Help???

[los2008]

How long does it take for salt to dissolve in a 20 gal

 

[KarlBob]

First trick, and very important - Don't dissolve the salt in the tank. From now on, fill a bucket or plastic trash can with water, add a spare power head (pump-style like a Maxi-Jet or propeller-type like a Koralia), and add the salt to that. Let it mix for about 24 hours. The salt will appear to dissolve within a few hours, but I've read very consistent warnings that the ionic balance does not settle down for approximately 24 hours. Before that time the water won't be healthy for your critters.

It's also a good idea to include a heater in the trash can (sometimes tricky to set up so it doesn't touch {and melt} the side of the can), and spend the last couple of hours before the water change bringing the water to the same temperature as the display tank. Not everyone does this, but it makes things easier on the animals.

For now, it sounds like you have un-dissolved salt in the tank. If you also have sand in the tank, you could have a problem. Some salt will almost certainly end up mixed with the sand, and it may not dissolve right away. You'll need to keep a close eye on your salinity for the next week or so.

It could take all day for the salt to dissolve. If you have any fish in the tank, it might be a good idea to move them to a container filled with premixed salt water from your LFS until the tank settles down.

 

[THE ROOK]

I agree with the above post. Pick up a 50 watt stealth heater & a maxijet powerhead for making saltwater in the future. An old salt bucket works well. Stealth heaters are plastic cased & shouldn't have any melting issues. Plus they won't shatter from handling.

 

[Map69]

x2 on the above advice. I use a Rubbermaid container and let the salt mix for 24hrs with a powerhead and a heater. Never had a problem yet.

 

[WaterKeeper]

+3 Just let it sit overnight; right now as you are still aways off on stocking that 20 gal.