Powerhead questions??

[lakersfan5016]

I'm a newbie at this so be warned . I have 2 Koralia #2 pumps in my tank, one at each end (70g) and they point towards the middle of the front glass. I have a Coralife light with 10K and Actinic blue lights. Is it normal to see all the salt blowing around in the water with the current, etc. when the lights are on? Of all the pictures I see of peoples tanks, I never see this. I always mix my water first before I put it in the tank, and this isnt the case only when doing water changes, etc. It's ALWAYS like that (visible salt).

 

[drew2005]

No its not normal. You should not be seeing salt blowing around. The salt should be completely dissolved. Are you sure its not sand getting kicked up by the Koralias? How long do you wait before adding the newly mixed salt water to the tank?

 

[hefner413]

I would bet it's not salt. Something would have to be special about your salt to prevent it from dessolving.

 

[lakersfan5016]

I use Oceanic salt, dont know if that matters or not. How long should you wait when you mix your saltwater before adding it to your tank?? I'm positive it's not sand.

 

[thereefer9]

about 24 hours

 

[oniel21]

What do you use to check your salinity? I highly doubt it's salt that you're seeing. Do you have a protien skimmer? Thinking it could be microbubbles...

 

[lakersfan5016]

Yes, I have a hang on protein skimmer, but it's not from that because it's still there when I unhook it. It CLEARLY comes from the powerheads when they are turned on, I know that they are not too powerful because I've had other powerheads in the past and had the pressure turned down so low that it barely output anything and it still makes this appear. The more power/air ouput from the powerheads the more of the "salt" or whatever it is, is visible. I'll try to post some pics today or tomorrow if possible. I test the salt with a Instant Ocean hydrometer. If I turn off the powerheads there is NOTHING, it looks clear. Then when I turn them on, back again. I've had 3 different brands of powerheads and the water always looks the same when they are turned on. ???? Could it be the brand of salt that I use to mix my water with??

 

[bigjohnson]

Originally Posted by THEREEFER9
about 24 hours

you really wait 24hrs after mixing?

 

[reef noob]

are you running the ventris on the powerheads
is there any air being sucked into the powerhead

 

[ameno]

I usually mix my salt, put in a PH and a heater and let run for at least 12 hours and up to 24 before putting in the tank

 

[bigjohnson]

Originally Posted by ameno
I usually mix my salt, put in a PH and a heater and let run for at least 12 hours and up to 24 before putting in the tank
Really?? What are the benefits of doing that,
I have never done that but am now thinking I should.

 

[ameno]

helps oxidate the water and bring up to temp. before adding to the tank. The salt I use actually recommends that on there package.

 

[bigjohnson]

Originally Posted by ameno
helps oxidate the water and bring up to temp. before adding to the tank. The salt I use actually recommends that on there package.
Not a bad Idea...I usally have to bring the temp down in my water so I let it sit till it cools then I stir the salt