can I trust a new hydrometer?

[wicked_NaCl_h2o]

Ammonia 0 Nitrates 0 nitrites 0 ..Ph 8.2 didn't check the calcium but didn't think those numbers would help. Test kit API

 

[HighlandReefer]

What about your alk level? Mag level?

If calcium is much below 350 ppm this can cause problems for coral. Alkalinity is used much faster than calcium and if the alk level drops below 6 dKH this can cause siginifcant problems for coral.

 

[chuckreef]

It might be a good idea to test the saltwater you are mixing up.
Have you checked the basics of the tank operation? temp, flow, aeration
Can you tell us anything more than looks shriveled up?

 

[wicked_NaCl_h2o]

KH 12.. magnesium levels I don't know..my salifert mag test expired new test in the mail. got refractometer fluid..just came in today. Whew!..I was right..it was off. With my tank water it says 1.026 with the fluid..1.024. not good for anemones. I have a tunze wave maker. my tank is 120g..with refugium.

 

[HighlandReefer]

According to Billy's testing of your salt mix at a salinity of 1.0264 using a properly calibrated refractometer with Salifert kits:

Red Sea Coral Pro

Calcium: 490
Alk: 7 dKH
Mag: 1300

If Billy's tests are a fair representative for your salt mix it sounds like you have been adding alk supplements (perhas buffers) given your alk is at 12 dKH?

 

[wicked_NaCl_h2o]

nah..no additives..maybe some thing wrong with my test kit?

 

[wicked_NaCl_h2o]

isn't 7 KH too low for corals?

 

[rwb500]

There is something wrong with my refractometers reading it says SG is at 1.026 but everything in my tank is all shrunk up..

why do you think it is a salinity issue? i read the whole thread.. am i missing something?

 

[wicked_NaCl_h2o]

nope, just users error. it is 7KH

 

[HighlandReefer]

isn't 7 KH too low for corals?

7 dKH is about equal to the average seawater level, so if the kit is correct should not be a problem.

If your tank salinity quckly dropped or increased significantly in a short period of time, this could cause stress for your occupants. I'm not sure what your tank salinity is now that you have calibrated your refractometer?

"With my tank water it says 1.026 with the fluid..1.024."

It sounds like from your post that your tank salinity is perhaps between 1.028 - 1.029?

I had to edit my statement. I guess I'm getting tired. IF the fluid reads 1.024 and should read 1.0264 and your tank reads 1.026, then the salinity should be higher than you think perhaps 0.0024 higher, which would mean your salinity is actually around 1.0288.

 

[HighlandReefer]

Just to let ya know, I had to edit my above post. Sorry for any confusion.

 

[bertoni]

I think it's worth buying a bottle of the PinPoint 53 mS solution to calibrate the hydrometer. The DIY approach is fine, too.

Both nitrate and phosphate can be tested fairly easily with varying degrees of accuracy, depending on your luck with test kits. For our purposes, the kits usually are good enough.