Salinity Question

[dbraun15]

I started my nano cube 24 August 29 and have been cycling with 31# Figi LR and a 3-4 inch DSB with arag-alive--I haven't performed a water change yet, but checked my specifice gravity yesterday and it was 1.019--which seemed very low--I got my water at my LFS and they said that their water is always 1.023-1.024--could there be something wrong with my hydrometer? My question is how to raise the salinity and is it important to do it right away while the tank is cycling? I understand that it will increase with water changes, but don't want to perform any during cycling--Lastly, I took out the sponges out of the back chambers and plan on doing LR rubble, but after removing sponges, the water is really cloudy--how long will it take to clear up? Thanks for your help, Deron

 

[Henry Bowman]

I have almost the same exact set-up. I did do water changes about every 3 days when I was cycling my rock. 10-15%. I have not heard of cycling without doing changes. The spike in amonia etc is toxic to some of the life living on the surface of the LR. So, in my opinion, it is a good idea to do the water changes as the rock is cycling.

My tank has been up and running for 6 months and things are fine. I also removed the sponges and put rubble in the 2nd chamber. If you get a small mesh bag and some carbon to drop in the bottom of the first chamber, the water will clear up within a day. As far as salinity goes, check with another hydrometer (possibly a friend and or have the LFS do a test when you are there to observe). You are going to have to do a water change to get the salinity up. Adding salt directly to the tank is NOT a good idea.

 

[jcarnahan12]

As for your hydrometer, if it is one of the floating arm types, take it to your LFS and have them compare it to a refractometer and mark how far off it is. A lot of the floating arm types will come from the factory anywhere from +/- .001 to +/- .004.

 

[nmprisons]

there certainly dcould be a problem with your hydrometer. you can get a good refractometer for like 40 bucks and it has been the best money i have spent in a while.

 

[digitaledge]

I found my hydrometer off like 2-3 compared to the refractometer i bought. I would buy a refractometer its worth every penny when it comes to reef tanks

This is the one i bought very good price and quality


Click Here

 

[Tankenvy]

I agree that the refractometer is a good buy. However, I've also run tanks wher the salinity varied by 1.022-1.027ppt, with no discernable problems. For the most part, I've found that most livestock can be acclimated to a wide variance of salinity, as long as the change is done gradually.

 

[jcarnahan12]

I completely agree that the refractometer is well worth the money...(1) It is a lot more accurate (2) it uses much less water (3) faster and easier.

But if you don't want to spend the money just calibrate your floating arm with you LFS' refractometer.

 

[kellynguyen]

Hiiii... i just got the 29 biocube... and i am new to this hobby, and i just filled the tank last night with water, it already has the live rock in it and the live sand, now my questions is in the 3rd chamber where the sponge is, i notice is says max and min, but my chamber is filled all the way to the top, i am kinda worried, im not too sure how can this affect if it does, and how to lower it?
i dont know if it got plugged with the sand or what... can any one help me?