Salinity in QT tanks and nitrifying bacteria

[djryan2000]

Will swings in salinity in my QT tank kill my beneficial bacteria? I set up my QT with the premixed salt water I purchase from my LFS at 1.025. I added the filter and heater as well as some turbo start and put some food to break down.

when I get a fish from my LFS (once it's cycled) I'll probably drop it to 1.018 considering that's what they keep their fish in. If I drop to this the day of or before getting a fish will it kill off the bacteria? Should I drop the salinity now and then wait until I have a fish to gradually raise it (0.01 - 0.02 / week)?


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[mcgyvr]

A change in salinity will have some effect. Usually a decrease in salinity is better than a rapid increase in salinity.

Its highly likely that most of the bacteria will survive the process just fine..

 

[Dmorty217]

Nitrifying bacteria is more affected by lower temps than salinity. The warmer the temp for the water the quicker the bacteria reproduce. Hypo is used for disease treatment and if done in a cycled hospital tank, there isn't a ammonia spike associated with the lower salinity.