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Ideal Salinity for Coral Health
Posted: Thu Apr 24, 2025 11:15 am
by pengu
I've been running my tank at 1.025 sg for months, but my Acropora aren't thriving. Anyone got tips on the sweet spot for salinity? My params are stable, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 8 dKH, 450 calcium, 78°F.
Re: Ideal Salinity for Coral Health
Posted: Thu Apr 24, 2025 12:50 pm
by dirtbox
1.025 is generally solid, but Acropora can be picky. I've had success at 1.026 with higher flow and intense lighting. What's your lighting schedule like? Also, how often are you testing salinity?
Re: Ideal Salinity for Coral Health
Posted: Thu Apr 24, 2025 2:19 pm
by sageSe
pengu wrote: ↑Thu Apr 24, 2025 11:15 am
I've been running my tank at 1.025 sg for months, but my Acropora aren't thriving. Anyone got tips on the sweet spot for salinity? My params are stable, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 8 dKH, 450 calcium, 78°F.
I'd bump it to 1.026. Acros often prefer it slightly higher. Make sure your refractometer is calibrated, too. Cheap ones can drift.
Re: Ideal Salinity for Coral Health
Posted: Thu Apr 24, 2025 3:51 pm
by blueoceans
I keep mine at 1.026, but stability matters more than the exact number. If you're swinging between 1.024 and 1.026, that's worse than holding steady at 1.025. How's your top-off system?
Re: Ideal Salinity for Coral Health
Posted: Thu Apr 24, 2025 4:45 pm
by FlynnB
Agree with sageSe. 1.026 is the way to go. Also, check your magnesium levels. Low mag can mess with how corals uptake calcium and alk, even if those numbers look good.
Re: Ideal Salinity for Coral Health
Posted: Thu Apr 24, 2025 4:54 pm
by Aurora
My Zoas and LPS do great at 1.025, but my SPS definitely prefer 1.026. Maybe try a slow increase over a week? Sudden changes freak 'em out.
Re: Ideal Salinity for Coral Health
Posted: Thu Apr 24, 2025 5:14 pm
by twiller
What salt mix are you using? Some brands mix up to 1.026 naturally, so you might not need to adjust much.
Re: Ideal Salinity for Coral Health
Posted: Thu Apr 24, 2025 6:54 pm
by pengu
Thanks for the advice, everyone. I'll try bumping it to 1.026 slowly and double-check my refractometer. Using Red Sea Blue Bucket, btw.
Re: Ideal Salinity for Coral Health
Posted: Thu Apr 24, 2025 8:29 pm
by dynamite
Red Sea should mix to 1.026 if you follow the instructions. You might be under-dosing. Weigh your salt, don't just scoop it.
Re: Ideal Salinity for Coral Health
Posted: Thu Apr 24, 2025 8:58 pm
by ratchet
dynamite wrote: ↑Thu Apr 24, 2025 8:29 pm
Red Sea should mix to 1.026 if you follow the instructions. You might be under-dosing. Weigh your salt, don't just scoop it.
Yep, weighing is key. I've seen folks mess up their tanks by eyeballing it.