salinity test

[JBecker22]

Hey guys every time I check the salt in my tank it's a different reading every time I test it. I check the left side of the tank then middle then right side and every time it's a different reading

 

[ericarenee]

what are you checking it with?

 

[cloak]

Are you topping it off with freshwater on a regular basis?
I'm not exactly sure what you mean by testing the left side, the right side and the middle though, being that it's all one body of water.

 

[ericarenee]

Are you topping it off with freshwater on a regular basis?
I'm not exactly sure what you mean by testing the left side, the right side and the middle though, being that it's all one body of water.

Yes sounds like a testing equip malfunction. I test mine in the basement sump only..with glass hydrometer .

 

[gone fishin]

If you average the three is it a good number?:lol:

I agree with the others what are you using to test salinity?

Are checking salinity right after you top off? if so may need to let it circulate for a few minutes.

 

[JBecker22]

Well I just set the tank up 3 days ago so I'm letting it go through a cycle and I really haven't had to fill it up. And when I measure in different places of the tank I get a different reading

 

[gone fishin]

Did you mix the salt and water then dump it in the tank or fill the tank then dump salt in the tank?

What are you measuring with? Refractometer, swing arm hydrometer, glass hydrometer

 

[gone fishin]

BTW what are the three measurements your getting?

 

[heathlindner25]

you might be getting air bubbles stuck to your hydrometer swingarm

 

[JBecker22]

I mixed salt in water in a 5 gal bucket then poured it in. I just measured again andthey're getting closing now but it measures 1.022 1.023 and 1.023. I measure with a fluval sea hydrometer

 

[gone fishin]

Yes, make sure your not getting any bubbles sticking to the arm. IMO swingarms are good for a quick check to see if your in the ballpark. At some point you may want to look into getting a refractometer for consistency in your salt mixing and overall salinity. Just my 2 cents worth.

 

[ericarenee]

Yes, make sure your not getting any bubbles sticking to the arm. IMO swingarms are good for a quick check to see if your in the ballpark. At some point you may want to look into getting a refractometer for consistency in your salt mixing and overall salinity. Just my 2 cents worth.

Or a glass hydrometer .. Yes i am OLD... i cant help myself

 

[davehead86]

I mixed salt in water in a 5 gal bucket then poured it in. I just measured again andthey're getting closing now but it measures 1.022 1.023 and 1.023. I measure with a fluval sea hydrometer

Mine was doing weird stuff too. I dip it first for a lil bit then dump it all out then dip it again to make sure its clean tank water only not any leftover from the last time.

If your number is only off by .001 then your close enough, i wouldn't worry that much.

 

[gone fishin]

Or a glass hydrometer .. Yes i am OLD... i cant help myself

I used to use a glass hydrometer bit for some reason the numbers kept getting smaller. :hmm5:

At a power plant I worked at we upgraded equipment and the boss gave me the old meter it was a Myron L ultrameter 4P, it is what I have used for a few years now.

 

[JBecker22]

I just checked again and the farther I am from the filter the higher the salinity and thanks everyone for the responses

 

[ericarenee]

I just checked again and the farther I am from the filter the higher the salinity and thanks everyone for the responses

This is because you are getting air bubbles on the SWING arm... i say soak it in some vinegar and water solution then rinse very very well in salt water.. Rinse it with ro water after each use....

I use the swing arm for a quick check when i know in my mind everything is right.. I also check the swing arm against glass floating and they are always right on the mark....

Test in a area where the water is Calm and no air bubbles... Fill swing arm with water sit on flat level surface and tap on the side of it with your finger nail. this will dislodge bubbles...

 

[JBecker22]

Ok I'll give that a try and I know some people say it should be at 1.025. What's the range I can be in

 

[JBecker22]

I've had my hydrometer suction cupped to the inside of my tank in the middle and 1.019. What should I do to get my level up? Just pour salt in the tank or mix outside the tank and pour in

 

[ericarenee]

I've had my hydrometer suction cupped to the inside of my tank in the middle and 1.019. What should I do to get my level up? Just pour salt in the tank or mix outside the tank and pour in

mix some up with ro/di water like a gallon but make it very concentrated and add super slowly small amount and check