20141027 Reef Aquarium Salinity

So I have been doing a lot of research and reading for the last 3 days on reef aquarium salinity.
There are some nice readings here, or here, and here- this one is a must read (you need to be a big enough aquarium geek and some basic understanding to physics and chemistry to fully grasp the power of this topic). Additionally, there are also plenty forums you can submerge yourself in to gather a good round of opinion from other successful reefers.

After my research, I am deciding to raise my tank's salinity. Previously, my practice on tank salinity was heavily influenced by all the aquarium retail works I've done- keep it as the lowest possible safe margin. Well, I don't keep it as low as 1.020 like some, but I do keep it a tad lower than idea- 1.022-23. But then I realized that's probably the reason why I have faced so much challenge in successfully keeping much sps and lps despite adequate light, good filtration, and perfect water chemistry- except for salinity! Over the weekend, I raise the tank to 1.026 specific gravity, or 35 ppt (parts per thousand) salinity- which is the closest to natural coral reef condition. Below is a snap shot of my refractometer's reading after completion of the raise.

Then a shot of the hydrometer- the two instruments are maginally different, but close enough to support relative accuracy.

Next week I will be attending the Aquatic Experience in Schaumburg (outside of Chicago). I plan to use this opportunity to stock with some of the corals that I have previously failed to keep long term and will update everyone on this.