Salinity Level

Marchillo · 01/28/2015, 10:15 AM

Quick question -

Please don't kill me on this - I had a brain freeze the other day when doing my 4 gallon water change on a 40G tank. I was thinking about how I should test the water before I throw it in (I did this the first few times but haven't done it since). The water I use from my tap is really good water that doesn't have junk in it. I also prepare the water a day or two in advance in a 5 gallon bucket - while running a heater and a power head. For now on I am going to test every bucket of water I put in the tank before I put it in. Rookie mistake. This is a FOWLR tank. No sump. Not sure what other info is important.

I was driving into work and thought did I add too much salt this past Sunday. Called my wife in a panic. The water is testing at 1.0275 which I know is too high. I usually hovered in the 1.025-1.026 range. I had her prepare a bucket of 2 gallons of freshwater to aerate. I am not going to do any quick changes. I will maybe do a half gallon a day? Does this make sense? I don't think it will take much to get it back down.

The other thing that is making me think a lot. When I brought in my water to the LFS 2 weeks ago to get a new fish he said - water looks perfect but I would get the salinity up a tad. I thought this was strange because I always tested it in the recommended range. I've read that the plastic hydrometers are frequently inaccurate so I just ordered a refractometer and calibration solution off amazon.

I am guessing if he said it was low two weeks ago maybe the water is perfect now but testing too high? Should I do some slow water changes over the next couple of days or sit tight until I get the refractometer in 2-3 days?

Thanks in advance for the advice.

Steve

FraggledRock · 01/28/2015, 10:18 AM

I would wait it out. Don't try anything drastic yet.

Also how long has the tank been setup?

Tap water may appear clean, but it will create unwanted algae blooms and cyano bacteria down the road.

Marchillo · 01/28/2015, 10:22 AM

Tank is about 3 months. Are you saying don't use tap water at all. I've read a lot about RODI water. Should I think about getting a kit and start doing that? What would be a recommendation.

ReefKeep66 · 01/28/2015, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marchillo

Tank is about 3 months. Are you saying don't use tap water at all. I've read a lot about RODI water. Should I think about getting a kit and start doing that? What would be a recommendation.

I wouldnt. It might appear to be clean water but eventually it'll lead to issues. You'd be much better off using strictly RODI for top off and changes.

ReefsandGeeks · 01/28/2015, 10:30 AM

1.0275 is a bit high, but I don't think it will cause any problems short term. I'd add some more freshwater than you normaly do for top offs untill you get down to the desired range. do it over 2 or 3 days and you should be fine.

Personaly, I belive swing arm hydrometers CAN be accurate, but must first be calibrated ageinst a refractometer (have your LFS check the same sample of water as you use for your hydrometer) and then must be used and maintained properly, which most people don't do, leading to inaccuracy. Have to make sure there are no micro bubbles on the swing arm, and that the arm swings freely. I always soaked mine in vinegar every week or 2 and that would keep it clean, and I didn't abuse it. the arm being banged back and forth can cause inaccuracys if too agressive. That said, a refractometer is the way to go if you have one available.

Also be prepaired for alot of comments on using tap water. It has potential to add lots of nasties which will lead to problems in your tank either short term or long term. Even if your tap water looks crystal clear it can still have alot of contaminents and minerals which are bad for an aquarium. The salt mix has everything you need so anything else in the tap can be adding problems. Also tap water quality fluctuates, so even if it's been tested and is realy good, doesn't mean it will stay that way. Definatly look into an RODI. If nothing else it will eliminate a variable when you have problems down the road and have to troubeshoot what is wrong. That's a big red flag when someone uses tap water and an RODI is almost always the first sugested action.

Marchillo · 01/28/2015, 10:31 AM

Ok so what's the best way to get RODI water. I can set something up in my basement on the unfinished side. Is there a recommended product to buy.

ReefsandGeeks · 01/28/2015, 10:33 AM

If waiting for your refractometer, you'll still need to add your topoff water to keep the salinity where it is now. if the salinity is on the high end, than evaporation can make it rise to dangerous levels while you wait.

Marchillo · 01/28/2015, 10:34 AM

Yes I am aerating the water now and will top it off. Water doesn't evaporate much in my tank. I have a cover on 90% of it (cats)

gone fishin · 01/28/2015, 10:34 AM

First 1.027 is not the end of the world. Getting a refractometer is a good move and you know to check your salinity before adding it. I would more than likely just wait until your next WC to bring it down.

As far as RODI goes it is the preferred source of water. Everyones tap is different and there will always be some out there that actually have really great tap water. These folks are usually in the minority. I personally think an RODI is one of the best investments we can make for our tanks. Good luck

ReefsandGeeks · 01/28/2015, 10:35 AM

i got a detachable RODI unit that plugs into my sink faucet from reverse osmosis revolution. Any RODI filter should be good, so just get one that works well for you. They do work very slowly so I'd recomend one rated for 100GPD. that's what I have and it still takes me all evening to fill up a couple of buckets.

Marchillo · 01/28/2015, 10:40 AM

So like aquafx barracuda RODI unitv100 God 4 stage - $190. That seem about right? Quick google search.

PCygni · 01/28/2015, 10:45 AM

'The water I use from my tap is really good water that doesn't have junk in it.'

I ain't so worried about your 'salinity' as that^, mistah.....

gone fishin · 01/28/2015, 10:45 AM

A lot of people get them from Bulk reef supply, Spectrapure, I got mine from the Filter guys.

Marchillo · 01/28/2015, 10:48 AM

Ok got the message loud and clear

jeperry3 · 01/28/2015, 11:51 AM

I have the AquaFX. Works fine. Had it for years and never a problem.

Marchillo · 01/28/2015, 07:55 PM

Ordered my RODI system tonight. Everyone can sleep easy

. Thanks for all the advice.

mcozad829 · 01/28/2015, 09:05 PM

I just realized that the brs 4 stage rodi deluxe is the deal of the day and only 169 till midnight... unless you already placed your order. BTW in a FOWLR a salinity of 1.027 isn't gonna hurt anything short term, i am of course assuming that since the tank is only 3 months old you don't have any really sensitive or delicate fish yet. Hope you get it all squared away!

Marchillo · 02/06/2015, 05:53 PM

I knew my water was pretty good. Finally have my TDS meter hooked up. Water coming in is anywhere from 19-26 ppm. I'd say that's pretty darn good. Water going out is now 0 ppm! Good start to the weekend.

01/28/2015, 10:15 AM	#1
Marchillo Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Posts: 1,178	Salinity Level Quick question - Please don't kill me on this - I had a brain freeze the other day when doing my 4 gallon water change on a 40G tank. I was thinking about how I should test the water before I throw it in (I did this the first few times but haven't done it since). The water I use from my tap is really good water that doesn't have junk in it. I also prepare the water a day or two in advance in a 5 gallon bucket - while running a heater and a power head. For now on I am going to test every bucket of water I put in the tank before I put it in. Rookie mistake. This is a FOWLR tank. No sump. Not sure what other info is important. I was driving into work and thought did I add too much salt this past Sunday. Called my wife in a panic. The water is testing at 1.0275 which I know is too high. I usually hovered in the 1.025-1.026 range. I had her prepare a bucket of 2 gallons of freshwater to aerate. I am not going to do any quick changes. I will maybe do a half gallon a day? Does this make sense? I don't think it will take much to get it back down. The other thing that is making me think a lot. When I brought in my water to the LFS 2 weeks ago to get a new fish he said - water looks perfect but I would get the salinity up a tad. I thought this was strange because I always tested it in the recommended range. I've read that the plastic hydrometers are frequently inaccurate so I just ordered a refractometer and calibration solution off amazon. I am guessing if he said it was low two weeks ago maybe the water is perfect now but testing too high? Should I do some slow water changes over the next couple of days or sit tight until I get the refractometer in 2-3 days? Thanks in advance for the advice. Steve

01/28/2015, 10:18 AM	#2
FraggledRock Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: New York, New York Posts: 2,185	I would wait it out. Don't try anything drastic yet. Also how long has the tank been setup? Tap water may appear clean, but it will create unwanted algae blooms and cyano bacteria down the road. __________________ “For most of history, man has had to fight nature to survive; in this century he is beginning to realize that, in order to survive, he must protect it.”― Jacques-Yves Cousteau MarineBio.org Current Tank Info: 40 Gallon Breeder w/ Bean Animal Overflow 20G Sump, Mixed Reef.

01/28/2015, 10:34 AM	#9
gone fishin Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Wyocena Wi Posts: 6,936	First 1.027 is not the end of the world. Getting a refractometer is a good move and you know to check your salinity before adding it. I would more than likely just wait until your next WC to bring it down. As far as RODI goes it is the preferred source of water. Everyones tap is different and there will always be some out there that actually have really great tap water. These folks are usually in the minority. I personally think an RODI is one of the best investments we can make for our tanks. Good luck __________________ Tony Current Tank Info: 180gal DT, BM NAC77 skimmer,3 Maxspect razors, Maxspect Gyre 150, 30g QT

01/28/2015, 10:45 AM	#13
gone fishin Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Wyocena Wi Posts: 6,936	A lot of people get them from Bulk reef supply, Spectrapure, I got mine from the Filter guys. __________________ Tony Current Tank Info: 180gal DT, BM NAC77 skimmer,3 Maxspect razors, Maxspect Gyre 150, 30g QT

01/28/2015, 09:05 PM	#17
mcozad829 Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Natchitoches, LA Posts: 619 Blog Entries: 1	I just realized that the brs 4 stage rodi deluxe is the deal of the day and only 169 till midnight... unless you already placed your order. BTW in a FOWLR a salinity of 1.027 isn't gonna hurt anything short term, i am of course assuming that since the tank is only 3 months old you don't have any really sensitive or delicate fish yet. Hope you get it all squared away! __________________ "You'll have plenty of time for rolling doobies... when you're living in a van... down by the river!"

01/28/2015, 10:22 AM	#3
Marchillo Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Posts: 1,178	Tank is about 3 months. Are you saying don't use tap water at all. I've read a lot about RODI water. Should I think about getting a kit and start doing that? What would be a recommendation.

01/28/2015, 10:30 AM	#5
ReefsandGeeks Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 1,708	1.0275 is a bit high, but I don't think it will cause any problems short term. I'd add some more freshwater than you normaly do for top offs untill you get down to the desired range. do it over 2 or 3 days and you should be fine. Personaly, I belive swing arm hydrometers CAN be accurate, but must first be calibrated ageinst a refractometer (have your LFS check the same sample of water as you use for your hydrometer) and then must be used and maintained properly, which most people don't do, leading to inaccuracy. Have to make sure there are no micro bubbles on the swing arm, and that the arm swings freely. I always soaked mine in vinegar every week or 2 and that would keep it clean, and I didn't abuse it. the arm being banged back and forth can cause inaccuracys if too agressive. That said, a refractometer is the way to go if you have one available. Also be prepaired for alot of comments on using tap water. It has potential to add lots of nasties which will lead to problems in your tank either short term or long term. Even if your tap water looks crystal clear it can still have alot of contaminents and minerals which are bad for an aquarium. The salt mix has everything you need so anything else in the tap can be adding problems. Also tap water quality fluctuates, so even if it's been tested and is realy good, doesn't mean it will stay that way. Definatly look into an RODI. If nothing else it will eliminate a variable when you have problems down the road and have to troubeshoot what is wrong. That's a big red flag when someone uses tap water and an RODI is almost always the first sugested action.

01/28/2015, 10:31 AM	#6
Marchillo Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Posts: 1,178	Ok so what's the best way to get RODI water. I can set something up in my basement on the unfinished side. Is there a recommended product to buy.

01/28/2015, 10:33 AM	#7
ReefsandGeeks Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 1,708	If waiting for your refractometer, you'll still need to add your topoff water to keep the salinity where it is now. if the salinity is on the high end, than evaporation can make it rise to dangerous levels while you wait.

01/28/2015, 10:35 AM	#10
ReefsandGeeks Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 1,708	i got a detachable RODI unit that plugs into my sink faucet from reverse osmosis revolution. Any RODI filter should be good, so just get one that works well for you. They do work very slowly so I'd recomend one rated for 100GPD. that's what I have and it still takes me all evening to fill up a couple of buckets.

01/28/2015, 10:40 AM	#11
Marchillo Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Posts: 1,178	So like aquafx barracuda RODI unitv100 God 4 stage - $190. That seem about right? Quick google search.

01/28/2015, 10:45 AM	#12
PCygni Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Cabo Wabo Posts: 84	'The water I use from my tap is really good water that doesn't have junk in it.' I ain't so worried about your 'salinity' as that^, mistah.....

01/28/2015, 10:48 AM	#14
Marchillo Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Posts: 1,178	Ok got the message loud and clear

01/28/2015, 11:51 AM	#15
jeperry3 Old Fossil Join Date: May 2002 Location: Alabama Posts: 148	I have the AquaFX. Works fine. Had it for years and never a problem.

01/28/2015, 07:55 PM	#16
Marchillo Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Posts: 1,178	Ordered my RODI system tonight. Everyone can sleep easy . Thanks for all the advice.

02/06/2015, 05:53 PM	#18
Marchillo Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Posts: 1,178	I knew my water was pretty good. Finally have my TDS meter hooked up. Water coming in is anywhere from 19-26 ppm. I'd say that's pretty darn good. Water going out is now 0 ppm! Good start to the weekend.