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Understanding the relationship between temperature and water salinity in marine aquariums is crucial for maintaining a healthy environment for marine fauna and flora. This knowledge helps to better manage the living conditions in the aquarium, which translates into the health and growth of the aquarium’s inhabitants.
Temperature changes and salt solubility
Higher temperatures increase the water’s ability to dissolve salt. This means that when the temperature is raised, more salt can be dissolved in the same amount of water. Therefore, if salts are added to a tank with warmer water, they will more easily dissolve, which can also affect the salinity.
For example, a 1°C increase in water temperature can increase its salt-dissolving capacity by about 2-3%. This means that more salt can dissolve in warmer water, which may slightly increase the salinity of the water in the aquarium if the amount of salt in the system remains constant.
Practical calculations
Understanding how salinity changes with temperature changes requires regular measurements and the use of precise instruments. Here is a calculation example:
Assume we have a marine aquarium with a capacity of 200 liters, with a salinity level of 35 ppt and a temperature of 25°C. If the water temperature rises to 28°C, the salinity could theoretically increase by about 0.7 ppt just due to the temperature change, meaning that the salinity could reach about 35.7 ppt.
Long-term effects of unstable conditions
Unstable conditions in the aquarium, such as continuous fluctuations in temperature and consequently salinity, can lead to stress in corals, fish, and other organisms.
Salinity fluctuations in a marine aquarium can have serious negative effects on corals, especially those that are particularly sensitive to changes in water parameters. For example, sudden drops in salinity can cause osmotic stress in corals, leading to a phenomenon called coral bleaching. During this process, corals lose zooxanthellae, the symbiotic microalgae that live in their tissues and are crucial for their nutrition. Losing these algae causes the coral to turn white or pale, which is a direct threat to its survival.
Long-term fluctuations in salinity can also disrupt the corals’ ability to absorb calcium, which is essential for building their skeletons. As a result, corals may experience slowed growth or even degeneration of their skeletons, further lowering their ability to survive in a changing environment.
Marine fish are very sensitive to changes in salinity, which can affect their osmoregulation — the ability to regulate their internal fluid environment despite differences in the external environment. Prolonged osmotic stress can lead to lowered immunity and increased susceptibility to diseases.
Tips for managing temperature and salinity
- Regular monitoring: Use temperature management devices such as Thermo Control from Reef Factory, which not only monitor and manage temperature but also send an alarm if the temperature goes beyond a safe level, allowing timely action.
- Careful and gradual changes: Always try to make changes in temperature or salinity of the water gradually.
- Ensure stability.
- Educate and plan: Understanding how different species react to changes in temperature and salinity can help in better planning the stocking of the aquarium and ensuring their proper living conditions.
Managing temperature and salinity in marine aquariums requires continuous attention and management. With automation and a conscious approach, a healthy and stable environment can be ensured for all marine inhabitants.
About the author
Marek Protasewicz
Reefkeeping has been my passion for over 10 years now. I love learning. The hobby has taught me many valuable lessons, patience being the best example. Combining work and passion is my path. I run Crazy Coral, a marine aquarium shop, for a number of years. Building this business from the scratch I learnt from my own mistakes at a heavy cost.
Later I managed a project aimed at development of methods for quick growth of Corals in non-natural conditions. The project was carried out by Get Sales, Poland. Presently, I am responsible for distribution strategy at Reef Factory, of which I am a co-founder. The company produces smart devices for marine aquaristics. The last projects I have been involved in are Social Reef and ReefPedia.