Rapid Change of Salinity in Brackish

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Tanyoberu

Gambusia
MFK Member
Mar 10, 2006
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I read how the change in salinity should not go over X amount in Y duration. Is that strictly because one would like to keep the healthy bacteria? I ask because in the wild, what's the maximum variation of salinity that occurs twice a day? Can't fish endure the rapid change?

Is it possible that some bacteria will adapt to the change in salinity?
 
You are correct about the bacteria in our biological beds suffering way more than our fish, in SG swings.
 
You also have to realize, there's a difference between the amount of bacteria in even a large tank compared to the amount of bacteria in a natural habitat.
 
Can a tank survive without biological filtration if said tank has adequate mechanical and chemical filtration? Since it's noted that the fish don't suffer, which is more important, a constant change in salinity to keep "happy" fish or biological filtration?
 
You might want to read up on what cycling a tank is all about. The fish will be poisoned by their own waste & die, without biological filtration.
 
That's my point, I DO understand the 'benefit' of having a healthy biological system running. That's why I asked IF a tank can survive without one, providing it has a great mechanical and chemical filtration. Granted water changes would have to be common and I wouldn't rely on those two filtrations alone, but I like the idea of changing the salinity to try to emulate their natural habitat. Can a tank thrive this way?
 
You can change the salinity, but really I don't suggest it over .002/week, .003 max.

What will happen, regardless of mechanical filtration is that those ammonia levels will also fluctuate. It's the same way when you first establish a tank, just because you have a filter doesn't mean those levels are in check.

It's just not something you wanna play around with.
 
i've changed my salinity by more than a 1.002 in a 20min period and never had any problems with ammonia or the tank cycling all over again.
 
Just all around, generally not a good idea to do though. Why take the risk?
 
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