Auto topoff kept going - Salinity 1.017

[Salty hands]

I was setting up an auto topoff system and briefly tested that an MJ1200 could drive the 25' of 1/4 tubing and then unplugged the pump so that I could complete the setup tomorrow. Well.... the siphon never broke

My salinity went from 1.024 to 1.017. Since this is a reef tank w/ SPS, LPS and some softies I'm worried about how long I can keep this level. I've got some salt mix going now that should come out to 1.030 or so. But I don't think I should add it until tomorrow. Anyone got any quick ideas???

 

[thrillreefer]

I'm no expert on salinity issues like this one, but I would not wait until tomorrow with your S.G. at 1.017. I think if this was my tank, I would mix up a cup or two of saturated saltwater and start adding it slowly to my sump over a few hours (I assume you have a sump if you are using an ATO). I'd shot for 1.020 or so and leave it there for the night, then do your water change with the hypersaline water (1.035 or whatever you said) to move back into the 1.025-1.026 range over a day or so.

Hope you figure out what to do

 

[Salty hands]

It looks like about 5.5 gallons of freshwater was added. So I removed the same amount and have so far added 2 gallons of 1.032 newly made SW. This only brought salinity to 1.0185. I agree with the 1.020 target for tonight then I'll just use the 1.017 water for daily topoff until it's back in range. Thanks for help ThrillReefer!

 

[APISTOBORELLI]

Bring the salinity up slowly. No need to shock the tank twice.

 

[NateHanson]

I'd put a couple handfuls of salt into a fairly still area of the sump, and it will dissolve. I'd not waste much time getting back up to 1.02-something. Raising the salinity with water changes will be very slow. I'd just add salt.

 

[smcnally]

I've been in the same situation before when I've left the hose I use to fill water change buckets going in my sump. You'll need to slowly raise the salinity back up and be VERY patient. I did it by turning off my auto top-off and topping off with salt water with a higher than normal salinity. I think it took me like 3-4 weeks for it to get back up to normal. It might seem long, but at least nothing was harmed.

 

[thrillreefer]

Just think of it as a mild freshwater dip for the whole tank...

 

[Salty hands]

The salinity was 1.020 this morning. I have about 3 more gallons of 1.030 that I'll add tonight to hopefully get another .001, then as Steve said, use SW for future top offs. Corals appeared OK this morning, so I don't feel there's a need to go up too quickly.

I still have to fix the siphon issue.....

 

[NateHanson]

If your reservoir is above your tank water level, you don't need the pump. Just concentrate on redundant valves to stop the flow (an example would be a float valve, and a high-level float switch that controls a solenoid valve). Sounds like you're tank is doing well. If you're up to 1.02 and the corals look good I'd say you're dancing.