francis_au

hey guys, im a noob to the fish game so take it easy on me lol.

I have a 30L tank, intended only to keep 2 fish, however i'm having trouble getting the salinity right. Im using a Coralife Deepsix hydrometer and aquasonic ocean nature sea salt. The guy at the aquarium said to use 1/3 of the salt then add as needed (its a 2KG bag, 2kg = 60L). After using 1/3 my hydrometer needle didnt move (left it for 24hrs to 'season' the needle). After adding a bit more salt im starting to get mixed readings ranging from 20ppt then 30ppt and up to 38ppt. Im doing the test after one after the other and flushing out the hydrometer in between. Im also giving it a good flick to dislodge any air bubbles.

Its really annoying because I really want my clown fish lol, but I want to do the right thing first. Thanks

Francis

inari

My first piece of advise is start with Freshwater they are generally easier to keep in a tank. for your salinity problem; I would suggest trying to find another hydrometer just in case your current one is a bit off. as for the fluxuating measurement have you let the saltwater its self sit for an extended time? Many times that will affect the salinity. I have land hermit crabs who also need salt water and I hate having to mix it up, it's a pain. Another reason that you may be getting fluxuating reading is because the amount of salt you are using is too much and the crystals are falling in and out of solution. I don't do salt water tanks, I had a brackish water tank for about 3 months and found it to be a total pain and I really didn't enjoy it as much as I do my other tank so I gave up. I'm not much of a salt water fan so I could be a bit off in my statements if I am one of the other members will say something I'm sure haha. Anyway best of luck,

Inari

harpua2002

My suggestion would be to either:
Buy a refractometer and make sure it is calibrated properly. Most of them come with solution, but you can also use pure RO/DI water. Refractometers are MUCH more accurate and reliable than hydrometers.

Or, take your hydrometer to a LFS that has a refractometer, and test the same water sample. See how they match up and you'll at least have an idea of how off your hydrometer is. I guarantee you it is not accurate, and it may even be off by quite a bit (as mine was, before I got the refractometer).

Honestly, buying a refractometer was one of the most valuable investments I've made for keeping a SW tank.

aquarist48

Welcome to Fish Lore!

francis_au

hey guys thanks for the help. ive managed to get it under control and everything is going fine. thanks again