Water Change help!

[surfandshine77]

Hi Guys (: I need to do a water change today and i have some new members to my tank family that are pretty sensitive to changes in water. I have two margarita snails and a cleaner wrass that i know are sensitive. Last water change, my water wasn't perfect and it killed my previous margarita snails. Can someone please tell me how i should match the new water's PH to my tank's PH.. I've heard of using baking soda but i've never done it. Will baking soda harm my fish and inverts ? Please help

[Frankie_Garcia]

I think you would be fine performing your water change as is. Dont do anything special and don't dose anything you can't test for.

[BigRedsReefs10]

Originally Posted by Frankie_Garcia

I think you would be fine performing your water change as is. Dont do anything special and don't dose anything you can't test for.

Just make sure that the temp is +- 1 degree of the tank and the salinity matches dead on (you really need a refractometer for this).

[Frankie_Garcia]

Yes on the refractometer, spend the money for one. Hydrometers are very inaccurate

[mr_X]

How much of a water change are you doing, and how long do you mix the water before adding it?

[surfandshine77]

I do have a refractometer and the salinity is right on point . The water has been sitting / being mixed for two days now & I'm doing a 20% water change

[jeffaquarius]

Is temp also right on point? Do you fill it up through your sump or direct to display tank?

[surfandshine77]

I don't have a sump so directly to the display tank & yes temp it on point

[jeffaquarius]

If you pour the new saltwater very slowly you should not have any problem. A large difference on pH is more critical than the alkalinity on your new mix. Do you have auto top off?

[mr_X]

What salt mix are you using?

[nickwhite]

I personally would just do smaller water changes for the next week. Snails are surprisingly sensitive and in my experience do well in a refugium to begin with. It stops the fish annoying them as they acclimatise. Definitely invest in a refractometer. Well worth the money and it is what your local fish shop will be using.