Aerating Saltwater Mix

[aqua blue]

Up until now I have used a airstone to aerate my mixed saltwater for water changes. I usually let the newly mixed water aerate for 24 - 48 hrs. I am going to start using a powerhead to mix my waterchange water. When using a powerhead to mix and aerate the salt should I used the air tube attachment to add air bubbles to the mix or just let the water movement alone mix the salt?

 

[leopardshark]

it wont really hurt to put the tube on but IMO i dont think it's necesary. the flow should just be enough for the salt just to desolve.

 

[nm reef]

Back when I first started I would use a air pump to mix my water but over time I noticed that with the air pump I'd get a deposit on the bottom of the container(calcium precipitating out of the water)...after researching and asking questions it was suggested that only a powerhead be used. All I currently use now is a powerhead and a heater...and no more deposits on the bottom.

 

[jacksonpt]

I use a powerhead with the air tube. I do it because I keep a lid on my rubbermaid, so the tube is an easy way to keep fresh air in the container. Probably unecessary, but it doesn't hurt anything.

 

[jacksonpt]

I use a powerhead with the air tube. I do it because I keep a lid on my rubbermaid, so the tube is an easy way to keep fresh air in the container. Probably unecessary, but it doesn't hurt anything.

 

[aqua blue]

Thanks for all the replies. I think I will add air to the mix to the powerhead for 24hrs. with just fresh water. Then run the powerhead without the air mix for another 24hrs. after I add the salt. That will be a balance of both and still reduce the salt build up on the 10 gal. tank that I use to prepare my new water for water changes.
I had noticed some deposits on the bottom of the buckets that I used for mixing new saltwater with the airstones. I will have to watch to see if there are less deposits on the bottom of the 10 gal. tank after mixing this next batch of new saltwater.