Salinity low?

[tomreefer]

I checked my Atc refractometer and was off by about 5pts was reading 1.031. I adjusted using Calibration solution to 1.026. I checked my tank and it's reading 1.021 could this be the reason my corals not looking great? Would corals come back? They are soft corals I think by the way.

How could my refractometer be so off?

 

[sailoracu2]

You have to check refractometer calibrations periodically especially with temperature change. Your soft corals will start looking better when the salinity is corrected

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[scooter31707]

Yes, IMO they will come back, but gradual raise the salinity by putting mixed saltwater into your ATO.

 

[Capsle]

Salinity is one thing but also make sure your other parameters are in check, calcium, magnesium, alkalinity etc..


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[NeilFox]

That salinity isn't really that low. You could bump it up some and it may help a little but it's likely that something else is going on. Of course pics help. FWIW, back in the day, all the Berlin School reefers used to run their salinity a little on the low side. That was before people were really keeping SPS (Small Polyp Stonies) like acros and such. Softies and LPS will usually be OK but for long term health 1.025/1.026 is best.

 

[Ron Reefman]

That salinity isn't really that low. You could bump it up some and it may help a little but it's likely that something else is going on. Of course pics help. FWIW, back in the day, all the Berlin School reefers used to run their salinity a little on the low side. That was before people were really keeping SPS (Small Polyp Stonies) like acros and such. Softies and LPS will usually be OK but for long term health 1.025/1.026 is best.

+1

Salinity of 1.021 is low, but not low enough to be causing problems. Especially if it has been a gradual change over days or weeks. If it dropped from 1.026 to 1.021 in an hour (like due to a bad water change or a bad ATO) then you might see some issues until the corals acclimate to the new salinity.