Optimal Specific Gravity?

[backtotropical]

I was wondering what the optimum salinity level is for a marine / reef tank?

1.024, 1.025, 1.026??

Opinions and comments please.

BTT

 

[rabbut]

FO or reef?

Reefs are usualy higher SG than FO tanks, as lower SG = less pathogens usualy, though sensile inverts won't like low SG's as much. I know many running FO systems with an SG of 1.020, but reefs usualy run about 1.024

HTH some. Would wait for confirmation first though, as majority in one geographical area aren't always correct, having often got their information from one source
Rabbut

 

[SkiFletch]

Rabbut offers an excellent explaination. I'll just add that the natural Reef (home to the more picky corals/inverts) is usually in the 1.026 area. Most fish can tolerate down to 1.009 for treatment of parasites/infections, but even most fish shops keep their fish tanks in the 1.019-1.023 and their coral tanks 1.024-1.026. I personally like to keep my reef at 1.026 unless I'm going on a trip at which point I'll drop it down to 1.024 before I leave to allow for evaporation just in case.

 

[backtotropical]

Thank you very much to both of you. My question is answered.