How much of a fluctuation of salt is safe for filter bacteria?

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Penguin88

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Nov 29, 2011
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Hello, I am wondering how much of a salt fluctuation is safe for the filter bacteria in a brackish tank. I did a big water change in my brackish tank about a week ago and I suspect I might have ammonia levels although I haven't tested yet. I brought the specific gravity down from 1.010 to about 1.008, m fish didn't mind one bit. I am wondering if this is too high of a jump for the bacteria? How sensitive are brackish filter bacteria to salt level changes?
 

OrionGirl

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Aug 14, 2001
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I know going the other way, the SW bactiria are quite tolerant of dips and highs. The FW ones...hard to say. Why do you suspect you have ammonia?
 

jpappy789

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Feb 18, 2007
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It would make sense for the bacteria to be tolerant of SG shifts as it changes normally in most brackish environments. I've also heard that a 0.002 change is about the most you want to do, but that was a "per week" rule for transitioning from FW to BW.

Either way, the best measure would be to keep track of the ammonia, nitrite, nitrate readings.
 

Penguin88

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Nov 29, 2011
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I think maybe the ammonia might be a little high because my green spotted puffer's colors don't look as bright as usual for the last couple of days, although he's not in visible distress or anything. I need to test the water, honestly my tanks have been so stable I rarely test anymore so I'll have to find my test kits. It's a 29 gallon with tufa rock, driftwood, and a couple of mangroves.
 

Johnny77

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Feb 12, 2015
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