Newbie Question

Discussion in 'ASAP' started by beachy, Jun 16, 2015.

to remove this notice and enjoy 3reef content with less ads. 3reef membership is free.

  1. beachy

    beachy Plankton

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2015
    Messages:
    6
    Hello I am new to marine aquariums I just have 1 question for now. I have a guage on the side of my aquarium to measure my salt levels. When I originally started the aquarium the level was reading 1.024. As as I leave it I notice the level slowly drops currently its reading around 1.021 -1.022. Should I leave it? Add salt? Thanks in advance!
     
  2. Click Here!

  3. Corailline

    Corailline Super Moderator

    Joined:
    Sep 8, 2010
    Messages:
    19,652
    Location:
    It is a dry heat, yeah right !
    If you are topping off with fresh water each day simply wait a couple days or turn off the automated top off/ATO if you have one.

    Personally I have never seen a gauge that provides SG values built into the aquarium. To be sure of this gauges accuracy get a hydrometer or better yet a refractometer to double check values.

    Basically I would not intervene until you have verified the value against a second measurement instrument.

    Welcome to 3reef. :)
     
    mdbostwick, DSC reef and Billme like this.
  4. beachy

    beachy Plankton

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2015
    Messages:
    6
    It is a fluval sea guage it suction cups to the glass. I havent had to top off at all yet.
     
  5. beachy

    beachy Plankton

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2015
    Messages:
    6
    My tank is only a 15 gallon tower aquarium so i do not have an automated top off.
     
  6. Corailline

    Corailline Super Moderator

    Joined:
    Sep 8, 2010
    Messages:
    19,652
    Location:
    It is a dry heat, yeah right !
    How long has this tank been running, are there any fish or corals in the tank?
     
  7. beachy

    beachy Plankton

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2015
    Messages:
    6
    I started it up last friday. No fish or coral. I have rock. I bought 8 small hermit crabs and a peppermint shrimp. All which seem to be doing well
     
  8. Click Here!

  9. Corailline

    Corailline Super Moderator

    Joined:
    Sep 8, 2010
    Messages:
    19,652
    Location:
    It is a dry heat, yeah right !
    Ok then, let evaporation happen and you'll see a rise in the SG.

    If the shrimp or crabs begin to look stressed, top off with saltwater for a day or two.

    Water does evaporate on all tanks, salt does not. The tank's specific gravity will drift up as fresh water evaporates, leaving salt to become more concentrated.

    In the future think about getting a second hydrometer to match values against. A refractometer or probe however are your best options in the long run.
     
  10. Flaring Afro

    Flaring Afro Purple Spiny Lobster

    Joined:
    Sep 2, 2010
    Messages:
    487
    Location:
    VA
    Anything that stays in the tank can get salt built up on its sensor and make it useless. I'd personally look into getting a refractometer - they're like $25 on ebay. Hydrometers also can have accuracy problems and really aren't much cheaper (at least with the ebay route).

    Edit: Also, I'm not sure what you meant but even if it were low, you should never add salt to your aquarium that hasn't been mixed in water yet. You'd regret the mess.
     
  11. beachy

    beachy Plankton

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2015
    Messages:
    6
    I will look into that. Thank you
     
  12. jack102367

    jack102367 Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

    Joined:
    Feb 24, 2010
    Messages:
    79
    Location:
    Cincinnati, OH
    DSC reef likes this.