How to Increase Conductivity in a Zebrafish System

While zebrafish are fresh-water fish, they still require salt in the tank to control the conductivity of the water. Water in itself isn̵7;t a conductive material; it̵7;s the salt in the water that holds the charge. Without the salt in the water, the aquarium environment would fail to provide a safe environment for the fish. Use a salinometer to achieve the proper conductivity level in the zebrafish system. The salinometer tests the conductivity levels of the water, telling you if it̵7;s a healthy environment for your fish.

Things You'll Need

  • Salinometer
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Aquarium salt
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Instructions

    • 1

      Soak your salinometer in alcohol to purify it. Leave it in the alcohol for 10 minutes to completely break down the oils and other contaminants on the salinometer.

    • 2

      Dip the salinometer into the water and turn it on. Wait to get an accurate readout of the conductivity level in the water.

    • 3

      Pour aquarium salts into distilled water slowly and stir it. A safe aquarium for zebrafish is 500 uS conductivity measurements.

    • 4

      Wash the salinometer in rubbing alcohol again once you reach the proper measurement. Place it back in the water to ensure you have the proper measurement. Add more water if you̵7;re conductivity goes above 500 uS.

    • 5

      Add the water to your aquarium. Once you fill the aquarium to the proper level, add the zebrafish to the tank.