Best way to increase tank salinity

92reefer · 10/05/2014, 04:00 PM

I just did a major water change in my 60g cube (changed 32 gallons).

I'm trying to get clean the tank up from a nasty algae problem.

So I just checked the salinity with my hydrometer and it's reading about 1.024 to 1.025

What's the best way to increase the overall salinity?

I have a 5 gallon topoff mixed with Mrs Wages so I don't think I want to mix saltwater in that circuit?

Drae · 10/05/2014, 04:14 PM

What's wrong with 1.024-25? That's fine imo

92reefer · 10/05/2014, 04:35 PM

I'm using IO and when I test it's usually low on Magnesium, Alk and CA.

Several reefers suggested that I run salinity a bit higher which in turn would boost the MAG CA and ALK so I wouldn't have to dose so much to balance the tank? Is that bad advice?

3eight33 · 10/05/2014, 05:41 PM

If you were running your salinity on the lower side than no. But Imo your salinity is about as high as you're going to want it. But to answer your question (even though I strongly recommend you do more research before raising your salinity any higher), when I need to raise mine for whatever reason, I mix up a gallon of Rodi with 6 cups of salt. I than take that salt mixture and add a small amount (maybe 1 cup or so) into the system twice a day in a high flow spot. This will slowly bring the salinity up without any problems

3eight33 · 10/05/2014, 05:44 PM

In order to use that salt mix as a means of increasing you calcium, alk and mag levels, you would need to be doing bigger water changes more often. You could always look into changing your salt brand as well. Some will mix into much higher levels. If that's what your looking for. I personally would keep my salinity levels in the proper ranges and start looking into dosing your levels to where you want them

mfinn · 10/05/2014, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 92reefer

I'm using IO and when I test it's usually low on Magnesium, Alk and CA.

Several reefers suggested that I run salinity a bit higher which in turn would boost the MAG CA and ALK so I wouldn't have to dose so much to balance the tank? Is that bad advice?

If you are looking for higher ca, alk, and mg numbers, use a salt that tests higher in those numbers, like Reef Crystals.

3eight33 · 10/05/2014, 05:59 PM

Exactly what he said. That's what I use. Plus I've found thru trial and error how much of a water change I need to do and how often to maintain my levels where I want them

Realposition · 10/05/2014, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3eight33

If you were running your salinity on the lower side than no. But Imo your salinity is about as high as you're going to want it. But to answer your question (even though I strongly recommend you do more research before raising your salinity any higher), when I need to raise mine for whatever reason, I mix up a gallon of Rodi with 6 cups of salt. I than take that salt mixture and add a small amount (maybe 1 cup or so) into the system twice a day in a high flow spot. This will slowly bring the salinity up without any problems

I'm not sure why you're suggesting 1.024 is as high as he would want it, 1.026 should be your target.

For raising salinity I would just top off with saltwater as opposed to rodi till you reach 1.026. Mixing the salt mix up to 1.026 as opposed to 1.024 will give you slightly higher cal/alk/mag levels but I don't think it will make a huge difference. If weekly water changes aren't keeping up with your consumption then you might start looking into 2 part to keep cal and all where you like it.

3eight33 · 10/05/2014, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Realposition

I'm not sure why you're suggesting 1.024 is as high as he would want it, 1.026 should be your target.

For raising salinity I would just top off with saltwater as opposed to rodi till you reach 1.026. Mixing the salt mix up to 1.026 as opposed to 1.024 will give you slightly higher cal/alk/mag levels but I don't think it will make a huge difference. If weekly water changes aren't keeping up with your consumption then you might start looking into 2 part to keep cal and all where you like it.

He said 1.024 to 1.025. He's pretty close to being at the high range of what's acceptable

92reefer · 10/05/2014, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Realposition

I'm not sure why you're suggesting 1.024 is as high as he would want it, 1.026 should be your target.

For raising salinity I would just top off with saltwater as opposed to rodi till you reach 1.026. Mixing the salt mix up to 1.026 as opposed to 1.024 will give you slightly higher cal/alk/mag levels but I don't think it will make a huge difference. If weekly water changes aren't keeping up with your consumption then you might start looking into 2 part to keep cal and all where you like it.

That's what I was told. 1.026 target.

I don't do many water changes as opposed to larger less frequent changes. I am running Mrs Wages lime in my topoff (5tsp to 5 gallons) to help stabilize ALK and CA

3eight33 · 10/05/2014, 06:49 PM

Next time read the post than post an OPINION. don't forget, he's using a hydrometer. Not nearly as accurate. Very easy to over shoot your mark when you play that close to the line.

92reefer · 10/05/2014, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3eight33

Next time read the post than post an OPINION. don't forget, he's using a hydrometer. Not nearly as accurate. Very easy to over shoot your mark when you play that close to the line.

I'm sorry guys. I made a mistake. I am using a Premium Aquatics refractometer so I think my measurement if fairly adequate.

3eight33 · 10/05/2014, 07:13 PM

Even if it is, 1.026 as the highest recommend salinity level. If you wish to take it up to that than its fine. But still I highly doubt that raising your salinity by 0.001 is going to give you the levels that you want. Certainly no harm in it. Just be careful taking the salinity to that level. It gives you very little leeway if something goes wrong. Like an ato not working for a day.

JoelA7 · 10/05/2014, 10:20 PM

+1 to using salt water for ATO to slowly raise the salinity of your tank.

Realposition · 10/06/2014, 12:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3eight33

Next time read the post than post an OPINION. don't forget, he's using a hydrometer. Not nearly as accurate. Very easy to over shoot your mark when you play that close to the line.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3eight33

Even if it is, 1.026 as the highest recommend salinity level. If you wish to take it up to that than its fine. But still I highly doubt that raising your salinity by 0.001 is going to give you the levels that you want. Certainly no harm in it. Just be careful taking the salinity to that level. It gives you very little leeway if something goes wrong. Like an ato not working for a day.

sorry but a target salinity of 1.0264 is not a opinion. im sure if he goes to 1.027 nothing bad will happen, if he goes to 1.028 its unlikely anything bad will happen, its the same deviation as 1.024. Im just suggesting he start taking steps to correct it. here is a article that might shed some light on the subject
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-12/rhf/

for OP, Kalk in the ATO is a great way to maintain correct Cal/Alk levels but its not a great way to raise it as it can cause a spike it PH. my suggestion would be to raise the levels to what you are targeting by using 2 part then you can use your Kalk to maintain it. if your 5tsp to 5 gallons is not enough to hold it you can always add more kalk to your 5 gallons till you are able to maintain good levels. Also you were correct in your original post that since you use kalk in your ATO you cant use saltwater in the circuit. hope that helps

Xavibear · 10/06/2014, 07:00 AM

1.026 is the recommended salinity for keeping a reef tank.

Agree with the above, start mixing your water to 1.026 & top off with saltwater until you reach the desired level.

Dmorty217 · 10/06/2014, 09:01 AM

Don't raise your salinity more than .003 per 24 hrs otherwise you cause a lot of unneeded stress and possible disease outbreak in your tank if not

92reefer · 10/06/2014, 12:18 PM

Great. Thanks for all the help guys.

I'm going to turn the limewater ATO off and start adding saltwater to replace evaporation.

92reefer · 10/08/2014, 05:11 PM

OK. So I tested my levels after changing over 50% of the water in my system and I don't get the results. Used Salifert test kits for all:

CA 330
Alk 6.6
MAG 1185

I figured my levels would be low but didn't expect all 3 of the vitals to be this low. I suspected that my refractometer was off and the overall salinity was very low so I took it to a local reef store and compared to their calibrated refractometer. Dead on both read 1.025 on my water sample.

SOOOOO.... I guess I have a lot of boosting to get the levels to decent parameters. I use Randy's home made 2 part. Baking soda to boost ALK and Prestone Driveway Heat to boost CA. I have BRS mag 2 part mix to boost the MAG.

In terms of dosing which do I go after first to be safe ALK, CA, or MAG or in what order to get my levels in check?

Nicmar · 10/08/2014, 05:40 PM

IMO Mag first since that is what balances the other two.
Then I do kh and ca.

In this situation I would do a 20% water change then dosing mag and then slowly bring up your kh to what you want which should be suitable for the coral stock and nutrient level. Then dose ca until you reach what you want.

mfinn · 10/08/2014, 06:00 PM

Still not sure why, if you are worried about your ca. alk and mag numbers, why you just don't switch to a salt mix that will deliver higher numbers.

Using Instant Ocean, you will always have the lower numbers.

Nicmar · 10/08/2014, 06:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mfinn

Still not sure why, if you are worried about your ca. alk and mag numbers, why you just don't switch to a salt mix that will deliver higher numbers.

Using Instant Ocean, you will always have the lower numbers.

I agree, no point using low numbers since you always want more not less.

mfinn · 10/08/2014, 06:15 PM

Instant Ocean is a great salt. I used it for 28+ years on my fish only and my softy tanks.
But when I wanted to get better numbers from the salt mix, I use Reef Crystals or Kent Marine.

Aquarist007 · 10/08/2014, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 92reefer

OK. So I tested my levels after changing over 50% of the water in my system and I don't get the results. Used Salifert test kits for all:

CA 330
Alk 6.6
MAG 1185

I figured my levels would be low but didn't expect all 3 of the vitals to be this low. I suspected that my refractometer was off and the overall salinity was very low so I took it to a local reef store and compared to their calibrated refractometer. Dead on both read 1.025 on my water sample.

SOOOOO.... I guess I have a lot of boosting to get the levels to decent parameters. I use Randy's home made 2 part. Baking soda to boost ALK and Prestone Driveway Heat to boost CA. I have BRS mag 2 part mix to boost the MAG.

In terms of dosing which do I go after first to be safe ALK, CA, or MAG or in what order to get my levels in check?

How is your tank stocked? Your numbers are far off from what you should be getting with Reef Crystals.
I'd raise cal to 390 and alk to 7.8 . Check with the chemical calculator on how fast you can raise those levels . Then use Tech-M to raise your mag levels as it won't affect the pH. Baking soda will at first but only temporarily

Link to chemical calculator
http://reef.diesyst.com/chemcalc/chem_calc3.html

92reefer · 10/09/2014, 02:25 PM

Yes thanks to all for the help and replies.

I had 2 bags of IO left so that's why I used it. My LFS has Reef Crystals but it's like 25 bucks more for a 200 gal package. I'm going to pony up and switch Reef Crystals after the IO is gone.

Mixed up my MAG using the BRS mix (7 1/4 cup mag chloride and 3/4 cup mag sulfate to 1 gallon RO/DI). I was told to use this ratio by BRS because I'm using Lime in my ATO topoff reservoir.

Once the MAG is in I'll be adjusting the ALK using Baking Soda and then finally using the Prestone Driveway Heat to bring the CA close to 400 ppm. We'll see how that goes and I'm hoping to have taken a big step toward irradicating my algae problem (switched to BRS reactor running GFO and ROX carbon 50/50 mixture sandwiched between 2 foam pads)

10/05/2014, 04:00 PM	#1
92reefer Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Ellenton Florida Posts: 994	Best way to increase tank salinity I just did a major water change in my 60g cube (changed 32 gallons). I'm trying to get clean the tank up from a nasty algae problem. So I just checked the salinity with my hydrometer and it's reading about 1.024 to 1.025 What's the best way to increase the overall salinity? I have a 5 gallon topoff mixed with Mrs Wages so I don't think I want to mix saltwater in that circuit?

10/05/2014, 05:41 PM	#4
3eight33 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Virginia Posts: 38	If you were running your salinity on the lower side than no. But Imo your salinity is about as high as you're going to want it. But to answer your question (even though I strongly recommend you do more research before raising your salinity any higher), when I need to raise mine for whatever reason, I mix up a gallon of Rodi with 6 cups of salt. I than take that salt mixture and add a small amount (maybe 1 cup or so) into the system twice a day in a high flow spot. This will slowly bring the salinity up without any problems Last edited by 3eight33; 10/05/2014 at 05:49 PM.

10/05/2014, 10:20 PM	#14
JoelA7 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Brookline, MA Posts: 1,056	+1 to using salt water for ATO to slowly raise the salinity of your tank. __________________ New 48x24x26.25 w Precision Marine R30 sump, Vertex Omega 150 skimmer, 2@Vertex 1.5L reactors for carbon & phosban, GEO Ca reactor w Aquarium Plants regulator. 2 MP40's 2@Radions. #120 live rock & #12

10/06/2014, 07:00 AM	#16
Xavibear Crazy Prophet Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Worcester, MA Posts: 1,008	1.026 is the recommended salinity for keeping a reef tank. Agree with the above, start mixing your water to 1.026 & top off with saltwater until you reach the desired level. __________________ 36g bowfront Current Tank Info: Pair of Occellaris clowns, Royal gramma, Yellow Watchman Goby/Tiger Pistol Shrimp, Blue tuxedo urchin, Fire shrimp, Trochus snails, Cerith snails, Nassarius snails, Ricordea mushroom, Kenya tree, Acan brain & Frogspawn

10/06/2014, 09:01 AM	#17
Dmorty217 Saltwater Addict Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Vandalia OHIO Posts: 11,624	Don't raise your salinity more than .003 per 24 hrs otherwise you cause a lot of unneeded stress and possible disease outbreak in your tank if not __________________ Fish are not disposable commodities, but a worthwhile investment that can be maintained and enjoyed for many years, providing one is willing to take the time to understand their requirements and needs Current Tank Info: 625g, 220g sump, RD3 230w, Vectra L1 on a closed loop, 3 MP60s, MP40. Several QTs

10/05/2014, 04:14 PM	#2
Drae RAIDER NATION! Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: City of sin... Posts: 3,476	What's wrong with 1.024-25? That's fine imo

10/05/2014, 04:35 PM	#3
92reefer Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Ellenton Florida Posts: 994	I'm using IO and when I test it's usually low on Magnesium, Alk and CA. Several reefers suggested that I run salinity a bit higher which in turn would boost the MAG CA and ALK so I wouldn't have to dose so much to balance the tank? Is that bad advice?

10/05/2014, 05:44 PM	#5
3eight33 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Virginia Posts: 38	In order to use that salt mix as a means of increasing you calcium, alk and mag levels, you would need to be doing bigger water changes more often. You could always look into changing your salt brand as well. Some will mix into much higher levels. If that's what your looking for. I personally would keep my salinity levels in the proper ranges and start looking into dosing your levels to where you want them

10/05/2014, 05:59 PM	#7
3eight33 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Virginia Posts: 38	Exactly what he said. That's what I use. Plus I've found thru trial and error how much of a water change I need to do and how often to maintain my levels where I want them

10/05/2014, 06:49 PM	#11
3eight33 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Virginia Posts: 38	Next time read the post than post an OPINION. don't forget, he's using a hydrometer. Not nearly as accurate. Very easy to over shoot your mark when you play that close to the line.

10/05/2014, 07:13 PM	#13
3eight33 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Virginia Posts: 38	Even if it is, 1.026 as the highest recommend salinity level. If you wish to take it up to that than its fine. But still I highly doubt that raising your salinity by 0.001 is going to give you the levels that you want. Certainly no harm in it. Just be careful taking the salinity to that level. It gives you very little leeway if something goes wrong. Like an ato not working for a day.

10/06/2014, 12:18 PM	#18
92reefer Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Ellenton Florida Posts: 994	Great. Thanks for all the help guys. I'm going to turn the limewater ATO off and start adding saltwater to replace evaporation.

10/08/2014, 05:11 PM	#19
92reefer Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Ellenton Florida Posts: 994	OK. So I tested my levels after changing over 50% of the water in my system and I don't get the results. Used Salifert test kits for all: CA 330 Alk 6.6 MAG 1185 I figured my levels would be low but didn't expect all 3 of the vitals to be this low. I suspected that my refractometer was off and the overall salinity was very low so I took it to a local reef store and compared to their calibrated refractometer. Dead on both read 1.025 on my water sample. SOOOOO.... I guess I have a lot of boosting to get the levels to decent parameters. I use Randy's home made 2 part. Baking soda to boost ALK and Prestone Driveway Heat to boost CA. I have BRS mag 2 part mix to boost the MAG. In terms of dosing which do I go after first to be safe ALK, CA, or MAG or in what order to get my levels in check?

10/08/2014, 05:40 PM	#20
Nicmar Registered Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Auckland, New Zealand Posts: 61	IMO Mag first since that is what balances the other two. Then I do kh and ca. In this situation I would do a 20% water change then dosing mag and then slowly bring up your kh to what you want which should be suitable for the coral stock and nutrient level. Then dose ca until you reach what you want.

10/08/2014, 06:00 PM	#21
mfinn Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Olympia. WA. Posts: 8,648	Still not sure why, if you are worried about your ca. alk and mag numbers, why you just don't switch to a salt mix that will deliver higher numbers. Using Instant Ocean, you will always have the lower numbers. __________________ 240 gallon soft coral tank 50 gallon lps tank

10/08/2014, 06:15 PM	#23
mfinn Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Olympia. WA. Posts: 8,648	Instant Ocean is a great salt. I used it for 28+ years on my fish only and my softy tanks. But when I wanted to get better numbers from the salt mix, I use Reef Crystals or Kent Marine. __________________ 240 gallon soft coral tank 50 gallon lps tank

10/09/2014, 02:25 PM	#25
92reefer Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Ellenton Florida Posts: 994	Yes thanks to all for the help and replies. I had 2 bags of IO left so that's why I used it. My LFS has Reef Crystals but it's like 25 bucks more for a 200 gal package. I'm going to pony up and switch Reef Crystals after the IO is gone. Mixed up my MAG using the BRS mix (7 1/4 cup mag chloride and 3/4 cup mag sulfate to 1 gallon RO/DI). I was told to use this ratio by BRS because I'm using Lime in my ATO topoff reservoir. Once the MAG is in I'll be adjusting the ALK using Baking Soda and then finally using the Prestone Driveway Heat to bring the CA close to 400 ppm. We'll see how that goes and I'm hoping to have taken a big step toward irradicating my algae problem (switched to BRS reactor running GFO and ROX carbon 50/50 mixture sandwiched between 2 foam pads)