Brackish Water How to....

[Katalyst]

I'm probally just tired but I cannot seem to find specific information about creating a brackish set up. I'm looking to create a bracking environment for some red nosed shrimp and so far the sites I've found all have contradicting information. Yay! :nah:

So before I end up killing my shrimp I'd like to find some accurate info.

Thanks!

[Melody]

Everyone has a different idea of what a brackish tank should be. The actual definition is water that is more salty than freshwater but less salty than marine. That kinda leaves a big window...lol. If you know the creature's natural habitat, you can better accomodate its needs. I'd search for info on the place its from and see if you can dig up a biotope for it... the Hudson River, for example :wink: .

If its from a place where the salinity varies, its adaptable and should do fine in your 'average' brackish tank. Mollies often adapt to very high salinity, for example, because in some places they're thrown into brackish environments or the environment is more brackish at certain times of year.

You can also search for more information on the creature itself. Usually if it has brackish requirements you'll find suggested salinity somewhere.

I'll look forward to hearing about the experience!

[Soggybottom]

I run a brackish tank pretty much the same way as a FW tank...
My puffers do well with 6-7 tbsp instant ocean in a 5g water change. It was a pain in the bum trying to convert salt levels into spoonfuls since most people go with SG (specific gravity) measures and use a hydrometer. I bought a hydrometer but it was pretty much useless. It was the kind that looks like a floating thermometer. Next time I'd try this kind:
http://www.mops.ca/skus/te/TEAS-TK504.jpg

ps. Looking at the above pic I can tell why the other hydrometer sucked. Suggested SG for fig-8s is 1.005 - 1.010 and that barely reads even on the above thingy. Trying to read that on a tiny thermometer type was pointless...

[Katalyst]

Thanks for the input! I've looked around for specifics for the species I need to no avail. So tommorrow I will head to my local LFC and hit up one of my favorite guru's. Today I drove him crazy with UV questions today. Tommorrow however is a new day. :laugh:

[thegrandpoohbah]

Yeah, those hydrometers are pretty useless. They are accurate if you make sure there are no air bubbles stuck to the needle. However, they are generally not very precise. A refractometer would be better. Or find a friend with a refractometer so that you can use it to calibrate your hydrometer readings.

[Katalyst]

Yet to read through the entire thing but its a start!

http://www.wetwebmedia.com/BrackishSubWebIndex/BrackishSubWebIndex.htm

A friend with a electronic refrometer would come in handy about now for sure! They are pretty pricey!

[Soggybottom]

Good link...I am learning much!