Regarding Salt

[starfish7]

I got a 5 year old 75 gal reef tank about 6 months ago. I keep coming across references that freshly mixed salt water should sit 24 hours (or so) before using. The directions on the brand I use (Oceanic) doesn't say it needs to sit so I have always just mixed and put straight into the tank. Can someone tell me the reason for mixing a day before you plan to use it?

 

[robertmathern]

The reason for that is so the salt fully desolves in the water. Or you might check it and get a wrong reading

 

[privatejoker]

You really don't need to wait 24 hours. The least amount of time I would wait is 2 hours. That way most of the salt is desolves. That begin said 24 hours is the way to go if you have the time. You will get a better SG reading.

 

[starfish7]

Thanks for the info. I mix the water in a 3 gal. bucket and use my hand to swish the salt around until there aren't any bits left and then add and stir the rest of the water. I tried using an airstone once as I read somewhere it could be done that way and it was taking forever for the salt to dissolve. So far I haven't had readings in the tank any different than what I think I am putting in but it probably wouldn't hurt to let it sit.

 

[ynotme4886]

I use an extra 10 gal tank for small water changes with a power head and a heater.... I set the temp in the mix tank to the same temp as the display to get an accurate reading of salinity.
I always let it set for at least 24 hrs....48 is better and depending on your salt depends on how well it will mix and dissolve. Some mix better than others
I've use seachem...reef crystals...regular instant ocean and am currently using Tropic Marin. From my own personal observations Tropic Marin mixed the best out of the bunch.

 

[netimreefer]

started using red sea reef salt and seems to be my fav so far, have also tried seachem, IO, reef crystals, and oceanic

 

[privatejoker]

Get a power head to mix your water.

 

[jerryatrick]

Oceanic dissolves very well but if you don't want a cloudy tank wait at least a day. I also agree that Tropic Marine Pro dissolves the quickest.

 

[vince-1961]

I use a 100 gallon container or a 30 gallon rubbermaid trash can, either one about half full. To mix, I use a strong drill with a mortar mixing attachment. It really gets the water moving and aerates it as well. Big white froth! Then I reverse the direction of the drill and go counter-current. Reverse, counter-current, a few more times, then I put a venturi pump in it for a day or two for more aeration.
I got 250 gallons, so a 20% water change is 50 gallons. Got to plan a long way ahead for that! Now, if only I could find some cheaper salt......
Can we use something other than the salt sold in pet stores and LFS?
like swimming pool salt?
I mean, it's only NaCl. How complex can that be?

 

[keri]

There is more than just salt in your salt mix!! What you are trying to do is immitate nature, the dry mix includes other elements and minerals other than salt that your fish and corals need
So no, no pool salt

 

[rtspeed]

The main reason for using a power head with a venturi is as salt dissloves it depletes the water of oxygen, if you have a small tank this can become pretty bad seeing that the oxygen level in the tank really drops. You should always wait 24 hours for the oxygen to replenish itself and for the water to reach the correct tempature for the tank.

 

[rotarymagic]

I stick a bunch of power heads in a tub of RO water and then pour the salt in, a cup at a time. It mixes quick... Personally I feel that once the water is completely clear, it's dissolved regardless of the elapsed time.

 

[vince-1961]

Apart from just being FUN, the reason I use the drill with the mortar mix attachment is to aerate the water (in addition to just agitating it).
Yee Haw! Let's make some white water froth!!!