Starting out! Need help!

[ElliotHris.]

I have a 27 gal square thank, with 2 koralia power heads (425)(750). i also have a 65 gal Super skimmer, along with a ehiem canister filter.

today i put my salt water into my tank with 30lbs of live sand , and about 15 base rock i was worried about murky water so i figured id siphon the water into a bowl placed in my tank so i did so, my water is still extremely murky and now when i check the water in my hydrometer its reading too high when i was extremely specific with the amount of salt i used.

i use both power heads atm and was wondering when i can expect to see into my tank!

[cr reef]

Depending on the size of the canister filter and the media inside it could take 12hrs or more. As to the high salinity, two possible reasons;

First- the salt isn't completely mixed within the water

Second- hydrometers aren't super accurate you may have one that isn't reading true

[weezer1]

when I started my 29gal it took a week to clear up,be patient check your salinity again when the water clears.

[JoeRonda]

+1 ^^^ Me too, a week for the sand storm to settle.

[JoeRonda]

As far as using a hydrometer....ehhhh, I would check out a refractometer. I got mine from BigAlsOnline, it's a milwaukee instruments for like $60.

[Seahorse NJRC]

+1. A refractometer is best.

[mitch303]

i agree my tank took about 5 days for it to clear up from the sand. also make sure there isnt any bubbles on the swing arm of the hydrometer this can change what the reading shows.

[ElliotHris.]

Thanks guys!

[ElliotHris.]

My water has been foaming , is this normal?

[JoeRonda]

Yeah, that is just some dirt that was in the sand. It's all part of the sand settling.