What would cause my salinity to raise?

Discussion in 'Water Chemistry' started by Seabeast, Sep 8, 2009.

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  1. Seabeast

    Seabeast Flamingo Tongue

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    I checked my salinity last week and was just where i wanted it. (1.023) Now I just checked it and my salinity is 1.026. Does anyone know what would cause this?
     
    Seabeast, Sep 8, 2009
    Seabeast, Sep 8, 2009
    #1

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  2. jossmalo

    jossmalo Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

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    It is very possible that water is evaporating and you will have more salt in less water. Is your water level lowering quite fast?
     
    jossmalo, Sep 8, 2009
    jossmalo, Sep 8, 2009
    #2
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  3. missionsix

    missionsix Super Moderator Staff Member

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    Water evaporation will cause sg to raise.
     
    missionsix, Sep 8, 2009
    missionsix, Sep 8, 2009
    #3
  4. RHorton

    RHorton Pajama Cardinal

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    What are you using for top off?
    also as the water evaporates from your tank saltinity will rise, but that is a big jump from 1.023 to 1.026.
    also is this a reef tank or fish only?
     
    RHorton, Sep 8, 2009
    RHorton, Sep 8, 2009
    #4
  5. Seabeast

    Seabeast Flamingo Tongue

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    Fish only right now with some inverts. But yes it evaps quite fast. To lower the salinity back down i just add some distilled water.
     
    Seabeast, Sep 8, 2009
    Seabeast, Sep 8, 2009
    #5
  6. oceanparadise1

    oceanparadise1 Fire Squid

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    Yup just add some fresh water NOT saltwater
     
    oceanparadise1, Sep 8, 2009
    oceanparadise1, Sep 8, 2009
    #6

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  7. browntrout

    browntrout Fire Shrimp

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    LIke everyone says. Once you achieve your SG fill the tank up to a level you wish to maintain. Anytime water is lower than your set level it's from evaporation, which would cause your SG to rise. Simply replace with ro/di water. Only time you replace water with salt water is during a water change.
     
    browntrout, Sep 8, 2009
    browntrout, Sep 8, 2009
    #7
  8. Dingo

    Dingo Giant Squid

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    temperature will also effect sg... but generally not this much
     
    Dingo, Sep 8, 2009
    Dingo, Sep 8, 2009
    #8
  9. Seabeast

    Seabeast Flamingo Tongue

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    Thanks guys. I just checked my hydrometer and it just needed to be recalibrated. so my salinity is about 1.024 so i would still like to reduce it just a bit.
     
    Seabeast, Sep 8, 2009
    Seabeast, Sep 8, 2009
    #9
  10. browntrout

    browntrout Fire Shrimp

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    Why? I 1.024-1.025 is perfect for most. Use a refractometer to help calibrate your hydro, those things suck.
     
    browntrout, Sep 8, 2009
    browntrout, Sep 8, 2009
    #10
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