Salinity rising slightly

airbrnebkr · Apr 22, 2004

Over the past few days my salinity has been rising slightly from 1.023 to closer to 1.025. Thank tank temp has been at 78 for awhile with no changes. I know that salinity will fluctuate with temp changes but I have not seen any so I was wondering what may be causing this and if there is something I can do to prevent it.
Thanks,
Doug

gbolton · Apr 22, 2004

Are you experiencing any water evaporation? If you are be sure to top off with just fresh water.

airbrnebkr · Apr 22, 2004

I have had some very minor evaporation maybe 3/4 to 1 cup a day in the sump. I have been topping off with frsh water only. I am wondering if maybe I am just not clean my hydro (plastic kind) well enough or with the right stuff. Any suggestions

mogurnda · Apr 22, 2004

A cup a day seems pretty small. My little 20 goes through a quart a day. It may not be detectable as a change in water level before you see a change in specific gravity.

I have been using the same swinging-arm hydrometer for several years, and have only washed it with fresh water. To make sure it's accurate, be certain fill and empty it a few times, then give it a good rattle to dislodge bubbles from the arm.

Plastic hydrometers are notoriously inaccurate. It's a very good idea to have it calibrated using a refractometer or a hydrometer you know is accurate. Your LFS may be able to help you with this.

airbrnebkr · Apr 22, 2004

Thank you very much for the tips Dave.
Doug

manfish · Apr 23, 2004

I use one of those plastic hydrometers also. Give it a few taps with your finger to release air bubbles from lever. This works for me.

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Salinity rising slightly

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