LR effected by salinity?

[hc8719]

hey guys, still cycling the tank with LR and base rock. i forgot to check the salt levels (studying for exams, wont happen again) and the salt rocketed from 1.021 to 1.026

how much damage did i do to my tank, will the nitrifying bacteria on the LR be effected?

i didnt have any little critters, not one stowaway on 6 lbs of LR, so no worries there

my ammonia levels did drop from 2.0 to somewhere between 1 to .5 and im hoping it continues even with the salinity flucuations

 

[tecwzrd]

Minimal damage to just base/lr as far as the bacteria is concerned. How did the sg change so quickly?

 

[blazeyreef]

probably from water evaporation! I know if I slip a water change and delay it a few day's, or even a week (like If I go on vacation) it will rocket!

 

[tecwzrd]

I agree it probably was due to evaporation but in a 20 gal tank it would take a week for it to change that much. That's why I asked.

Slow sg changes that happen over a week is much less dangerous then drastic changes that happen within minutes like not checking the sg level correctly when doing a pwc.

Bacteria is fairly resilient and can easily handle sg changes over a long time but are more affected by rapid changes. Since the tank is still cycling it's not much of an issue right now.

 

[melosu58]

I agree that the damage is minimal but a big jump like that if you had fish or corals would be rough. Luckily you`re going through your cycle. Make sure you add FW top off every day to keep your salinity from making large bounces like that. Hope all goes well.

 

[roka64]

I agree with the rest. Are you topping off with SW? Remember, water evaporates a lot more quickly thatn the salt, so you should use FW.

 

[squawkbert]

no sweat, assuming it's just the result of forrgetting to top off for a couple of days

 

[hc8719]

the water was at 76F, (but felt a bit warmer, or maybe i was just cold) and i dont have eggcrate or anything over the tank, so i guess its reason enough to evaporate. never had it do it that quick though, didnt think much of it, only because i dont have fish yet.

*sigh, yes roka, i top off with fw, you've asked me that several times in various threads, lol

thanks

 

[Devilishturtles]

Your tank will be fine.

 

[ellisz]

evaporation rates are going to change based on the seasons and conditions in your home. I would ask why you keep a sg of 1.021? 1.023-1.025 is what most keep their reefs at.

I agree that during the cycle period, it should not be an issue. Definately want to stay more consistent once you get some livestock in there.

 

[roka64]

*sigh, yes roka, i top off with fw, you've asked me that several times in various threads, lol

I know, I just like to add that, for newer folks, that may not realize the fact.

I would ask why you keep a sg of 1.021? 1.023-1.025 is what most keep their reefs at.

I keep my FOWLR at 1.020, to reduce the stress in the fish. I agree, it should be higher in a reef tank.