What is up with my SG?!

[Jolio99]

OK i just got my tank up and running. I have all of the equipment working and everything seems fine. Temp is at 75 Degrees. I added the amount of salt in the directions but I ended up with a SG level that didnt even read on my hydrometer. I waited about 2 hours and still nothing. I have been adding a little salt every hour and the reading is picking up. Am I doing the right thing or have I put too much salt in? Thanks


Tyler

[Cali Kid]

Hey Tyler,

what did the directions say? If you are setting up a reef tank, I would recommend getting your hands on a refractometer for measuring SG.

Your target should be around 1.025

How much volume is your tank?

IMO 75 deg. is a little cool. 78-80 would be a little better, but thats just my opinion.

Sean

[Rick O]

You need to be using a powerhead to vigorously stir the water. What kind of salt are you using and how much are you using per gallon?

[digital_dragon]

I have to agree with Cali Kid, I would bring your temp up to 80 to 82 degrees and get some power heads going in your tank for circulation. I mix my saltwater in the bucket to do my water changes and I go by the instructions on the container using 1/2 a cup per gallon to start with and I usually have to add a lot more salt to get it to my SG of 1.025. Go slow when adding it is easier to add then take away.

Earl

[Jolio99]

I figured out what I did wrong. The directions called for 1/2 cup of salt for every gallon and I figured in my head that If I use a 1 cup measuring cup I will only have to measure half. I did that but I was only using a 1/2 measuring cup. So I really only put half the salt that was needed. Thanks for your help though. I am going soon to get my live rock

Tyler

[ziggy]

Just for giggles take your hydrometer to your favorite LFS and test it against a couple of theirs. I had one that was quite a bit off. It's nice to have several of them or at least 1 per tank.