salinity level and evaporation

[user 26995]

I bought what I was told was a 55 gal, freshwater system and have converted it to saltwater. (my first saltwater tank by the way) But taking the measurements, it turns out to be only a 50 gal tank. I mixed enough salt in the tank for a 55 so my salinity is running a little high at 1.028. It has only been set up for 5 days now and hopefully starting its cycle soon. I figure I can lower the salinity with water changes later in the cycle. Am I correct in understanding that the ideal salinity is 1.026? I read in a lot of places 1.021-1.023 but have heard from a few people 1.026.

And what do most of you with smaller tanks see in evaporation. I am adding a gallon of water to the sump every two days. Is that because of the heat from the pump? I am running an Eheim 1250.

 

[roscoe]

I run my salinity at 1.025-1.026 in my 40b full of SPS and LPS. I evap about a gallon a day purposly because I drip kalkwasser. As for lowering salinity just take a few gallons and put in fresh RODI to get your salinity to your desired level. Since you have nothing in your tank it won't hurt anything. Hope that helps.

Sarang

 

[DonW]

All tanks evaporate. Most use an auto top off or just manually. 1.026 or 35ppt is what your looking for with a reef tank.

Don

 

[user 26995]

1.026 it is.

I guess I will make topping off a daily routine.

Thanks again

 

[Mopar Reefer]

Maybe I missed it but is your tank going to be a FOWLR or reef set-up. If its a FOWLR you can run a little lower salinty lvl, around 1.022, but with a reef you want to shoot for 1.025-1.026 as was said earlier. Congrads on having your 1st saltwater tank.

 

[user 26995]

Maybe I missed it but is your tank going to be a FOWLR or reef set-up.

I am planning on a few fish, anemones and some soft coral such as ricordias and zoanthids. I am getting some live rock from someone when my tank gets through cycling that has some tiny zoa's and other living things on it.

I cant wait. I am going to be like a little kid asking, "is it ready yet? is it ready yet?"

I will removed some water this weekend and add some ro/di. That little of a salinity difference shouldn't affect the cycling, would it?

 

[Mopar Reefer]

Na, that little difference will not be a big deal, just before you add fish make sure you get in the 1.026 range your fish will thank you. Patience is key in saltwater tanks. Nothing good happens overnight in a reef tank.

 

[user 26995]

Patience is key in saltwater tanks. Nothing good happens overnight in a reef tank.

Yeah, I know..
And I want to do it right so I hopefully dont have any real problems.

 

[Mopar Reefer]

Problems will happen and when they do this board is full of guys/gals who have been reefing for years to help you out.