![]() It is best practice to rinse the slide with fresh water after each use and re-calibrate the device regularly.ĭigital Refractometer: Operates with the same principle as a manual refractometer however, rather than a user’s eye reading the value, the machine will measure the refraction of the light itself and display the salinity as a number on a screen. Higher-end refractometers measure the concentration of seawater, making them more accurate. Most economical refractometers measure just the concentration of salt in the water. Results display on a scale inside the tube. The sample water density changes the light’s direction, called the angle of refraction, which correlates to a specific salinity value. Sample water is placed on the glass and then held up to a light source. A refractometer is a hollow tube with an angled piece of glass at the end. Refractometer: A refractometer is more accurate but also more expensive than a swing-arm hydrometer. A good option for fish-only aquariums since consistency is more important than the actual salinity level. A swing-arm hydrometer is affordable however, it is generally not as accurate as other types. The scale printed on the box will indicate the specific gravity. The calibrated arm will float at a specific height dependent upon the salt concentration of the water. Swing-arm Hydrometer: A swing-arm hydrometer is a small clear plastic box with a tear-shaped swing arm. Here are a few options and the pros and cons of each: There are several tools available in the market for purchase designed to test your salinity. (35 PPT is the same as 1.026 specific gravity.) If salinity is low, add additional salt and mix until completely dissolved. If measuring PPT or parts per thousand, it should fall in the range of 34-36. The most common measurement is specific gravity and should fall in the range of 1.023 to 1.028 for a reef tank. Test: Before adding the saltwater to the tank, test the concentration of salt.The water should be crystal clear after all the salt dissolves. Mix: After selecting your preferred salt, simply add the salt to the fresh RO-DI water and mix with a pump until the salt dissolves completely.Purified RO-DI water is considered the best option and can be made at home using an RO-DI filter or purchased from a local aquarium shop. Make Freshwater: Adding tap water to an aquarium is not recommended as it contains many impurities that can be harmful to tank inhabitants.For example, if you have a reef tank, choose a reef mix with proper calcium and alkalinity levels. Choose a salt that is a good match for your tank’s needs. Select Salt Mix: There are many different brands of salt on the market.When deciding to keep a marine or saltwater aquarium, the first thing you may think about is: how do you make saltwater? How to Make Saltwater at the Proper Salinity The concentration of salt can vary widely but is rarely the salinity of seawater. ![]() For fish with ich, the salinity can be dropped to as low as 1.010 for up to 2 weeks to eradicate the ich infection.īrackish Aquariums: Typical Range: 1.002 – 1.022īrackish waters occur where saltwater from the ocean mixes with a fresh water source, like a river. Fish usually tolerate these lower salinity levels however, parasites and other pests have a harder time coping with this level of salt concentration. Generally only used for aquariums with saltwater fish as the salinity is too low for the vast majority of corals. As low as 1.023 and as high as 1.028 are generally considered safe for corals, however, most hobbyists keep their salinity in the range of 1.024 – 1.026 (32 – 35 ppt).įish Only Aquariums: Typical Range: 1.019 – 1.023 Salt concentrations in the ocean’s reefs vary depending on the location. Reef Aquariums: Typical Range: 1.024 – 1.026
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