To get a good reading, you should use a refractometer. But at this point, if you're positive it is that low, take out maybe a half gallon and replace it w/a half gallon that is higher in SG __________________ TAKE...LUCK!!!

03/20/2007, 12:04 AM	#5
bertoni RC Mod Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Mountain View, CA, USA Posts: 88,616	http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-06/rhf/index.php That article will help calibrate your hydrometer, or a refractometer, if you buy one. I agree that the change in SG sounds like a measurement problem, though. __________________ Jonathan Bertoni

03/19/2007, 07:04 PM	#2
Andrew Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Columbus, OH Posts: 13,640	*To Reef Central* Make sure you are keeping your hydrometer clean and make sure there aren't any bubbles attached to the arm when taking the reading.

03/19/2007, 07:23 PM	#4
Deep6 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: jackson, NJ Posts: 119	First thing you need to do is go to ebay and order a Salinity Refractometer. They are much better and the link below is where I got mine for about $35 shipped. Then remove some water and replace it with water that has a higher level of salt than where your tank is at now to increase the level to 1.024-1.026 http://stores.ebay.com/Gain-Express-Holdings-Ltd