Different salinity in different part of the tank?

[xsentrixsupra]

So I recently got a Fluval EVO 13.5g tank. It started cycling 2 days ago.

I used a hydrometer which from what I understand isn't the most accurate, so I did order a refractometer as I understand they are more accurate.

I took some water from the far end of the tank and it was at 1.014 which seems really low. I took more water from the area close to the pump and it was 1.022 which was closer to what the water was when I filled the tank.

Does this mean I'm not getting proper flow or something? I don't get why there would be such a disparity in the readings. Thanks

 

[hersheyb]

It might just be a hydrometer issue... wait for ur refractometer.


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[xsentrixsupra]

It might just be a hydrometer issue... wait for ur refractometer.


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Thanks, I'm hoping thats the issue. I'm new to saltwater, so I am not sure if I did something wrong.


I mixed the marine salt with water in a big tub and the salinity was in the good range. I poured it in and let it sit. Its settled down and the water is now no longer cloudy, so I was pleased with it until I checked the salinity.

If it turns out that the readings are indeed correct, what could be some causes and solutions?

 

[xsentrixsupra]

Got the refractometer and it appears to be 1.020 across the board, so still a bit lower than I was anticipating. Maybe its just when I was mixing it I was using the hydrometer and it wasn't as accurate, but I put it in at a higher salt content than that.

I'm still not adding any fish to it for a few weeks, because I want to make sure I have the water thing down 1st and its cycled. From what I understand you shouldn't add salt directly to a tank once there are fish in it..........so would my only recourse to raise salinity would be to like drain a few gallons and put some more water in there with a higher salinity?

 

[jallard]

Yea... wait for the refractometer....hydrometer are inaccurate IMO