help mixing salt
- Thread starter atxryan
- Start date
The best way I've found is to get the powerhead running and add salt. Let mix 24hrs (this can be varied depending how strong your flow is and how fast you need the water--I've done it for 1-2hrs before, and when mixing 5g, just 10min).
I do not add anything, but do check Alk and Ca, if it's off by much, I would supplement with either Alk buffer or Ca (Coral Builder, or Turbo Calcium), but it is never that far off for me. I use Red Sea Pro currently, I like Reef Crystals also. I would not add anything that you do not have a test kit for.
And unless something is really very wrong with your tank, I would not change more than 25% at a time. Too fast of a change in water chemistry could shock SPS corals.
I do not add anything, but do check Alk and Ca, if it's off by much, I would supplement with either Alk buffer or Ca (Coral Builder, or Turbo Calcium), but it is never that far off for me. I use Red Sea Pro currently, I like Reef Crystals also. I would not add anything that you do not have a test kit for.
And unless something is really very wrong with your tank, I would not change more than 25% at a time. Too fast of a change in water chemistry could shock SPS corals.
iamwhatiam52
New member
Paint mixing tool on an electric drill will get the salt dissolved in mere moments. Then drop a heater in with a powerhead or pump to get the temperature up and you are good to go.
I just use a powerhead and let it go overnight. The powerhead warms mine enough that I don't need the heater. In a pinch, I've let it mix for 15-30 minutes for a quick water change. I generally don't supplement the water I'm mixing for a water change. I just dose the tank when needed to keep the levels up where they need to be.
BTW...in case you didn't already hear this, don't dose anything you don't have a test kit for. It's easy to overdose iodine.
BTW...in case you didn't already hear this, don't dose anything you don't have a test kit for. It's easy to overdose iodine.
JeF4y
El Conquistidor
heater, powerhead & 24 hrs wait time..
I was doing 5 gal at a time but last night I mixed up 30 gal just for fun. I'm heating it just for now and will then let it cool to "basement" temp which will be in the 60's but will keep the powerhead in the barrel as long as there's water in it.
Which brings up a question..
How long does anyone store saltwater before use? Any special recommendations to it?
As mentioned, I'm planning on keeping it dark, cool & with a powerhead in it. Max sit time on 30 gal would be about a month.
I was doing 5 gal at a time but last night I mixed up 30 gal just for fun. I'm heating it just for now and will then let it cool to "basement" temp which will be in the 60's but will keep the powerhead in the barrel as long as there's water in it.
Which brings up a question..
How long does anyone store saltwater before use? Any special recommendations to it?
As mentioned, I'm planning on keeping it dark, cool & with a powerhead in it. Max sit time on 30 gal would be about a month.
Skeptic_07
New member
I used to mix it in a brute and leave it for months with the lid covering it. Never had any problems really. Sometimes towards the end the water would get a little too salty so I'd just add some RO to it, no biggie. Always test the salinity of the water before you add it. Also, you will notice some bacteria growth (brown film) on the sides of your mixing container if you leave it for that long. Its not anything to be concerned about, just wash it off before making new batches. I actually used to just wipe the inside down with a paper towel. I would still do it this way but logistically i can't at my new apartment, can't carry the brute when its full of water and can't leave it near where the RO is now. I need to get a longer hose.
Whoa guys, there is more to mixing new saltwater than merely dissolving the powder!
Pre-mixing saltwater outside of the aquarium system is done for two reasons. It gives time for the salt to thoroughly dissolve and also allows water parameters, like pH and temperature, to stabilize.
I do not think “as long as all the salt is dissolved it is safe for use in about 15 minutes.†http://fishkeepers.net/pondconnection/gc/saltsol/ssoln9.html
Amounts larger than about 5% of system volume should be mixed for about 24 hours or so before adding to the system. Freshly mixed saltwater seems to be somewhat caustic, for reasons that I don’t really understand.
Besides having a bucket of pre-mixed saltwater ready in case of emergencies is good practice.
Pre-mixing saltwater outside of the aquarium system is done for two reasons. It gives time for the salt to thoroughly dissolve and also allows water parameters, like pH and temperature, to stabilize.
I do not think “as long as all the salt is dissolved it is safe for use in about 15 minutes.†http://fishkeepers.net/pondconnection/gc/saltsol/ssoln9.html
Amounts larger than about 5% of system volume should be mixed for about 24 hours or so before adding to the system. Freshly mixed saltwater seems to be somewhat caustic, for reasons that I don’t really understand.
Besides having a bucket of pre-mixed saltwater ready in case of emergencies is good practice.
I do 12 gallons at a time....I use a rubbermaid container with a heater and powerhead. Mix the salt slowly adding a little over a few hours time so I dont over do it......then let it sit for 24 hours. Obvioulsy you need to make sure it all disolves move your powerhead around the container a little to change the flow. I never use fresh mixed salt water unless there is some type of "system crash".
gowingsgo
New member
I mix mine in a large Brute trash can 1. Add RO/DI water 2. Put in pump and heater 3. let water get up to 79 deg. ( I personally think the salt mixes better in warmer water JMO) 4. Add salt and wait a few hours. 5. Test (repeat step 4 in necessary) 6. Test water before I add to tank.
billdogg
Well-known member
I mix mine in a 55g barrel, similar to everyone above - let it run with PH & heater. The other thing i do is run a System 1 Diatome filter on it for several hours. Once you try this, you will never skip doing it. I usually have to change the diatom powder once, just to get all the stuff out. Just because it comes straight out of your ro container and a brand new bag or bucket of salt does not mean its clean!!!
down and outman
New member
I use a 30 gal trash can that I added a bulkhead to it with a pvc valve on it. Powerhead and heater. Let it run for at least 24 hrs. Sometimes for a few days if I can't get to it right away. Check it and change away. Usually mix 15 to 20 gals at a time.
saltjohnswharf
Conscientious Member
I use a K4 in a 5 gallon bucket. The powerhead attaches to the bottom of the bucket using its magnetic base. I removed the cover on the powerhead. I fill the bucket with water, fire up the powerhead, dechlorinate it, and leave it overnight. Next day I use my premeasured scoop to add salt. Day after that I use the water. I do a 5 gallon water change on my 55 twice a week. I am always making water.
Shablin
New member
I use a large trashcan and 1 or 2 powerheads, dump in the salt (usually Kent), heat if needed, adjust the SG (!!!!remember temp affects SG!!!), usually wait 24hrs, recheck SG and make final adjustments if needed then put it in.
I occaissionaly test it for mag, ca, alk, pH before I add it and adjust if needed; usually I add it to the tank then test the entire setup and adjust if needed.
In emergencies, Ive had to add it in less than 24hrs, and if its freshly mixed, it seems to irritate the corals for a day or two, but have never had any permanent harm done.
I occaissionaly test it for mag, ca, alk, pH before I add it and adjust if needed; usually I add it to the tank then test the entire setup and adjust if needed.
In emergencies, Ive had to add it in less than 24hrs, and if its freshly mixed, it seems to irritate the corals for a day or two, but have never had any permanent harm done.
