not into salt water

[bala_aquarium]

ok this is a question that came to mind today,when water in a salt water tank evaporates does its salinity level rise?salinity is how much salt is in the water right? just something that came to mind im not really into salt water aquariums

 

[CAPSLOCK]

Yes, the salinity level rises. This is why if you have a really small tank (like under 5g), you need to do top offs every day or it'll fluctuate too much. Bigger tanks you can just add some freshwater weekly or so, when the level goes down a bit.

 

[bala_aquarium]

wow thanks for a quick response. i didnt even think about that effecting smaller aquariums

 

[Perfectblue]

One way I found to keep the salinity stable in smaller saltwater tanks is to hook up a simple Auto Top Off system. I had one running on my 2.5g and it worked like a charm.

 

[Lorna]

I just add two cups of ro each day to my 10g and it works great, though summer is coming and I am finding more evaporation with an open top. May have to add a quart a day

 

[RockingCricket]

I have to add about a gallon every 2 days (or more like 5 gallons every 10 days) to compensate for evaporation in my covered 90G tall.

 

[Lorna]

My 75 gets about a gallon every two days, and if I slack off the skimmer sure lets me know the level is down...

 

[bala_aquarium]

ok i dont get how that would show you your down though.a skimmer does only remove protiens that arent used by corals or am i losing my mind

 

[1979camaro]

low/improper water levels around the skimmer (depending on the type) will cause it to perform poorly

 

[aresgod]

I assume refering to the prefilter box which makes a loud annoying slurping sound when the water level gets low...though what camaro said is correct as well.

 

[drew101]

whats the difference between a saltwater and a freshwater tank? i thought a tank was a tank

 

[Mushroomman]

Saltwater requires much more planning and patience, the cultivation of natural beneficial organisms... the right enviornment... the use of a sand type substrate (if any)... a closer eye on parameters and salinity... specific water requirements. The ocean is the most stable habitat ever, it doestn change a whole much so the creatures that inhabit it are a bit sensitive to changes. Its not too difficult but its no "wing it" like some people can get away with in basic freshwater community... which just requires basically water, filter, and an enviornment to suit the fishes needs.

 

[aresgod]

I think he was asking about the actual tank itself...and there is no difference. A tank is a tank.

 

[Mushroomman]

Oh... yeah.

 

[bala_aquarium]

thanks for the help guys and girls