Salt Mixing

[amosgirl]

May sound simple... Here goes... Have been researching sw systems for 3 years. Have purchased and will be moving home a 55 gal. reef system. Pretty basic and needs some work (I like challenges) but was a great price. Anyway, I have read several threads and websites about issues with mixing different kinds of salt and how it effects water parameters etc. It seems that it is impossible to find "newbie" terms for mixing sw and what to look for, how to mix, how long before using... Any basic guidelines? I would welcome all input. Once I have the tank home I will keep you posted on the progress.

THANKS!! in advance for advice!!

 

[drummereef]

Here's my method.

1. Fill bucket with desired amount of RO/DI water
2. Let circulate with powerhead for at least 12 hours
3. Slowly mix in salt
4. Let circulate for 24 hours
5. Check salinity and adjust as necessary

 

[seapug]

I'd recommend picking a proven brand of salt and sticking with it. Don't buy whatever is cheapest at any given time. Instant Ocean is a favorite and easy to find.
Once you do that, buy a good sized container to mix and store it in. 32 gallon plastic trash cans are a cheap and popular choice. Buy a powerhead and submersible heater. Put as much water as you can in the barrel (RO/DI or tap water run through some sort of basic filter), add your salt and let it warm up and mix for as long as a possible. As long as the chlorine has been removed, it's "usable" within an hour or two but the longer you let it mix and age, the better. I try to let it mix for 3-4 days. Whenever you do a water change, just replace what you use and you'll always have a supply of aged, balanced water on hand. Makes keeping a good maintenance schedule much easier.

 

[amosgirl]

I have read that many people like Instant Ocean and Reef Crystals, but I have also read about those two causing hair algae growth as opposed to using something like Oceanic Natural Sea Salt. I have read a couple of places that some people have had issues with the IO or RC and the water parameters after mixing. I was originally planning on using RC but based on what I have read with the algae problems I have wondered about Oceanic's Natural Sea Salt.

(I will be buying salt and mixing it today so it will be ready this weekend.)

 

[Sepeku]

I've been using RC for awhile with little incident (not to turn the discussion to that of salt prefference)

I follow DrummerReef's methodology. I even took the pump off of my SeaClone to turn/aerate the water (in a giant bucket).
It's the best thing the seaclone has ever done. :lol:

 

[amosgirl]

Thanks for the input. I have two extra power heads I was planning on dropping in a new trash can to turn the water. I know I will be playing the learning curve for a while and will be asking lots of questions.

This new tank is a 55 gallon with about a 1 inch sand bed and 50 to 60 pounds of live rock. The inhabitants are a few starburst coral, three ornamental shrimp, a watchman blenny, a couple of what I think are serpent sea stars (they weren't real visible), a coral beauty, and a handful of hermit crabs. It runs on two actinic Power Compacts and a protein skimmer. Like I said, pretty simple set up. I am looking forward to slowly making the changes to optimize the quality of the water and the system. Any pointers would be much appreciated.

 

[kurtg]

Re: Salt Mixing

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9744841#post9744841 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by amosgirl
how to mix, how long before using... Any basic guidelines?

Keep in mind that salt crystals can take a long time to dissolve completely and that these are caustic to sensitive areas of the fish like gills. It's best to let saltwater to age several days at least.

It's also a good idea to keep saltwater on hand for unexpected emergencies like a leak or unexpected bad water parameters.

I bought 2 30-40 gal trash cans from lowes/home depot with the castors so you can roll them. Then I put a mark on the inside where to fill it (or use a natural lip), and then measure out how much salt to add to get the desired SG/salinity.

When you do a water change, use the alternate trash can to pump out water, and then refill the aquarium with the mixed saltwater.

Refill empty container, add salt, heater, and powerhead and forget until your next water change (or emergency).

The easier you make it, the less you'll dread doing a water change.

 

[Sepeku]

Re: Re: Salt Mixing

Re: Re: Salt Mixing

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9747457#post9747457 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kurtg

The easier you make it, the less you'll dread doing a water change. [/B]

This can't be harped on enough. I hooked up my closed circulation system to double as a water changing device.

Doing a 60 gal water change takes roughly 10 minutes of my time now. (and about 30 minutes total for the whole operation)

 

[amosgirl]

I will be mixing the water today. That way it can "age" for at least three days. It is only a 55 gallon tank so I have to think that if I have a 40 gallon trash can full would be plenty to keep on hand. I am planning on transporting about 30 to 40 gallons of the original water.