SG keeps creeping higher.

[TimberTDI]

I've noticed over the last two weeks that my salinity keeps creeping up. When I first noticed it my levels were at 1.031, I did a water change and slowly added freshwater until the level was back at 1.026. I just checked this afternoon and the salinity is back at 1.031 (41sg).

I am using a Tunze osmolator for topoff and I did go through 11 gallons of freshwater this week. I am also using a calibrated refractometer for the test. Why is my salinity rising? Also what I found odd is that in the nano I'm setting up, my salinity has been 1.026 for the last two weeks with no topoff, I'm not losing much water to evap in this tank.

Steven

p.S. I found the ammonia on my 92 @ 1.0ppm. Nothing died why would the ammonia be so high?

Ammonia 1.0ppm (AP test)
Nitrate 0ppm (ap)
PH 8.2(ap)
ca 440 (salifert)
alk 2.5 (salifert) I know, I need to bring this up to like 3.95
PO4 o (salifert)
SG 1.031 (refractormeter)
temp 81. (tom aquatic digital therm)

 

[loismustdie]

what do you dose? My calcium has a high amount of salt and can raise salinity. What's the TDS of your topoff? Has your temp been consistent? SG changes at different temperatures.
Not sure about ammonia. Improper test procedure? Expired regents? I find it impossible to believe that you are testing positive for ammonia, no matter what the number, yet your NO3 and PO4 are zero. I'd say it is highly likely you've gotten wrong numbers on all 3 of these tests.

 

[prattreef]

If you are dosing any of the 2 part formulas it will raise your salinity.

 

[TimberTDI]

I dose the RHF 2 part but I haven't dosed all week.

 

[Wes]

Mg suppliments raise salinity as well

 

[Spracklcat]

Right--keep in mind that refractometers measure the refractive index of the water, which is how much light bends as it passes through the water. Specific Gravity is the density of the water--not salinity (really). Salinity is an indirect measure which we can infer bassed on the assumption that a certain concentration of salt (salinity) will cause the refractive index to change by a predictable amount. Good article: http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-12/rhf/index.php
"Refractometers and Salinity Measurement".

From the article, changing the ionic composition of the water with additives shouldnt' change the salinity a whole lot, but temperature of the water you are measuring with the refractometer certainly will (the tabletop versions of refractometers used in labs all have temperature correction mechanisms).
Don't know if that helps any...

 

[cali_reef]

What is the water you used for water change's temperature when you mix it to 1.025?

 

[TimberTDI]

Cali,

I'm not sure of the exact temp. probabably around 60-65. I did add the make up water very very slowly, almost two hours for about 6 gallons. Like I said earlier, I didn't dose anything this past week.

Steven

 

[cali_reef]

Not top off water.. Did you do any water changes recently??

 

[TimberTDI]

No water changes since the last one (6gallon change out with fresh water) Tank temp is always around 79-81.