Hydrometer and specific gravity issues

[Jlux23]

So reading my hydrometer the needle was pointing all the way down which I'm pretty sure means there is not enough salt in the water but even after adding little by little it still hasn't been seeming to make a difference and I'm worried about messing with that too much during cycling

What do I do ?

 

[Xtremedave67]

Salt should have instructions for a pretty close salt per gallons or similar on bag or bucket.
not adding salt straight to tank?

 

[Jlux23]

And no I didn't just add the salt to the tank I mixed it seperatly and made sure it was good and oxygenated if that's even a word

 

[thatguy559]

try rinsing it with hot water sometimes those things get salt build up on the swing arm and a little tap wont hurt it

 

[Jlux23]

I'll give that a try on a better note I'm getting a brown stuff growing on my sand now even though it doesn't look good it is a good thing

 

[NWDiver]

Bring a sample to your LFS if you're not sure.
Do look into buying a decent refractometer, they are a great way to insure that you have your salinity where you want it.
The brown on your sand is probably diatoms, part of the new tank process.

-Todd

 

[pewpewlazerbeam]

TAP IT harder!!!

 

[TJL]

Jlux, you're welcome to borrow my fractometer for confirmation. Also just a thought, since there are several noobs on the sight now you might check into setting up a group buy through one of our sponsors like Marine Depot or even check with Rob at A Red Sea Aquarium for a bulk purchase.

Todd