← Glossary · 💧 Water & chemistry

Specific gravity

Also called: SG

Specific gravity (SG) is the density of your saltwater compared with pure water — a temperature-dependent proxy for salinity, with a reef target around 1.026 at 77°F (25°C).

Because SG changes with temperature, the same water reads differently on a warm day than a cold one. Salinity in ppt is the more reliable number; if you use SG, always note the temperature.

See also

Salinity

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