water clarity

[beach]

thanks to everyone for advice about setting up a tank.i decided to stick with the 55 but purchased components for bigger tanks.unfortunately i did not wash my substrate before adding it to my tank. i used almost whole shells and assumed the powdered shell debris would just add to the buffering of the water.now every time the substrate is moved clouds arise.since its only been 24 hrs should i let the filter do its job or should i bail out and start over.one last question is there a rule of thumb to increase salinity (that is how much salt to add) my tank is at 1.016 and i read sp.gr. should be 1.022. i have nothing in the tank yet .

[FLHT]

I'd say either 101 or 102 salinity is fine. I've had mine at both
with no problems. I think 1.023 is best. Salinity is like motor oil---everybody has an opinion on what is best.
I don't think not washing your substrate is a problem, it should
settle down. I think you could scoop some out and rinse it,
if you want to, since you don't have anything in your tank.
Maybe someone else has a better suggestion.
Good luck

[FishDaddy]

Beach,

"i used almost whole shells "

What kind of substrate did you use?
Many of the reefers are running their tanks at 1.025~6 at 80f; which approximates sea water in reef temperate zones. That's what I keep mine at. Of course others, keep theirs lower.
I would add a half cup or so of salt mix; wait a half hour or so, then check your SG; repeating until you reach the desired SG.
HTH,
Dick

[Stang69]

NOw take in mind this is just a opinion but the powdery substance will not blow around as much once it gets bacteria stuck to it. Kinda like the southdown will settle and more or less stay in place once things get more established. As far as salenity goes mine is .023 but like was said in a previous post it is like motor oil everyone will have a opion. What I suggest is matbe raise it a little and hit a happy med and then adjust it by what works for you.

Once again this is JMO

Jeff

[MontanaRocknReefer]

Hi there! As FishDaddy has stated, alot of reef hobbyist keep their salinity at 1.025-26. I keep mine at 1.025 with temp at 82.
Anything from 1.020 is acceptable but it is better to be on the top end instead of the lower end.
Also I would like to know what size grain are you using for your DSB? Johnny