Aquarium Basics
Inevitably every reefer gets salt creep and unlike pests, disease, and algae, it’s quite easy to manage. Salt creep is the dried up saltwater that leaves salt residue on surfaces after the water has evaporated. This is why you top off your tank to prevent high salinity levels.
The removal is simple. Wet a towel with fresh water and wipe away the salt creep; then dry. It is important to consistently clean salt creep areas or else it will build up until it is no longer completely removable.
The most important places to keep clean of salt creep are your lights and anything corrosive. Salt creep will block out some of the light preventing your lights from reaching their full potential.
If it seems like you have an excess amount of salt creep try eliminating splashing water. Air stones can create massive amounts of salt creep around the tank and lid. If you have any splashing from your return or drain direct it so it doesn’t break the surface of the water.
Having a lid confines salt creep to smaller areas. It is easier to clean a lid than to attempt to clean buildup of salt behind your tank. Luckily, sump water levels are low enough so water does not splash out onto the walls and stand.
Wiping around the tank after maintenance helps eliminate the possibility of leftover saltwater. Regular wipe downs of equipment also keeps build up down and all equipment working properly.
Salt creep can be unavoidable especially when we always have our hands wet in our tanks. With regular cleanings, you can keep your equipment, tank, and floors free of salt.
