Problems with Salenity

[Deftones2015]

I am having problems with spots in the tank having higher salt content than others, also the salt content doesn't seem to want to go up at all. Could it be not enough flow or something taking the salt out or is all the salt settling to the substrate?

[Ebmorri]

Are you mixing the your salt water before putting in the tank? Unless this is a brand new tank with out LS and LR you should never add salt to the tank directly. If you are just filling the tank for the first time you can and then let it mix for a few days before adding sand and rock.

[Deftones2015]

I mixed it vigorously in a bucket before i put it in the tank. its a new tank but has live rock in it. The water was a little high but in good range when i put it in the tank, now its way too low.

[maxheadroom]

if you are adding water to compensate for evaporation, it should be done with ro/di water. When water evaporates it leaves the salt behind.

[Deftones2015]

Let me start over. I have set up a new tank. I mixed the salt in with the water like the bag said. I tested with a hydrometer and it said it was good, on the high end of good. Now when I test the water in my tank I test multiple spots. One spot will be way too low, another spot will be way too high. Any ideas why or how to fix this?

[maxheadroom]

Oh, ok. Sorry bout that. Most likely a flow issue. How big a tank and what pump(s) do you have?

[Deftones2015]

29 gallon I only have one power head right now not sure of the size a buddy is letting me use it until I get some. I had some ordered but the order fell through some how so I may just go to the LFS and see if I can find something worth while there.

[maxheadroom]

Get a Koralia Nano or a Koralia 1. The nano is 240 GPH and the 1 is 400 GPH. You should be able to get them for under $30 at your LFS.

[bertoni]

One powerhead is enough to keep the salinity the same throughout the tank. The problem is measurement errors. Hydrometers are infamous for this issue.

[Deftones2015]

so what should i do buy a refractometer or whatever they're called?

[bertoni]

I invested in a refractometer, and thought it was fine, better than most hydrometers, in practice. Now I use a conductivity meter, which is more precise and easier for me to use. The refractometer is cheaper, though. Just calibrate it with the PinPoint 53 mS solution and it should be fine.

[Acillaton]

bertoni is right (as always). Get a refractometer. Here is one on the sale: http://pet-supplies.drsfostersmith.com/search?p=R&srid=S10%2d2&lbc=drsfostersmith&w=refractometer&url=http%3a%2f%2fwww%2eDrsFosterSmith%2ecom%2fproduct%2fprod%5fdisplay%2ecfm%3fpcatid%3d9957&rk=6&uid=562824685&sid=14&ts=custom&rsc=r9f6eeRYMM2QETon&method=and&af=type%3aproduct&isort=score&view=grid

[maxheadroom]

ah, didnt even think of the hydrometer. lol.