Salt level

do yourself a huge favor and buy a refractometer. in my opinion, it is much more reliable a then the hydrometer even if it is more expensive. also, read "The Conscientious Marine Aquarist" and you won't have to ask this question.

 

Read this, then read the links it provides.

Saltwater Fish Aquarium Setup

I see you asking a lot of questions about keeping exotic livestock, then you ask basic questions that someone who's putting livestock in a tank should already know. That makes me confused about whether you are already set up, thinking about setting up, are in your cycle, have finished your cycle, or what...I'm really confused where you are in your aquarium experience at this point.

What size tank?
How long has it been set up?
What's in it now? Rock? Sand? Animals?
What kind of maintenance are you doing now?

Salinity is the most basic measurement you should be checking regularly. Are you checking anything else? Do you have any test kits?

 

refractometer is more accurate while most hydrometers dont even work

 

hydrometers suck, mine is .005.

my refractometer is spot on

 

the only good hydrometer is instant ocean really

 

eehhhh if it works it one of the best ones. i acculay had a 6deep one that i used untill i broke it and it was pretty good

 

I had 2 hydrometers. My old SeaTest and the Instant Ocean one the guy gave me with this tank. The Seachem said 1.021 and the IO said 1.029. My refractometer said 1.026.

 

That is false. I haven't changed the water in my tank in over a year(other than occasionally topping off with a cup of saltwater to make up for what my skimmer pulls out). The purpose of a water change is to replace calc, mag, and other trace elements and to remove phosphates and nitrates. If you have nutrient export such as a refugium with macro algae you shouldn't have nitrates or phosphates and you can dose whatever trace elements your corals are taking up.

 

The necessity of water changes is debatable.....i guess....... but i think we can all agree that being able to measure your salinity is a must.

 

your right. I would not recommend anyone NOT do water changes without understanding the balance of your own system, I was just disagreeing that you have to do water changes at least every 2 weeks, especially without even knowing what kind of system they are running.