BL1ND1ND3X
Aquarium Advice Freak
A salinity meter really is not necessary. What I would get is a small kitchen scale. Walmart has them (nondigital) for under $5. Digital are bit more. Salt is best measured via weight rather than volume as different sized grains weigh different amounts. For example, a tsp of API aq salt or rock salt will not weigh the same as a tsp of canning salt.
For salt treatment, dose 11.4grams per gallon (.3% salinity). Measure out the amount of salt needed into a container you can close (empty water jug works) and fill with conditioned water. Shake until completely dissolved. Add this salt solution gradually over a 48hr period of time. Half should be in by the 24hr mark. Water changes along with good gravel vacs to suck up cysts should be done every other day to daily depending on parameters. Keep a daily check on your parameters as the salt will affect your good bacteria.
For water changes, its best to stick to a set amount such as 50%. 50% will remove half the salt in the tank and you will need to replace only the salt you remove. So, mix half the original dose of salt in treated water, dissolve completely and add all the salt solution back with the new water. Maintain the salinity for one week after the last spot is gone then simply do not add back salt with future wcs and the salinity will gradually return to normal. That's about it! Please ask if you have questions!
You said that I have to gravel vacuum, but I have sand?
Do you have any advice on that?