salinity

Question
I am a new reef tank owner, so am very new at this.  I have live rock and sand, snails, shrimp and a hermit crab.  Have tried green chromis and clown fish and they all have died.  My salinity is too low and not sure how to fix it.  Its at 1.022 and I have done 1 water change.  I have had the tank running now for 1 1/2 months.  All other elements test just right.  Thank you!!

Answer
Hello Rosilyn

the salinity is not THAT low. to raise it just dont add fresh water each day to replace the evaporated water.  Instead add salt water.

If you add a little water each day, then test the salinity, then things should be safe and you probably wont go too far.

BUT, after reading your question again, I am going to ahve to ask, what is your routine?  what type of tank do you have, what size?  do know about Top-Off water vs Water change water?


as for why your fish died?  I am guessing you added them too soon and too many at one time

It usually takes about a month for a tank to become established, and then you add fish, and i suggest only one or two at a time.

this 'one month' is not set in stone, but ther eis a process that needs to occur before the tank can sustain marine life...

If you are not sure of this 'process', *cycling, then i suggest you read up on how to start up a saltwater tank at

http://saltaquarium.about.com/od/startinganaquarium/How_to_Start_a_Saltwater_Aqu...

(again, not sure how new of a newbie you are??)

please let me know if you ahve any questions about that process or specific questions about anything else,

thanks



and good luck

bill