Safe Specific Gravity and Salinity

[omcnair]

Hi All,

I working to better understand specific gravity and salinity.
My tank is currently reading 81% and my Aquarium Systems SeaTest Meter is reading 1.024 specific gravity or almost 33 ppt.

I’ve read that a good target is around 1.025 @ 80*F. How concerned should I be about being off and what’s the best way to gradually increase my salinity without shocking the tank’s inhabitants?

Are the Systems SeaTest Meters accurate?

Thanks
Oliver

 

[loganj]

That's exactly what I try to keep mine at. 1.025 @ 80*F. I use the Aquarium Systems hydrometer. I have a Deep Six by Coralife also. I just tested the coral tanks with 2 Seatests and the Deep Six.
Seatest #1: 1.0255
Seatest #2: 1.023
Deep Six: 1.024
I think, when using these type hydrometers, the best you can hope for is to be in the "safe" range. I have never tested one against a refractometer as I don't have one, but it is high on my list of "gotta haves".
I don't think you have much to worry about as long as you don't let it get too far off. My tanks are relatively small and I run them open top so there is lots of evaporation. I know the salinity fluctuates a point or two each way. I fill up the sumps each night which brings it back down kinda quickly and all the critters never seem to notice. I think you could bring it up a point or two at water change time or by adding a weak salt mix when you top off for evap without doing any damage. JMHO.
Logan J