Not enough salt?

[Alucard]

hi everyone, i have just added salt to my tank (4x2.5x2) with a ~3.5-4 feet sump. I heed the advice of the LFS to add abt 2.5 packets of salt ( each 50 US gallon) and take the ph measurement. But it reads pretty low..abt 1.014.

Actually to the calculation(read from the net), i should have 3 full packets. But judging from the proportion, ( ph reading with the amount i added) it seems that even if i add the remaining 3rd packet, the reading may not be up to the satisfaction level. The hydrometer device is new.

So what should i do?

Analysis:

1. Add the remaining salt.

2. Maybe the meter is at fault

Thanks.

[Achilles Tang]

Best to use a refractometer for accuracy. Have two salinity meter types to cross check each other.

Only then will you get peace of mind about your salinity levels.

[Alucard]

Best to use a refractometer for accuracy. Have two salinity meter types to cross check each other.

Only then will you get peace of mind about your salinity levels.

whats the diff between hydrometer and refactormeter?

[Ah-lim]

google is you friend.

anyway, a refractormeter is more accurate.

[Alucard]

google is you friend.

anyway, a refractormeter is more accurate.

sad the hydrometer value changes every now and then..at one time the reading is good and other times..turning low...

[LaW]

sad the hydrometer value changes every now and then..at one time the reading is good and other times..turning low...

if preparing new salt mix, it may be that the salt have not totally dissolved into the water thats why giving different readings at different time

or ur refractormeter have some air bubbles attached to the swing arm thus affecting the readings.

[Alucard]

if preparing new salt mix, it may be that the salt have not totally dissolved into the water thats why giving different readings at different time

or ur refractormeter have some air bubbles attached to the swing arm thus affecting the readings.

i see.. what is the amt of salt that i should put?

i have 3 packs of each 50 gallons of salt. Calculated that the tank has 149.1xxx us gallon of water. Do I have to include the water in the sump? the sump is 3.5~4 feet.

Thanks.

[alcohologist]

yes, you add salt proportionate to total system gallons.

[Alucard]

yes, you add salt proportionate to total system gallons.

i see thanks .. the reading is correct now...

[MbmC]

Best to use a refractometer for accuracy. Have two salinity meter types to cross check each other.

Only then will you get peace of mind about your salinity levels.

Interesting how you recommend having 2 salinity meter types.