Tank Water

Question
Dear Todd,

I have a saltwater tank, and was doing a water change, the shop where I purchased the tank, sells new saltwater for water changes, and I got 3 gallons. I then came home and started the water change, then when it was time to add the new water, I lacked about a gallon of water. It just got to the very bottom of the pump/filter, so it was still moving the water, but barley. My question is I wasn't able to go get more water from the store, because they were closed the next day and then today I couldn't get by because of work, before they closed, so I need to know how long will the fish be able to live with the water barley moving around. Will they be okay until tomorrow afternoon? I know this may sound elementary but I am just new to the whole saltwater tank thing. I have had my tank for about 4 months now. It is fun, but I think sometimes I freak out, and don't know if I should in this situation. Your help is greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,

Dawn

Answer

Hello,

you can do a couple of things:

1. add about a gallon of fresh water to the tank.  I perform water changes about 25% per week and I always add about a gallon of fresh water due to my salt water evaporation in my system.  I make sure temp and ph are the same.  Remember when water changes are done you must make up for the evaporation ( of fresh water)in your tank other wise your salinity will go through the roof. Because as as fresh water evaps salt contents will rise.  Your general salinity should be 1.021-1.024

2. There should be plenty of 02 in your tank so your fish will not be deprived of 02.  One sign is that they hover and gasp at the surface.

3.  Also buy a small box of Instant Ocean and keep this as a back up.

4.  With no filtration there may be a build up of ammonia and nitrite so be careful and do not feed the fish to excess, because you basically have very litle filtration. I have lost power before for two days and may tanks just sit.  I have no water movement at all and my tanks has been fine.

I hope this helps
Todd