For some reason, and I believe it's due to the addition of a buffer, my salinity went from (well s.g.) 1.0025 to 1.0028. I add fresh water in, and it's still up there, so I figure I'll just make a good water change when it's cycled to bring things down. My question is, will the higher salinity screw with my cycle at all? I was just curious if some bacteria are unable to tolerate a higher amount of dissolved salt in the water.
Will high salinity harm cycle?
- Thread starter VoodooChild
- Start date
I don't think buffers would increase specific gravity...It shouldn't change the amount of dissolved salt. What buffer did you add?
And yes, you can get a sp that is too high for bacteria. As long as there aren't critters in there, I'd be okay with 1.028. If it hits 1.030, you'll have problems. I recommend taking 2 gallons of water out and replacing it with fresh water, just in case. As water evaporates, the salinity will increase, so starting out on the high end isn't good.
And yes, you can get a sp that is too high for bacteria. As long as there aren't critters in there, I'd be okay with 1.028. If it hits 1.030, you'll have problems. I recommend taking 2 gallons of water out and replacing it with fresh water, just in case. As water evaporates, the salinity will increase, so starting out on the high end isn't good.
Buffer won't change your specific gravity. I don't think the bacteria will be harmed by 1.028, but you should get that down a bit. Remove some tank water and replace with fresh. Are you using one of those swing arm hydrometers? The reading will change based on temperature, so if the tank temp shifted, so will your SG. If you've had evaporation, that too would obviously raise the SG.
You may as well get it down now so you can get used to keeping it stable before adding livestock.
You may as well get it down now so you can get used to keeping it stable before adding livestock.
If you are using one of the plastic hydrometers, it is always a good idea to find an LFS or someone who uses a good refractometer to double check your readings and to calibrate your hydrometer.
On a side note, the waters around here are commonly around 1.027-28.
You may have had some undesolved salt mix that bumped up the salynity if you mixed it up in the tank or didnt leave it totally mix prior to adding it in.
On a side note, the waters around here are commonly around 1.027-28.
You may have had some undesolved salt mix that bumped up the salynity if you mixed it up in the tank or didnt leave it totally mix prior to adding it in.