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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?
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.)
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).