Salinity in freshwater.

[Zenith82]

Anyone knows any methods to measure or determine any salinity in freshwater?
I only know there is hydrometer to check for saltwater. But i don't think it is able to determine mild salinity in freshwater. So wondering anyone have any idea or solutions?

[sp1der]

do you add salt to shrimp tank? I like to learn the benefit of doing so

[stormhawk]

Perhaps a refractometer can help? An EC meter may also help. Higher conductivity means the water contains more salts.

[Zenith82]

Hmm... Is the refractometer or ec meter expensive? Because manage to get a sample of water from the breeder in sulawesi.
So was wondering is there mild salinity in the water, as want to achieve a good receipe of the water condition for keeping sulawesi shrimps. Mild salt might be a key to success to keep sulawesi shrimps and sponges.

Trying means and ways to discover more info in keeping sulawesi shrimps with Matt then we can all relate and share more info here to make sulawesi shrimping more sucessful.

[rolex]

Hmm... Is the refractometer or ec meter expensive? Because manage to get a sample of water from the breeder in sulawesi.
So was wondering is there mild salinity in the water, as want to achieve a good receipe of the water condition for keeping sulawesi shrimps. Mild salt might be a key to success to keep sulawesi shrimps and sponges.

Trying means and ways to discover more info in keeping sulawesi shrimps with Matt then we can all relate and share more info here to make sulawesi shrimping more sucessful.

I have No idea on the measurement of salinity in freshwater.
Just want to say, good effort in trying to find out more information for your hobby.
Hope you will find your answer soon.
Happy shrimping all

[silane]

The Salinity level in sulawesi lake would produce meaningful result in a refractometer. Use a conductivity pen for this case.

[stormhawk]

The cost of a refractometer varies, but it should not be more expensive than a regular TDS or pH pen. I don't know how much an EC meter will cost but probably around $100 or more, depending on brand.

[silane]

EC meter = TDS pen. Just the calibration factor different.

[stormhawk]

http://www.shrimpnow.com/forums/show...T-MIX-AT-LAST*

In the first post, both sodium and chloride are present in different compositions. I had a look at the Fiji brand bottled water, but the given values for calcium and magnesium are reversed, as compared to that of Lake Matano at least. Post no.44 on page 5 contains a breakdown of the different ions and their concentrations and sodium along with chloride is fairly low.

Distilled water has EC of around 10. EC for Lake Matano was 175 µs, but 109 µs for Lake Poso.

[Zenith82]

Thanks for all the info feeds, will look into all the ways in getting a possible reading.
Silane, in your reply, do you mean I can just calibrate a TDS meter to check salinity too?
If yes, how is it possible?

[Shadow]

TDS = EC x "conversion factor"

So if you have TDS and would like to find the EC, then you need to find out the conversion factor that your TDS used.

[silane]

The Salinity level in sulawesi lake would produce meaningful result in a refractometer. Use a conductivity pen for this case.

I meant wont produce meaningful result in a refractometer

[reiner09]

I do notice that tds pens do measure both tds and conductivity( just change the mode )..so does the conductivity mode measures the salinity of the water?

[stormhawk]

The degree of "salinity" only, because the EC mode only measures the conductivity of certain ions. TDS gives you a rough idea on salinity, but this is dependent on what is dissolved in the water.

[Zenith82]

Would anyone be kind to help take some readings on salinity can PM me or Matt, he can share some sample water to do testing. Great help appreciated.

As we do not have any meter or equipment to do such testings.

[Matt]

TDS = EC x "conversion factor"

So if you have TDS and would like to find the EC, then you need to find out the conversion factor that your TDS used.

Hi Bro, let's say my TDS pen is using a 342ppm NaCI solution as a conversion factor (as found on specs), do I take the TDS reading and divide it by 342?

[Matt]

The degree of "salinity" only, because the EC mode only measures the conductivity of certain ions. TDS gives you a rough idea on salinity, but this is dependent on what is dissolved in the water.

So having said that, the results is not helpful at all I guess? I think this hobby is really driving me crazy somehow...

[v200]

So having said that, the results is not helpful at all I guess? I think this hobby is really driving me crazy somehow...

Bro, since the shrimps are doing fine in your tank, you should be OK. no need to headache like us.

[Matt]

Ehhh, I think Zenith will know the headache I had this morning. But I am ok. Part of the learning experience.
There are some super duper sensitive sulawesi shrimps in my tank right now.

Once they have stabilized in my tank, maybe I will start to let go also.

[Zenith82]

I would have to say Matt really gone thru alot of work to help us get our MO.
He faced quite alot of difficulties and dissappointment in the process from
ordering to receiving. He should be given a pat on the back! Keep up the great work Matt!