do I need to wait 24 hrs after mixing saltwater?

dbestnindy

dbestnindy

Member
I got my ro/di setup and was reading about making my own water. Some say to wait 24 hours before adding to tank. I read a couple of posts that they just mix and add. I have two powerheads and a heater running in the tub. I would like some opinions on what is normal for this. Thanks
 
t316

t316

Active Member
In an emergency, mix and add immediately. But otherwise, I always allow a minimum of 24 hrs (often a week) for the mixed salt water to sit. I keep a powerhead in the tub to make sure that it's really mixed and any undisolved particles have settled. I only use a heater for the last few hours prior to using it, only if it needs to be brought up to temp to match the tank.
 
meowzer

meowzer

Moderator
I usually wait 24 hours....I keep a mag700 in the w/c bucket, so I have found I do not need to heat the water....apparently the mag puts off enough heat in the confined container....I use a 32g trash can for my big tank, and a 13G (I make8G) for the other tank.
 
ryancw01

ryancw01

Member
It is hard to say. I always let mine sit for at least 2 days, but once and a while I hire a company to come clean my tank and do water changes and they don't even wait 10 minutes and everything is fine. They have extremely strong powerheads though.
 
dbestnindy

dbestnindy

Member
Thanks everyone. I will wait the 24 this time and then get it made up a week early from here on out. I was wondering if anyone had tried to put a spicket (sp) on a trash can or how do you get the water to your tank? That seems to be an issue (for me) when you have large water changes.
 
meowzer

meowzer

Moderator
Originally Posted by DBESTNINDY
http:///forum/post/3046208
Thanks everyone. I will wait the 24 this time and then get it made up a week early from here on out. I was wondering if anyone had tried to put a spicket (sp) on a trash can or how do you get the water to your tank? That seems to be an issue (for me) when you have large water changes.
I have a mag 700 pump...I bought a plastic fitting, and tubing to fit on it....I use it for emptying the tank, and to add the water...Just drop pump in the tank, put hose in laundry drain...and drain away
THEN..I put pump in trash can...put hose in tank...and fill away...
 
dbestnindy

dbestnindy

Member
Originally Posted by meowzer
http:///forum/post/3046210
I have a mag 700 pump...I bought a plastic fitting, and tubing to fit on it....I use it for emptying the tank, and to add the water...Just drop pump in the tank, put hose in laundry drain...and drain away
THEN..I put pump in trash can...put hose in tank...and fill away...
Thnaks, Sounds like an idea to look in to. I know I use my grandkids wagon to cart off the old water. Every little bit helps.
 
t316

t316

Active Member
My water is in the basement and I have to get it upstairs to the tank, so I use a pump that is wired to a light switch beside the tank. Need water, just flip the switch...

It's here in my build thread somewhere if you feel like reading thru
https://forums.saltwaterfish.com/t/316459/t316s-280-reef-continuation
 
dbestnindy

dbestnindy

Member
Originally Posted by T316 http:///forum/post/3046218
My water is in the basement and I have to get it upstairs to the tank, so I use a pump that is wired to a light switch beside the tank. Need water, just flip the switch...

It's here in my build thread somewhere if you feel like reading thru
https://forums.saltwaterfish.com/t/316459/t316s-280-reef-continuation
umm, are you sure that is the right link?
 
slider101

slider101

Member
I know I will catch some flack but I usually mix with a powerhead for about an hour and then pour in. Never had any problems but then again I dont have a very sensitive tank. 55 gal with only 2 clowns and 2 chromis, cleaner shrimp, and 8 hermits and 1 zoo frag. If I had more sensitive species I would probably mix it in advance.
 
meowzer

meowzer

Moderator
Originally Posted by slider101
http:///forum/post/3046224
I know I will catch some flack but I usually mix with a powerhead for about an hour and then pour in. Never had any problems but then again I dont have a very sensitive tank. 55 gal with only 2 clowns and 2 chromis, cleaner shrimp, and 8 hermits and 1 zoo frag. If I had more sensitive species I would probably mix it in advance.
FLACK..HERE!!! On this site

Hey it's your tank....whatever works for you is what matters
 
slider101

slider101

Member
Originally Posted by meowzer
http:///forum/post/3046226
FLACK..HERE!!! On this site

Hey it's your tank....whatever works for you is what matters
LOL for real. THere are a few strong opinions on here lol. But like I said, if my tank was as well established and as beautiful as many of the tanks on here I would for sure take every precaution. I am working on it though. This is a long process!! Longer than I thought when I first started, but well worth the wait!!
 
don trinko

don trinko

Member
My SG reading changes during the 1st few hours so it's hard to know what SG I have untill it has set for a few hours with power head so.... I mix several days ahead of wc and heat the water to tank temp the day before wc.
Don T.
 
sharkbait09

sharkbait09

Member
in the can!lol

woopsies!!! i mix mine then just dump her in ( i measure sg and make sure its disolved 10-15 min)
i have had no problems but know that i know i went to the grocrie store and got a five gallon container and already filled it up for my water change next week and hey i guess you do learn somthin new everyday!!!
 
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