how does salinity jump???

[carpenter981]

I did my usual water change yesterday (20-25%) I mixed the water with a 1.024 salinity. The display tank was at 1.025 so I wanted to bring it down just a little very slowly. This morning I noticed 2 of my snails looked dead so I checked it this morning and its at 1.027-8...Howd this happen? All other params are spot on, all 0.

I have some clean water left over from the change, I checked it and its also 1.024.

 

[puffer9375]

The only reason I can think of is evaporation?

 

[shrimpy brains]

Yeah, I was thinking evaporation, also. I don't think you would get that much evap. overnight, though. At least it would be very noticeable in your water height.

What are you testing with? Hydrometer or refractometer? When was the last time you calibrated it?

 

[carpenter981]

nevermind guys, my hydrometer was sticking. Snails are moving around a little.

That just kinda scared me a little

 

[lilrobb]

Only other option would have been that the salt wasn't completely dissolved and thus not reading on the hydrometer or refractometer.
But that salinity wouldn't concern me, I ran my tank at 1.033 for a while...

 

[jcook54]

I would put a refractometer towards the top of the 'things to buy' list. A good one is reliable and will last for a long, long time. I picked mine up during an ARC group buy. Until then, rinse the hydrometer with RODI before and after use. I used to use 2 different one's before I got the refractometer and go with the average of both just to be on the safe side. In fact, I still use one to get freshly mixed saltwater in the "ballpark" so there is a place for them as long as you're aware of the potential pitfalls.

 

[porpoiseaquatics]

LilRobb;585412 wrote: Only other option would have been that the salt wasn't completely dissolved and thus not reading on the hydrometer or refractometer.
But that salinity wouldn't concern me, I ran my tank at 1.033 for a while...

+1 on that. I find that's generally the biggest issue.