new refractometer

[dianeww]

I finally decided to take everyone's advice and ordered a refractometer, which just arrived. Yikes! I had a swing-arm hydrometer and have been keeping the [acronym:aa07020967="Specific gravity"]sg[/acronym:aa07020967] at 1.023. I just calibrated the refractometer with distilled water (didn't have to adjust it actually) and tested my tank water... it says I've got it at 1.030, or 40 [acronym:aa07020967="Parts per Thousand"]ppt[/acronym:aa07020967]! I obviously have some adjusting to do. How fast or slowly should I bring down the salinity?

And by the way, are all refractometers created equal? And all to be trusted over hydrometers?

This is the one I got (it was only $34.99 at the time):

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...lpartial&Np=1&[acronym:aa07020967="Power compact fluorescent"]pc[/acronym:aa07020967]=1&N=0&Nty=1

[runway1]

That model has worked fine for me for many months so far.

Bring your [acronym:90d00cdbbc="Specific gravity"]sg[/acronym:90d00cdbbc] down about .002/day with [acronym:90d00cdbbc="Reverse osmosis"]ro[/acronym:90d00cdbbc]/[acronym:90d00cdbbc="Deionization"]di[/acronym:90d00cdbbc] water. In two days you'll be at 1.026 and your tank will feel far less stress. Third day at 1.024 and you'll be perfect! I keep mine at 1.024/1.025.

[dianeww]

Thanks, Runway!

I've already started to add a little fresh water to my tank.

[Brenden]

You could bring it down in one day but I would recommend doing it slower. They can handle a drop much better than a rapid increase. As runaway said 2-3 days would be ideal. I have dropped from 1.023 to 1.011 in two days on several occasions with no problems.