Changing Water

[barronsmom]

We are doing our first water change...I have salt but don't know how much we add...if we change 10% (5 gal) we'll add 5 gal. back...but how much salt do you put in 5 gals? Is there a formula? A cup of salt per gal or anything like that?

 

[tropills]

around 3.5 cups will give you 1.025, start with 3 cups and adjust from there.
should give you a good starting point..

This is per 5 gallons NOT per gallon.

 

[hot883]

The bag or box should tell you on the side. I think they are all 1/2 cup salt to 1 gallon water.

 

[barronsmom]

There wasn't a formula or anything on the bucket...we ended up using 4 cups for 10 gallons and it was right on!! Thanks! I love this site!!!

 

[tropills]

Originally Posted by BarronsMom
There wasn't a formula or anything on the bucket...we ended up using 4 cups for 10 gallons and it was right on!! Thanks! I love this site!!!
4 cups sounds light ??? what SG did you end up with ?? remember to let it desolve good before you test it...
Greg

 

[scrapman]

No magic formula.
Learn to do it the right way
READ THE DIRECTIONS on the marine salt (not water softener salt) package.
Mix it accordingly with a PH. Let it oxygenate for 24 Hrs at the proper temp. Check the SPG.... Then (only then) you pump it to your DP.

 

[badoleross]

What are you measuring the salinity with? Not a swing arm I hope.......

 

[barronsmom]

Whats a swing arm?
I've tested the water 4 times since the water change (I'm a little nervous) and everything seems right...

 

[tropills]

Originally Posted by BarronsMom
Whats a swing arm?
I've tested the water 4 times since the water change (I'm a little nervous) and everything seems right...
a swing arm is the real cheap type hydometer looks like a plastic box with a weighted arm that goes up and down. numbers on the outside tell you what the salinity is.. By the way what is yours after your water change ???
and i'm sure are doing this but make sure you are letting it stand and disolve
like scrapman said.