salt not done mixing?

[thenewguy997]

Ive been mixing salt in my new 75 since 5pm at 80f with a powerhead. My instant ocean hydrometer gets different readings. Half the tank is over 1.035 and the other half is 1.022. Idk how this can be possible im thinking the salt isnt fully dissolved from the side view the water is a lil cloudy but its clear from above

And please dont tell me i need a refractometer lol

I filled my hydro with vinegar to make sure its clean n evem vinegarbis getting a reading so maybe my hydro is bad or it has salt particles in it

 

[rustyjames]

You need a refractometer. Just kidding. 5 hours is not very long to mix 75 gallons of saltwater. Rinse the hydrometer and test, on both sides of the tank, in the morning and let us know what the results are.

 

[thenewguy997]

It was just too early you were right, getting solid readings this orning so thank u!

 

[dkeller_nc]

Keep in mind that while you can certainly use swing-arm hydrometers (I used one for 20 years), keeping it clean isn't the only issue. You must calibrate it yourself if you expect accuracy.

Depending on the brand, they are often off by 0.004 or even more. And the Instant Ocean brand, in my experience, typically reads low. That means that you could be running your tank at 1.030 instead of 1.026. A lot of reef life is very adaptable, but keeping the salinity that high is going to make acclimating fish and inverts from the LFS problematic.

 

[thenewguy997]

Thx for the tip, right now i only have lr so before i put any life in there i deff will buy a refrac

 

[ThisGuy12]

Hydrometer, well there's your problem

And yes, mix for 12-24 hours for consistent readings.


.... you need a refractometer

 

[disc1]

If you get different reading from different ends of the tank I suspect you're getting air bubbles on your hydrometer.

 

[shermanator]

You do need a refractometer. I spent my first day with a hydrometer and must have had 10 different readings. And I'm a scientist (so in theory I should know how to use such equipment, but alas).

 

[thenewguy997]

Ill get one eventually. I dont see how you could keep coral withour one