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hanktrank
06/20/2013, 09:36 AM
Hi,

I just tested my water this morning and it read 1.028 specific gravity....i got my water from the lfs so i'm assuming they would have gotten the salinity level correct.

I'm actually going to test the 5 gallons i just recently purchase from the store. it's in a 5 gallon bucket so i will be able to test the salinity without any other variables that might be in my tank.

I was just wondering if the sand and dry rock could affect the salinity of the water?

I also was wondering if I just can add rodi water to my tank to get the specific gravity of the tank water down to a "good level"

Thanks

MrClam
06/20/2013, 09:42 AM
How are you measuring? I would guess that your measurement is off and the water is actually fine.

hanktrank
06/20/2013, 09:47 AM
i'm using a hydrometer.....

tanked37
06/20/2013, 10:09 AM
Yeah, before you do anything to adjust it, have the LFS test with a refractometer or buy one.

You absolutely can add ro/di water to lower salinity. Don't drop more than .002 units per day. Again, double check reading before adjusting.

XxRingoxX
06/20/2013, 10:30 AM
^^^ What he said...most hydrometers are going to be off a bit.

hanktrank
06/20/2013, 11:14 AM
will do....thanks for the advice everyone.

just wondering if you guys had any thoughts on the possibility that the dry rock and live sand could be the cause of the higher specific gravity reading???

oscarinw
06/20/2013, 11:48 AM
Not it should not affect it under regular circumstances.

My guess is your salt is in fact a little high. Adding RO over the course of a week should help to bring it down. Aim for 1.024

Good luck with things

Deinonych
06/20/2013, 05:21 PM
Whatever the case, pick up a refractometer. Marine Depot sells one for $50 -- well worth the small investment IMO.

downbeach
06/20/2013, 05:48 PM
The salt mix studies in this article are a little dated, but otherwise a good read:

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-03/rhf/index.php

I would also suggest a decent refractometer (http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=9957), along with proper calibration solution (http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=18717&rel=1).

Chiefillini
06/20/2013, 07:22 PM
I agree, buy a refractometer. One of the best purchases I made when I started in the hobby.