how much salt to mix?

[0000]

I finally got a RO/DI unit, and I am wondering how much salt needs to be added to 5 gallons of water to mix?

 

[jerrym21]

It's usualy right around two cups but test it before you use it just in case it needs a little fine tuning.

 

[sgwithee]

I've normally used 1/2 cup per gallon to get approx 1.025 sg.
But then, each salt mix will be a little different. Assuming your
container has room for more than 5 gals. Try a 1/2 cup per gallon
and then test it.

 

[BorHor]

Usually says on the bag or bucket how much to mix per gallon to get 1.025 sg.

 

[Dr. Reef]

all salts have different mixing ratios. most all are around 1/2 cup to a gal. the seachem salt i am using called salinity is even less than 1/2 cup to a gal they say. so u got to read the bucket or bag and see and still i would mix a little less than what it recommends and let it settle to 24-48 hrs before reading it then adjust. also the salt dissolve ratio depends on temp of water as well.

 

[billdogg]

I use just enough to bring it up to 1.026 or so.

HTH

 

[jeff@zina.com]

I finally got a RO/DI unit, and I am wondering how much salt needs to be added to 5 gallons of water to mix?

You have to look at the instructions for your salt and test using a hydrometer or, preferably, refractometer.

Jeff

 

[msman825]

Usually says on the bag or bucket how much to mix per gallon to get 1.025 sg.

yup, and get a refractometer.
it will save a lot of trouble down the road

 

[Anthony.Luciano]

i didnt even know you can make salt without testing it. and yes listin to everyone dont waste your money on the hydrometer. mine was so off it killed some of my fish in hyposalinity by saying the level was 1.012 while it was really 1.005 so just spend the money on it now and you wont regret it.

 

[Sk8r]

I agree with that.

And most salt mixes are 1/2 cup per gallon to bring you to 1.024...BUT---buckets vary. Never assume you got it right just by measure, though I'm sure your question is just---what's the LIKELY amount to shoot for.

Do doublecheck it before adding to make sure.