Salt Water Mixing Stations Let's See Them
- Thread starter kc350twin
- Start date
jjk_reef00
New member
I don't understand why you need to completely empty the containers?
1/2 of a gallon of water at the bottom isn't a problem, even if you need to move the containers. If I ever need to really empty mine, I could just carry them outside and tip it over. For me it was easier to plumb on the side because I wanted to use an external pump, and didn't want to build a stand.
To measure your next batch you can use the markers on the side, or just eyeball it. Once you do it a few times you get a good feel of how much water should be removed from you tank.
1/2 of a gallon of water at the bottom isn't a problem, even if you need to move the containers. If I ever need to really empty mine, I could just carry them outside and tip it over. For me it was easier to plumb on the side because I wanted to use an external pump, and didn't want to build a stand.
To measure your next batch you can use the markers on the side, or just eyeball it. Once you do it a few times you get a good feel of how much water should be removed from you tank.
madreef_7K
Member
+1 thats what I do every time. besides, the water left in the bottom usually has some sediment in it. Leaving a little water in the mixing tank keeps it there and does not transfer in my tank
here is my salt water prep station. I used Rubbermaid trash cans ($15 each) instead of brute ($30.00) without any issue for past 3 years!
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yoccm
New member
here is mine
the left side is the salt side and the right is fresh
Where did you get the containers? Look like just the right size for my 240G system
Mile High Reef
New member
These are from National Tank Outlet, 25g. Just got a couple, quick shipping, looks like they will work out great for this application.
http://www.ntotank.com/25gaveta.html
P
speedo2wet
Sharks!!!!
Here's mine finally.
I have two 55gallon drums and an external pcx-100 pump. I'm pumping the water across the house over 40 feet so I needed the pressure and footage.
I plumbed in a way that I am able to circulate each drum individually and then I can circulate them together. Last night I finally did a
Water change and no buckets were used. I developed a system to drain the water from each tank out to the pool deck. Then I just pump it in from the garage. Makes me want to do water changes now and easy as ever to make water. If you want more pics I can get them.
Hope ya like.
I have two 55gallon drums and an external pcx-100 pump. I'm pumping the water across the house over 40 feet so I needed the pressure and footage.
I plumbed in a way that I am able to circulate each drum individually and then I can circulate them together. Last night I finally did a
Water change and no buckets were used. I developed a system to drain the water from each tank out to the pool deck. Then I just pump it in from the garage. Makes me want to do water changes now and easy as ever to make water. If you want more pics I can get them.
Hope ya like.
silentscream
New member
Maybe this was already covered earlier, but...
How long does everyone store their mixed saltwater before they use it? I used to keep coralife in a brute container with a pump and heater going, but I would find that the alkalinity would always drop after extended amounts of storage time, has anyone else experienced this?
How long does everyone store their mixed saltwater before they use it? I used to keep coralife in a brute container with a pump and heater going, but I would find that the alkalinity would always drop after extended amounts of storage time, has anyone else experienced this?
connecticut cichlids
Craft Beer Geek
Storing any saltwater is a thing of the past for me.... Especially with new salt mixes like ESV, which are ready to use in minutes!
jbax
New member
people with a large size tank or multiple tanks like myself, it makes life alot easier. evaporation rate on my tanks is 6 gallons a day, which adds up to 42 gallons of freshwater for top-off a week. so i store more FW then SW. i use ESV also and yes it can be ready minutes after mixing. but, i do need a container to mix it in and a way to mix it. also for me, its nice to pump SW from the garage to the tanks without lugging or pushing a brute can through the house. there are so many benefits to having a "mixing station".
connecticut cichlids
Craft Beer Geek
My freshwater storage, and saltwater mixing station are in close proximity of my sump and are both above my sump. Gravity is my friend, and the turn of a ballvalve makes my life alittle easier. I'm a big fan of storing 30+ gallons of ro/di water, just not saltwater ... JMO
I am working on mine and will be using a hose to pump water up to my tank. I plan on using thin vinyl tubing, like that found on the Python water changer. But I was wondering, is there a reason why nobody seems to be using garden hose? Not to sound stupid but just the connectors are metal, so would it work?
The Punisher
New member
I store salt water for about 10 days or so, mixed by a Mag 7 all the time. Why are y'all so against storing salt water?
I had my SW stored for sometime then I dumped it. I didn't want to take the chance. My new set-up will have a pump mixing it constantly.
I have a question for those who have a pump that can pump it to another part of the house and etc. when using a pump for high head pressure to mix the FSW do you throttle the pump back? I'm about to purchase my new containers and was wondering if two 55 tanks would be enough. I currently have a 110g tank but I plan on upgrading to a 300dd soon.
I have a question for those who have a pump that can pump it to another part of the house and etc. when using a pump for high head pressure to mix the FSW do you throttle the pump back? I'm about to purchase my new containers and was wondering if two 55 tanks would be enough. I currently have a 110g tank but I plan on upgrading to a 300dd soon.
That is what I am asking. Why don't these setups use garden hoses?
dogstar74
Premium Member
It should work fine, but I would steer you toward the drinking water hoses. They have stainless steel ends, and the white plastic is made for filling your RV's drinking water so it doesn't leach anything out. You may want to look into those. I would still do as suggested above and replace the ends with nylon barbed fittings.
Good idea, thank you!
jjk_reef00
New member
I would just let the pump run, but you can dial it back if you think it will save some energy. I have 1x 55 for about 400 gallons total system and it works ok. I do have a 50 gallon container for ATO which I refill about once a week. If I had room I would consider bigger containers but you can maintain a 300-400 gallon system fairly easily on 55 gallon containers. It all depends on your bio-load husbandry routine, etc..
speedo2wet
Sharks!!!!
Yes you can use a garden hose to pump the water back into the tank. I saw a thread on that in the archives a while back. You just have to make sure the contents of what the hose is made out of. For example stay away from the hose with the anti-microbial on the inside. Im not sure about the weaving either. I know there is a nice rubber black rubber hose out there but it costs a pretty penny. I went with the clear tubing cause Ace gave me a great deal on it and I can also make sure theres nothing in the line.
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