Making of saltwater.

[tenderuc]

I am using a 32 gallon brute trash can to make my saltwater for water changes. I am using Seachem Reefsalt. I mix about 28 gallons or so. I have a mag 18 pump in the can for mixing, Along with a heater. I get everything right, temp. and salinity. Then I do my water changes in my tanks. I have some leftover and I add more RO water to make more saltwater for the next water change. The problem is that the saltwater leaves a white residue inside the can, should all of that be wiped out and the can cleaned every time I make water or is that white stuff beneficial to the saltwater. Thanks for your time to help out. Tom

 

[drummereef]

The residue is very common. I have it in my saltwater mixing container. Every couple months I clean it out but it's nothing to worry about. I can't say it's beneficial in any way, but it's not detrimental.

 

[tenderuc]

Thanks did not know if I should be cleaning the can out after every water change or not. I guess I'll do the same every couple of months. Thanks Tom

 

[BradMugs]

Change the way you mix your salt water and it will go away. If you look at the directions it says to add the salt to the water. Adding water to the salt you get an unstable enviornment and some of the elements percipate out and don't go back into solution - mostly calcium I think. So, if you use 20 gal in your exchange add in 20 gal of RO water before you add your salt mix and you will be fine. Guess how I know....

 

[KarlBob]

I always add salt to water, and I still develop a residue. It happens gradually, but it still happens. Clearing out the residue every few weeks or months sounds like a good plan to me, but I don't have any evidence to support doing so.

 

[Alaskan Reefer]

I have residue on both my 44 gallon salt water mixing Brute and my 55 gallon kalk mixing Brute. I haven't ever cleaned either of them other than dumping discolored kalk slurry out when I see it at the bottom, and both have been in service for over 7 years.

Don't sweat it.

 

[bshumake]

its just a little calcium buildup. happens when temp and concentration force it out of solution. Its harmless but if you want you can wipe the can out with vinegar. personally, i ignore it.