Salinity 1.018 ok for fish only?

[kimha]

One of the experience members on this forum told me for fish only tank, I can drop the salinity to 1.018. This would help the fish and save money on salt. I want to give it a try but not sure if what I have is consider fish only tank.

Is my tank consider fish only tank if I have the followings?

*fish
*live rocks
* 3 " sandbed
* crabs and snails as cleaning crews
* Star fish and sea cucumber.

 

[BreadmanMike]

I run my salinity around 1.020 on my aggressive tank. There's no LR, LS, or any inverts in there. i'm not sure that's a healthy salinity for your setup.

 

[menard]

Yes thats ok, U could even drop that to 1.016 still pretty damm good. Salinity lower than in the .020 range becomes harder for any parasite to gain a foothold or multiply.

 

[hansnfrans]

I have heard that this is okay w/ a strictly FOWLR tank, but my opinion is that if I am going to buy a poor little fish that has been ripped from his happy home in the ocean, and then stuff him in a little glass box for my amusement, then it is my responsibility to replicate his natural environment as best as I can. Call me a "fish-hugger" or whatever , but that's just my view on this.

 

[BreadmanMike]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7819737#post7819737 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by menard
Yes thats ok, U could even drop that to 1.016 still pretty damm good. Salinity lower than in the .020 range becomes harder for any parasite to gain a foothold or multiply.

I never added any inverts to my aggressive tank, cuz I was a bit scared with the low salinity. I'm glad you posted this... I'm tired of green rocks in their tank!

 

[hansnfrans]

Menard- did you see that he has a starfish? My understanding is that you need to keep salinity b/t 1.025-1.027 for these guys.

 

[menard]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7819771#post7819771 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by hansnfrans
Menard- did you see that he has a starfish? My understanding is that you need to keep salinity b/t 1.025-1.027 for these guys.

No, sorry. strickly FOWLR. Snails and hermits U can.

 

[hansnfrans]

Kimha- What kind of sea cucumber? Sea apple?

Menard - What about the sea cucumbers? Are they sensitive to salinity as well?

 

[menard]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7819827#post7819827 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by hansnfrans
Kimha- What kind of sea cucumber? Sea apple?

Menard - What about the sea cucumbers? Are they sensitive to salinity as well?

I would not mess around w/ sea apples, if they ever got injured, say goodbye to your tank inhabitants.
They are beautyful, but no place for any tank.
My fish only tank has snails and hermits w/ 1.017 salinity
u cannot put stars, seaurchins, cucumbers, w/ lower salinity......PEACE

 

[hansnfrans]

Menard- I agree w/ you. Putting a sea apple in the tank is insane. I have too much $ into my tank to have to start over and I am on the lower end as far as tank size is concerned. They do look cool but not worth the risk.

 

[MarineOne]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7819752#post7819752 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by hansnfrans
if I am going to buy a poor little fish that has been ripped from his happy home in the ocean, and then stuff him in a little glass box for my amusement, then it is my responsibility to replicate his natural environment as best as I can. Call me a "fish-hugger" or whatever , but that's just my view on this.

Exactly! :thumbsup:

The average level for a coral reef is 1.025

Setting your tank at 1.018 to save salt and other reasons is the same as starving your fish because you want a low nitrate/nitrite reading...

I was going to say one more thing, but I wont....

:fish1: