KurtG wrote:

Bought my tank setup, but the previous owner kept the salinity/specific
gravity at north of 1.026 to keep "parasites down". I've been slowly
lowering it to 1.024 which is at the top of the green zone for all my SG
float calibrations.

Keeping the salinity high dehydrates the occupants of the tank. Not a good idea.

But, then I read that anywhere between 1.022 and 1.026 is normal, but
that a low salinity is needed to get rid of parasites.

A low salinity will reduce parasites; in fact, a short freshwater bath will
eliminate many parasites. This is used by quite a few retail stores to reduce
the introduction of diseases when they buy livestock.

And, then what is the best level for a reef aquarium w/ anemone, corals,
and eventually a refugium.

Every text I've read says 1.023 is best.

Consider also the fact that your livestock supplier, whether local or mail
order, will be keeping stock in water very close to 1.023 sg. If your salinity
is significantly different, you subject every new purchase to unnecessary shock
when you acclimate it to your tank.

George Patterson
Forgive your enemies. But always remember who they are.