Gravity for Snails

[shjuho]

Our LFS suggested 1.017 gravity for our fish - supposedly cuts down on parasites, disease, etc.
Do we need to raise that if we get a "cleanup crew" of snails, shrimp, crabs?

 

[ReefLady]

Oy, ouch, eek - I hate it when a LFS recommends such a low salinity.

Most tropical reef fish are used to salinities ranging from 1.023 - 1.027

The suggested salinity for a reef tank is 1.025. I've never seen a FO recommendation below 1.023.

Mobile inverts need full strength salinity (1.024 - 1.026) to survive long-term.

HTH,

 

[snapcrackler]

IMHO That's almost hyposaline even for the fish, and the inverts are going to need 1.025 to live.

Natural reef salinities are much higher and low salinity over long periods will probably shorten the life of the fish IMHO.

Here is a good article.

http://www.animalnetwork.com/fish2/aqfm/1997/nov/features/1/default.asp


Just my 2cents.

 

[snapcrackler]

Oh BTW I got that article link from Reeflady... LOL

You were typing when I was.

 

[ReefLady]

8) 8) 8)

 

[shjuho]

How do you suggest that we raise the level - how slow and in what increments?

 

[ReefLady]

The usual way of raising salinity is to use SW for all your topoff water. You are correct in thinking it should be done slowly - and there is no rush at all.
Quick fluxes in salinity, as well as in pH and temp can severly stress the animals in your tank, especially mobile invertebrates.

I'd aim for raising it by 2/100th pt each week (eg - 1.017 - to 1.019 the first week, to 1.021 the second, etc.)

HTH,

 

[Thelionfishman]

Yes raise the gravity slowly don't rush. Everyone here is giving the best advice around. All of my tanks are from 1.024-1.025. all my snails are doing great (over 200 snails).

Good Luck!