Paul & Angela Williams wrote:

3. is there a readily available test for salinity in freshwater aquariums ?

Sure. Any fish store should carry salt level test kits made specifically
for freshwater environments. According to the chart that came with mine
(Pond Care, made by Aquarium Pharmaceuticals inc), you can use a maximum
salt concentration of 0.24%, though no more than 0.12% is recommended if
you have plants as too much salt can make them sick.

- Logic316



"Heaven is where the police are British, the cooks are French, the
mechanics German, the lovers Italian and it's all organised by the
Swiss. Hell is where the chefs are British, the mechanics French, the
lover's Swiss, the police German and it's all organised by the Italians."