mixing salt

[jguad]

i usually buuy my water at my LFS, but i decided to start mixing my own. after i fill my 5g bucket up and add the salt mix, i plan on putting in a air stone to keep the water "moving". how long should i let it sit prior to adding it to my tank? thanks for the help. its been sooo long since i did this myself.

 

[t316]

Rule of thumb, minimum 24 hrs, but I mix up new salt water as soon as I use the existing during a water change. So mine may sit for a week. Also, I realize that a 5-gal bucket may be too small for powerhead, but is an airstone going to really circulate that water enough?

 

[srfisher17]

Originally Posted by T316
http:///forum/post/3221327
Rule of thumb, minimum 24 hrs, but I mix up new salt water as soon as I use the existing during a water change. So mine may sit for a week. Also, I realize that a 5-gal bucket may be too small for powerhead, but is an airstone going to really circulate that water enough?
I think the airstone will work fine in a 5 gal bucket; until the stone clogs. A decent airpump really does move a fair amount of water from top to bottom.

 

[jstdv8]

I dont see why a 5 gallon bucket would be too small for a powerhead? you could fit a HUGE powerhead into a bucket size wise. Whats the downside?
I use a koralia #2 in my 18 gallon container

 

[jguad]

its not really an air stone, its more like a pump with an openended airline tube at the end, "bunkered down" at the bottom. i should have been more specific, but after my 8th period class, i tend to forget things, like the term "air pump" sorry.

 

[bang guy]

That will be fine for storage. When mixing your saltwater make sure the water is cool and stir the heck out of it while you slowly pour in the salt. It's important to dissolve the trace elements as fast as possible. Keep the water cool until you're ready to use it.

 

[spanko]

An open air line at the very bottome of the bucket should keep the salt that would sink stirred up. It is also good to have a heater in the bucket. One to bring the water to tank temperature for the change, two because the salt will mix better in warmer water.