| General Reef Discussion In this forum we discuss issues related to keeping marine and reef aquariums in a friendly flame-free environment. |
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08-04-2006, 06:33 AM
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#1
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Rogue Water is Trouble!
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Upstate, NY
Posts: 2,902
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Lets talk about how stupid I am...
So...last night I took my water in to the LFS to get tested. I took it to one place and all the levels were good except for my salinity. It was 1.028 on their hydrometer...I was getting 1.025 at home on my hydrometer. So, I bought a new one (mine was very old). But, I decided to take it to another LFS to get their opinion...see if they had a refrac. They did not, but they tested it with their hydrometer and got 1.025. Ugh...so I went home and tested it with my new one and my old one and the new one read 1.028 and the old one read 1.025...UGH!!!
I decided to go by the new one...changed water until I got it to 1.025 on the new one...about 1.022 on the old one...I figured this was my best bet...
First a question before I tell you how dumb I am...What should I do about my salilnity? I know I should buy a refrac, but I don't want to spend the money right now...
Well...after I changed the water I needed to refill my storage container. So I hooked up my line to the storage container and filled it up (I know, I know, I should have a top-off system on the container, but I don't right now).
Anyway, I forgot to turn it off last night...so when I went down this morning to check on things, I always check on my kids (lol) and I heard water running...Wow! What a mess!!! about 10-15 gals of water in my storage room!!!
Yikes!!!
Also, my goby was in my sump...he/she is getting very exploratory!!
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08-04-2006, 06:42 AM
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#2
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Eat more PIE
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Florida Panhandle
Posts: 18,594
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I have done the same thing with the water  Get a refractometer they have come down in price and are well worth it.
__________________
Double your drive space. Delete Windows
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08-04-2006, 07:02 AM
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#3
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The Muddy Mod
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Uxbridge, MA
Posts: 5,022
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Is there anyone that HASN'T flooding something yet????
I agree with Casey...Buy the refrac and get it over with.
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08-04-2006, 07:04 AM
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#4
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Rogue Water is Trouble!
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Upstate, NY
Posts: 2,902
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Can you suggest a good, inexpensive one to buy?
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08-04-2006, 07:05 AM
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#5
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The Muddy Mod
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Uxbridge, MA
Posts: 5,022
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Here's the list
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08-04-2006, 07:06 AM
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#6
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Eat more PIE
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Florida Panhandle
Posts: 18,594
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$49 thats not bad at all.
__________________
Double your drive space. Delete Windows
Last edited by Casey; 08-04-2006 at 06:41 PM.
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08-04-2006, 07:07 AM
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#7
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Rogue Water is Trouble!
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Upstate, NY
Posts: 2,902
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ok, thanks!
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08-04-2006, 08:02 AM
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#8
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Stinky Slimey FEESH
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: San Antonio
Posts: 1,833
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I finally broke down and bought a refractometer because no one could give me an accurate reading on my salinity and I had three of those manual type fill and read meters. Not very accurate but I've been very pleased with the refracto. It works great! No more guessing.
Yes, I have flooded our den at least twice with a lot of saltwater - - we ended up tearing the carpet out and putting in stone floors! The things we do for reefs (smile)!
HHC
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You can't kill a fish born to hang.....
135-gal Oceanic reef, MH, PC, Lunar
12-gal Nanocube
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08-04-2006, 08:11 AM
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#9
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Rockin-Roll Mod
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Coal Valley Illinois
Posts: 5,381
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Refractometer's are the only way to go!
Brent.
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08-04-2006, 08:15 AM
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#10
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Big Fishy
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Little Cayman
Posts: 599
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I think I'm up to three floods now in less than four months! All caused by things that I forgot to do. Can't wait for the next one!!!
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 Bob Morse
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08-04-2006, 09:00 AM
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#11
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Shark
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Yuma, Arizona
Posts: 1,472
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I would not say that was stupid, it is just one of those things that happen when you keep aquariums, most of us had done something like that before and those that have not yet, will one day. Don't feel bad about it.
Get a refractometer, definatly.
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55gal... BB of course! 
Love the 
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08-04-2006, 09:05 AM
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#12
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Big Fishy
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: California
Posts: 779
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by whatevva
Is there anyone that HASN'T flooding something yet????
I agree with Casey...Buy the refrac and get it over with.
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knocking on wood, I have not had a flood yet. I have come close, very very close, but still no flood.
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JOSH
Theres nothing like a fresh cup of skimmate to get you going in the morning.
Peanut Butter Jelly Time!!
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08-04-2006, 09:07 AM
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#13
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Noo Doot Aboot It!
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Prince George
Posts: 2,763
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floods are a regular occurance for me, I took out all the flooring in my "wet room" haha no pun intended...well maybe.....and put that large plastic baseboard around the whole room and sealed in the gap b/w the concrete and the drywall
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08-04-2006, 09:08 AM
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#14
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Little Fishy
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Nashville, TN
Posts: 212
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out of curiosity how quick did you drop the SG?
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65 gallon reef. 120 gallon FOWLR.
12 gallon mantis tank. 120 gallon Freshwater.
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08-04-2006, 09:45 AM
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#15
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.
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: bend, oregon
Posts: 10,803
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heres a point to ponder if you really cant afford a refractometer at the moment.
Most all hydrometers ARE nearly as accurate as refractometers...........
IF
you ignore the numbers that are on it and calibrate it with a accurate refractometer..and check it every month or two.
AS long is the hydrometer is not physically damaged, they will give a consistent reading...it just doesnt coincide with the numbers on the plastic very often and can change over time with mineral build up.
I agree with everyone that a refracometer should be purchased......but i actually use a hydrometer all the time in my garage.....but when mine reads 1.021 it really means 1.026.
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I like to glue animals to rocks and put disturbing amounts of electricity and saltwater next to each other
Zoa and paly pics HERE
SPS pics HERE
Last edited by Fly Guy; 08-04-2006 at 09:52 AM.
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