When is conductivity most important?

[1977]

I have been wondering for awhile about when the conductivity of the water is most important, when the eggs are being layed and fertilized or when the eggs actually hatch. If my conductivity is say 160Ms when the eggs are layed but over the next 48 hours I get it down to 100Ms is that too late to improve the hatch rate. Is the hatch rate only affected by the conductivity during fertilization?

[pcsb23]

During fertilisation is the most important. A 160 ms reading though should be fine.

[Carol_Roberts]

My understanding is that when the mineral content is too high the eggshell calcifies after fertilization and the embryo suffocates because oxygen can not cross into the egg. Best to have mineral levels in check prior to fertilization, but if you can add RO water right away you may be OK . . .