such a Dope,

[pewter_jean]

I'm such a dope. This morning I ruined my salt water that I was suppose to use for my water change. I never mixed up salt water, But really how hard can it be. Add salt to water, test and done. Well I added salt, I couldn't get it to register. added more, still nothing. Added more, still nothing. Added more now up to 42. Is this normal for oceanic salt? Does it have to sit a while before it registers? Now I have three jugs that my fish would have to cut thru if they want to get to the other side of the tank. I know I could delute it. But the fish store is out of water till Monday. I really should have done the water change today. It starting to look more like I have a brackish tank not a salt water. I could kick myself. I know I could go to Wal-Mart they sell RO water, It's not RO/DI. But I would probly mess that up too. What is the best way to mix the salt. I just put the salt in the water jug. shake and test. Is that right? Or is there more of a science? Or is the brand? Just more unstable? When I lived in the Phillippins, You could go down town and San Migell beer all night. And I swear you would have thought you were drinking kool aid. Then another night you could go a drink one and you were falling on the floor. You get what I'm asking here. Is the salt true all the way thur. Or is some stronger?

 

[TWINPEAKS]

most salt mixes up the same way with exception to the amount of trace elements that varies with each brand.how much rodi water do you need?I have a 55 gal. barrel that you can have some from. Mix according to the inst. on the package that usually gets you close. JLMK

 

[StupidsReef]

Oceanic is IMO one of the top salt's. I use it for the first 6 months. I've never tried to shake it in a jug though, I guess that would work. What do you mean register?? How are you testing it??

 

[Reggae Fish]

I would have to guess that it would be the measuring instrument? What are you using? Some of the Hydrometers need to be filled with heavily salted water and set for 24 hours to allow it to calibrate...If it's a IO Hydrometer, which I have a couple of, they require that to calibrate.

If there is someone on here that either has a hydrometer or refractometer, or if someone has a container of mixed saltwater that could help out. It is recommended to mix in the salt and let it aerate for 24 hours and you might catch someone with a full container since most probably do weekend water changes and could afford to let it go one more day.

If I was in this situation, I would have a container of your mixed saltwater mixing. I would find someone who could help measure it correctly. I would then add the appropriate amount of water to get it to the correct salinity and let it aerate as much as possible. That way, you've had it mixing and it's at the correct temp.
When it comes to having oversalted water, I'm not sure about the aeration process but I'm sure someone on here could tell you.

I personally have already done my weekly water change but if you'd like I could mix together up to 30 gallons for you if you need. I live in Ballwin. I would highly recommend that you wait as close to the 24 hour period as possible because you don't want to cause a spike. Let me know if I can help!



Thanks,
Justin

 

[Sk8r]

Get the smallest submersible pump you can manage (inexpensive) and put it in the bucket where you have added salt to the water. This is the best way to mix it. The formula is roughly 1/2 cup salt (I use Oceanic) for every gallon, so a five-gallon bucket uses 2 and 1/2 cups (ordinary kitchen measuring cup) of salt. You can mix it, then test it with salinity meter, but it's pretty accurate for a 1.025 mix.

 

[pewter_jean]

Still in training, and full of misinformation. I was using that deep six meter. I don't understand the 1.25 or that stuff, yet. On the side of the meter are numbers 16-43. I get 42, all the way at the top. I could just add more fresh RO couldn't I? I know I probly need a better tester. This is very old, it looks like there use to be other numbers on the other side, but all worn off. I got it used. I was told just keep the salt between 22-26.

 

[Shooter7]

Sounds like the ppt reading for salinity, and if you're using those numbers I believe the right number is around 35. And be careful, it's 1.025 for salinity, not 1.25. Get a refractometer, you'll be happier I think.

 

[capncapo]

Adding RO water will do, so will adding distilled water.

You want to keep you water at 1.025-1.026.

Shooter7 is right. A refractometer is a must!

 

[pewter_jean]

Thanks All

 

[Reggae Fish]

The "deep six" which is coralife states on the back that you need to fill it with SW and let it sit for 24 hours to calibrate. I too need a refractometer but currently using the same deep six. Let us know how it turns out