salinity dilemma

[reefer1187]

hey everyone i decided to do a FOWLR tank instead of reef, and i keep hearing different opinions about where i should keep my salinity level, right now it is at 1.020, and my LFS is telling me to drop it down to 1.014, because the fish is less prone to diseases, is this too low and true?

and where should i keep it?

 

[Lpsfanatic338]

Keep it exactly were it is

 

[Andrew]

Your salt should always be around 1.024-1.025 Your lfs seems to be bsing you. They are right but you dont lower the salt in the main tank.

 

[Lakeside518]

Yes Hypo salinity reduces disease chances. Many LFS use this method. In my experience I would not leave it to low for an extended period of time. I do 1.020

Hypo salinity will affect your fishes color. Dull color. If you want bright healthy fish keep your water parameter's at recommended levels.

 

[dchao]

I would keep salinity at 1.024-1.025, at the natural sea water level. So you can put inverts and clean up crews in the tank without too much worry. If you are worry about diseases, get a UV sterilizer.

 

[Lakeside518]

Agree with Andrew. I am currently raising my levels slowly over time due to treatment of Ich with Hypo. I had kept it at those levels

 

[tsquad]

1.022-1.024 is ideal for a FOWLR or FO, IMO. Low enough to ward of disease, but high enough to keep colors and be natural.

 

[reefer1187]

so just leave it at 1.020 and don't drop it anymore?

 

[dchao]

reefer1187:

As I've said it before, it all depends on if you want to have any inverts down the road. Fish could not care less (1.020-1.025).

 

[reefer1187]

sorry bout that i dont plan on keeping any inverts

so where should i leave my salinity?

 

[dchao]

You will be fine with 1.020 then, (bonus) cost less on salt.

But I would highly recommend on a cleaning crew (which is inverts).

 

[Therbligs]

The lowest I ran my FOWLR is 1.019, which is pushing it if you get a sudden drop and PH fluctuates more at this level. Fish coloration did decline long-term at this low salinity. Finally ended up at 1.022, which gave me the colors, reduced outbreaks, and helped with lateral line disease on my Hippo Tang.

You should be running a UV regardless.

 

[reefer1187]

is a uv a neccesity with a fish only?

 

[dchao]

Not a necessity, but it really helps.

With high bio-load of a FO tank, there will be more pathogens in the water, so I think it's a good idea.

 

[reefer1187]

what's a good one that you guys recommend for a 92 gallon tank? and what factors do you look at when purchasing one?

 

[reefer1187]

therbligs,

you said that you keep your salinity at 1.022, do you get any outbreaks at that salinity and how often?

and did you get outbreaks at 1.019 and also how often?

 

[dchao]

This is the one I use:

http://www.aquaultraviolet.com/sizing.html

I have the wiper version, it saves me a lot of time cleaning the unit. You just have to pull the wiper and the inside is cleaned.

The column on the far right in the table shows you the watts you need against tank sizes. You probably are looking at a 25W unit with flow going through at about 350-400GPH. If you have the right amount flow rate for your return from the sump, you can just add the unit in-line to the return.

 

[Lakeside518]

I recommend a UV turbo twist 18 watt
http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium...rs_ozonizers_coralife_turbo-twist.asp?CartId=

 

[josetexe]

the uv kill the agee too? "clean up crews food"

 

[josetexe]

1.025 is fine for FOWLR or lower is best????