SG problem/Need Advice

[volnation23]

Hey everyone! I have an issue with my Specific Gravity in my new JBJ 3gal Picotope. Let me give you the run down on everything I've done. The tank was started on the 26th of December. I added 3/4 of a bag (5 lbs bag) of Ocean Direct Carribean Live Sand. I used the Natural Ocean Water from Petco and have been topping off with distilled water since about every 4 days. Also added about 4 lbs of live rock. I've been letting the tank cycle and just been testing my basics but never thought about testing SG until recently. Well I tested today and it's off the charts! My hydrometer goes up to 43 or 1.032 and it's showing even higher then that. My first thought was a bad reading so I tested my other tank and it registered 31 or 1.023. Went back to the other and got the same result. Any ideas on how I can lower this level? Did I use or do something wrong? Replys appreciated ...

 

[volnation23]

ares;445622 wrote: well I dont trust hydrometers for starters. have any natural ocean water left that you can test right out of the container? perhaps your other tank is actually significantly lower than you think it is...

otherwise not sure what would cause it to be so high, just do a few very small water changes with fresh water to bring it down gradually. but confirm your SG with a refractometer or bring to a LFS first.

Just went and checked the natural ocean water I have left and got a reading of 1.022 - 1.023. Seems like everything checks out there ...

 

[volnation23]

Ok thanks. Ill get some freshwater tonight and do just that. For future reference though when replacing evaporated water I should always use freshwater correct?

 

[weaglereefer]

Correct.

 

[jennm]

Volnation23;445646 wrote: Ok thanks. Ill get some freshwater tonight and do just that. For future reference though when replacing evaporated water I should always use freshwater correct?

Yes. Water evaporates, the salt doesn't. If you top it off with saltwater that will push the specific gravity higher and higher over time.

Topping off: Fresh (distilled/RO/RO/DI water)

Water changes: Saltwater out, saltwater back in. If your water level was a bit down before you began the water change, make sure to adjust with a bit of fresh to compensate for that.

I've seen that happen too - someone does a water change and the water level is already down a bit due to evaporation but they fill it right back up again with saltwater - that will cause the specific gravity to creep up over time too.

Jenn

 

[volnation23]

Thanks for the help guys. Just wanted to make sure
my solution wasn't the wrong way to go. I'm a newbie at all this and this is the first time I've had this problem. Other tank has been flawless since beginning. Just been lucky I guess.