mixing salt

[backdraft79]

I use oceanic salt for my tank. I mix it in a 32 gallon brute can. I have 2, one for RO water and the other to mix the salt in. Everything is done in my basment with lids on the cans. Here are my steps and ill explain later my question.

1)Fill RO bucket and bring the RO water up to 80 deg.
2)Fill mixing bucket 1/2 with RO water.
3) Using a scale I measure out the right amount of salt for 30 gallons.
4)Put the salt in the mixing bucket and use a piece of PVE to mix. Ill let that go until the water goes clear then Ill add a heater to it to keep the temp up.
5) After filling the Mixing brute the rest of the way with RO water ill add a 2nd heater and a power head to mix. I let this sit over night. At the same time I make more RO water to fill the other brute and to use to make the mixed salt 1.025.
6)Next day I adjust the mix so the salt levels are 1.025. I let it sit for one more day till I start using it for water changes.

My question: Around the time that I get to step 6, I notice that there is a deposit of minerals or somthing on the sides and bottom of the brute can. It also gets on the heaters and power head. Is this just extra minerals in the salt mix? I just changed the filters on my RO 2 months ago and havent had any problems. Ideas on what it is? Am I doing somthing wrong?!?!

 

[dreaminmel]

So you are filling one of the 32g containers half full of water and adding 30g worth of salt mix to only half of the water you'll need? And filling the other half with RO water later? If so, I'd guess that's why and say what you are seeing is precipitate as your salt content would be well over 1.025 until you get to the point of adding the rest of the RO.

 

[backdraft79]

No. I fill it up all the way. I just fill it half way to let the water clear. Also so I dont spash water all over. Once it clears I do fill it all that way with 30 gallons.

 

[dreaminmel]

But you add the salt to the container when it's only half full of water right or am I misunderstanding?

 

[dreaminmel]

I only ask because I'm sure even in that short amount of time you would have precipitate due to the process. I fill my 50g container, add the salt needed, toss in a powerhead and that has it mixed up for use the next day.

 

[backdraft79]

Its only half full for an hour max!

 

[captain7359]

I always had greyish precipitate on my brute regardless of how I did my mixing. Preheated, aerated, and circulating. I used IO and reef crystals and had the same precip with both.

 

[backdraft79]

I always had greyish precipitate on my brute regardless of how I did my mixing. Preheated, aerated, and circulating. I used IO and reef crystals and had the same precip with both.

I also had it with RC.

 

[dreaminmel]

Its only half full for an hour max!

I am trying to help you.

Here's a link. This part is what I was getting at. Time frame doesn't matter on this aspect.

"When mixing saltwater, the rule is to add the salt to the full volume of water. If you pour water onto a pile of salt, the water turns milky white and never clears. This is because a lot of salt and a little water create hyper-salinity. The water is much too salty, which often results in precipitation. The alkalinity and calcium levels are much too high, and this causes flakes or snow that won't dissolve. So remember, water first, then salt. Use a powerhead or large pump to mix the water and salt."

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-11/nftt/index.php

 

[backdraft79]

Sry, I wasnt yelling. I get it and will change things up! Thank you for the link Melanie!

 

[dreaminmel]

You're welcome. Hopefully that will make the difference. I've been using Reef Crystals for many years and never had any of the deposits you describe so thought it may help.