Salinity Levels Dropping

[jal1p]

I just started a new 20 gallon saltwater tank. After a couple weeks the salinity levels are starting to steadily drop. The temperature has been constant. If anything isn't the salinity supposed to increase due to evaporation? Any ideas? thanks.

 

[Opcn]

Salt doesnt evaporate off, Water does however, so Salinity should be increasing, are you topping off with Fresh Water? if you are hten maybe you have salt water that is splashing out rather than evaporating out and leaving salt creep somewere and thenyou replace the salt water with fresh water and the level slowly drop, just out of curiosity what are they now and what were they when you started?

 

[jal1p]

1.025 now 1.019

 

[Navarre]

when did you inititally test the salinity? and what temperature was it. how long after did you test again before seeing the new sg and what the the temperature then?

 

[steelhealr]

More importantly...what are you doing with regards to your water changes and making/getting SW? Do you check to make sure the s.g. of your replacement water matches the s.g. of your tank? If not, salinity will gradually fall if you replace your tank water with SW that is lower in specific gravity than what you keep your tank at.. Similarly, as mention above, if you don't topoff, you s.g. will rise as water evaporates. SH

 

[superman]

More importantly...what are you doing with regards to your water changes and making/getting SW? Do you check to make sure the s.g. of your replacement water matches the s.g. of your tank? If not, salinity will gradually fall if you replace your tank water with SW that is lower in specific gravity than what you keep your tank at.. Similarly, as mention above, if you don't topoff, you s.g. will rise as water evaporates. SH

Are you using a hydrometer? If so use a refractometer that is auto temp compensated, they are inexpensive and a great tool!