every time i add more salt the hydraometer go's the opposite way that it should?

Question

saltwater fish

Answer 1

What type of hydrometer are you using? A floater or a container?

I agree with copper head here however If you are using a container hydrometer, wash it out after every use with clean fresh water. Salt residues can build up behind and on the needle prohibiting it from moving UP or Down. This is a good reason to also keep a floating hydrometer. They are only a few dollars. (Peace of mind I guess) What is your Specific gravity now?


You can test your hydrometer by Over mixing salt in a different container. The needle should read higher than 1.022 if you mix it heavy enough and it is dissolved, it should be to the top. If it doesn't move, you need to either clean the one you have or get another one.

Are you having difficulty with the calculation of mixing salt with water to come out with an SG of 1.022? I'd test your hydro first.


Also temperature does impact the salt readings. I am assuming you have no corals (Temps 83-89)? Check your PH as well. What is it reading?
If I can help further, just email me.

Answer 2

First, make sure there are no bubbles on the hydrometer needle! These will affect your reading. Also, the water should be the correct temperature (~76-78o) before you try to take a measurement. If you're mixing the salt, be sure it's all dissolved. When taking a reading, fill up to the line or till it overflows (depending on your model).

Once you've met the above, are you trying to increase your salinity (make the needle rise) since you're adding salt? You'll just have to keep adding till it gets to the level you need (1.020-1.023 for fish only, 1.024-1.026 for tanks with inverts).

If you're trying to decrease your salinity (lower the needle), you'll need to remove some of the water and replace with fresh water - if the needle is higher than you want, it means you have too much salt, which makes the needle float higher.
Remove some tank water and refill with fresh water as many times as you need to get the salinity where you need it.

Answer 3

Any tank with corals should be kept around 83-89 since if our RESEARCH where your corals come from, the water temps average around 83-89 and won't cook your fish since chances are your fish come from the same place.

Listen to DanielleZ and Copperhead.They are correct.

Answer 4

I think a temp of 89 would COOK just about any fish.
78-83 would be a little more healthy.

Answer 5

get a new hydrometer, they arent expensive, and its better than just randomly adding more salt to hope you get it right. better to pay a few bucks for a new one, rather than lose a lot of money getting new fish