Making Saltwater

[suewolf]

I stink at making salt water, there is no consistiency and I can't figure out why. I have a 5 gallon bucket that I am using. I use Seachem salt mix and add 2.5 cups per bucket, which give me the correct salinity and specific gravity. My fresh water PH is low(7.2) so I add 3 t seachem reef buffer. I airate with a powerhead for 24hrs and heat with a submersable heater to 77.7 . Sometimes my water is a milky color and sometimes it is clear. I turn off the powerhead and sometimes it clears in a day but I have a bucket that has not cleared for 3 days.
My tank began a mini cycle when I added the orange spotted goby and he turned up all the sand. My nitites are .25 and my nitrates are 15 so I need to do water changes. Any advise would be greatly appreicated. Thanks.

 

[waterlogged]

Is it tapwater?

 

[suewolf]

Yes it is tap water but I run it through a Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Tap Water Filter to remove the nitrates in my water

 

[waterlogged]

Originally Posted by suewolf
Yes it is tap water but I run it through a Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Tap Water Filter to remove the nitrates in my water
Is that the filter with the picture of the discus on the front and says Jack Watley?

 

[suewolf]

No, I don't think so. I have attached a photo of the box and filter

 

[jrthomas40]

how big is the tank??...i usually just put 4 half cups which is 2 cups and it is pretty consistent...are you stirring it up first then putting the power head in...sometimes if you just let the powerhead do it...it wont do a great job

 

[waterlogged]

I used that filter and was only getting 25g before it changed color so I bought a RO/DI online for $100.00. Which do you put in bucket 1st, salt or water?

 

[suewolf]

The Tank is a 65G and I do stir it first for about 3-5 minutes. It is still clear when I stir it but in about 10 minutes it becomes a milky color.

 

[suewolf]

I put water in 1st then add salt then buffer.

 

[waterlogged]

In your vat tank, which I think you said you use a bucket, do you put the salt or water into the bucket 1st?

 

[waterlogged]

Why do you use the buffer?

 

[suewolf]

I add the buffer to increse the PH from 7.2 to 8.2

 

[waterlogged]

Originally Posted by suewolf
I add the buffer to increse the PH from 7.2 to 8.2
If you don't use the buffer what does your salt make your ph go up to after mixing in water? What type of salt?

 

[suewolf]

If I don't use the buffer it does not go above 7.2. Is there another way to increase my PH without the buffer?

 

[waterlogged]

My salt makes my ph correct.

 

[jrthomas40]

the salt should have buffer in it...but if you are adding 2.5 cups it could be seachem ive heard has high calcium so it could be calcium precipitation or since you are adding buffer it could be something to do with that....try making the water with out the extra buffer see what it does and make your buffer separate...cuz if i remember correctly most buffers have to be made with fresh water and not salt...re-read the directions on the buffer and see if that is what it says?

 

[suewolf]

Should/Can I change my salt brand. What brand do you recommend?

 

[waterlogged]

Originally Posted by suewolf
Should/Can I change my salt brand. What brand do you recommend?
I use instant ocean. What do you use?

 

[suewolf]

I do add the buffer to the freshwater first. Should I wait 24hrs to add the salt?

 

[suewolf]

Originally Posted by Waterlogged
I use instant ocean. What do you use?
I use Seachem