A quick question.

[pcfriedrich]

I posted in the brackish section, but think I could get quicker answers here. I'm switching a FW tank over to brackish, and was told not to go up more than .002 in SG per week. so, this is what I'm working with.

about how much salt per gallon will raise the sg .002? the only hydrometer I could find only goes down to 1.012, so its minimum measurement is around my ideal level.

Correct me if this logic is wrong: I bought a small pouch (1.5 lb) of marine mix, enough to make 5 gallons of marine salt water (at about 1.022) it says on the packet. so, if i added that much to 20 gallons, it would put the SG around 1.0055. That is too high. so one third of the pouch would raise the SG less than .002 (about .0018). So I should add about one third of this packet (or one half pound) per week of marine mix per week, until I've added three total pounds to the 20 gallon tank. This should put the SG right around 1.011. I think I got it, but don't wanna make any fatal errors.

Input?

 

[pcfriedrich]

also, with water changes, I imagine you need to pretty accurately measure the water you take out and replace it with water at the appropriate sg. simple enough. do you refill the tank with freshwater (to make up for any evaporation) before doing the water change? I assume if you didn't, you would be gradually making your water saltier and saltier.

 

[perfect_prefect]

yes i top off tanks before water changes, i top off tanks basically daily. that sounds like a plan just take into consideration how much salt you are taking out of the tank when you do your water changes also so the 3lb bag will not be enough to get you where you need to be. are you changing it with fish in the tank you didnt specify?

 

[pcfriedrich]

yeah there are fish in it. I have a G tile and a couple of GSPs. They are going into a 55 in a few months. patience is not one of my virtues.

I realize, that with water changes, I will need more than just the three pounds of salt. but the concept is correct?

This is a totally ridiculous question, I'm sure, but I noticed in my kitchen that my "Morten's 100% natural sea salt" is just that. It comes comes from evaporated pacific sea water. nothing added or taken away. I wouldn't risk using to save a couple bucks. but is this another instance of aquarium hobbyists being gouged by "quality product" suppliers?

 

[perfect_prefect]

not sure about that one i have never seen the product but i will take a look into it if i can find it. as long as all they do is evaporate the water and leave all solids and they dont filter the water prior to the evaporation process to remove substances that are in the sea water that are needed for your tank i dont see why it wouldnt work. try calling the company and asking one of there representatives about it.