Salt Concentration

The strangest thing happened today. We decided that we were going to top up the tank before we left for the weekend, so of course we check the Salt Concentration. It appears there has been a sudden and unexpected spike in the level of salt in our aquarium. It has been checked as often as it should be and we're just wondering if there is something or anything at all that could cause that kind of a spike in our tank?
it was at 1.024
and its at 1.028
everything in the aquarium appears to be alright but we recently lost a fish, and our anemone isn't opening up at all.

 

salt water for top offs

evaporation raises salinity. you kid coming buy knocking salt creep back in the tank after you already added salt to account for the loss

 

Well, depending on how fast it raised, the salinity level isn't causing the livestock issues. 1.028 is right about where I normally keep mine.
Three things are usually the cause of this:
1. Are you using a quality refractometer or a hydrometer?
2. Are you topping off with mixed water or plain R/O?
3. How long are you letting your water mix before adding to the tank during water changes?

 

Alright!
Thanks so much for the uber quick reply.
So what you're saying that we should top off with fresh water because our water is evaporating and the salt is not...correct?

 

OOU!!!!
We generally do top offs with salt water, this is most likely our issue. We tend to let it sit for about an hour or two before putting it into the aquarium...
thanks so much guys!!!

 

correct

 

the only salt that comes out of the tank from evap is the stuff that builds up around the tank. really it isn't much maybe for every 20 gallons or evap you lose one gallons worth of salt

 

You will also tend to lose salt (slow but steady) the more you have your hands in there... the salt sticks to you. Or when acclimating something.

 

I didnt know that! Thats good information to know! Thanks

 

Yeah, you should be topping off with fresh, not salt.
Also, when you mix salt, let it mix at least 12 hours. If it doesn't fully dissolve, you will get a false sailinty reading. Then when the salt that has settled to the bottom dissolves, it basically causes an increase in salinity. Just another hint to look out for