Specific Gravity

[kj5432]

I have an SPS tank and I have been keeping my salinity at 1.025. What is the optimal SG for an SPS tank? I think natural ocean water is around 1.023. Is that the case?

 

[wetWolger]

NSW is 35PPT which is a SG of 1.026 (averaged)...most reefers keep there tanks at 1.025

 

[OnTheReef]

Ideal depends on what you are keeping in your tank. The Baensch Marine Guide is excellent and will list the pH, hardness and specific gravity ranges for the native habitat of your specimens. Absent any other data however, 1.025 is a safe number for just about anything.

To your query about natural ocean water, it varies a lot depending on where it is measured, estuaries such as the mangroves in the Florida Everglades have lower salinity, while inland seas like the Red Sea are higher, while inland salt containing lakes like the Great Salt Lake in Utah are even higher still.

 

[TheFlyingTang]

Don't forget about Alk., calcium, and magnisium. It is like a three legged bar stool, you need each one at the proper levels to have your livestock survive and thrive.

 

[kj5432]

I have my calcium, alk, and mg in check. So the question still is...What is the optimal salinity for an SPS tank?

 

[jimbo045]

1.025 seems fine, I use 1.026.