Saltwater mixing - what's going on?

[andrewjardin]

So i made new saltwater last week, knowing that i would be doing a switchover this weekend to a 30 gal, from my 20 gal. The water in the 30 gal tank that i made up and have had moving with a really strong powerhead all week has coated the tank walls white, and i have to scrape it off with my nails to get it off. I don't know if maybe there is just too much salt in there or maybe it's something else. My hydrometer is pretty old so i am going to get a new one this week, what do you think it could be? I'm really confused and upset now because i have to wait until next weekend to switch tanks! TIA- Andrew

 

[1guydude]

The insides of the glass are white???like where u put the water LOL...sry just curious! I know that salt creep is white and crystaly when it dries but thats usually on the ouside or lid or somethin! hmm

 

[andrewjardin]

I'm not really sure, but its almost like when the water level drops for a long time and creates calcium deposits on the glass. Thats what it looks and feels like, its weird. I might just scrap the water and make a new batch after i re-clean the tank. or i'll just transfer to the new tank like i'm doing a water change. Maybe that will work out better.

 

[btldreef]

It probably is a calcium deposit. Definitely check your salinity.

 

[bang guy]

I sounds to me like precipitated Calcium carbonate.
Can you explain, in great detail, your procedure for mixing this water?

 

[andrewjardin]

I tried a new way of making saltwater this time, instead of using a bucket, i used the empty aquarium in my room, with a really powerful powerhead. I started by adding 2 large buckets (the one I usually use for mixing saltwater) into the aquarium (cold water) I then got out my oceanic salt mixture (the purple one with clownfish on it) and added salt as i normally would for the quantity of 2 buckets. The next day I checked the salinity and it was still lower then 1.021 so I added more salt mixture. The next day I checked again still reading below 1.021, weird as that was, I added some more. Today it read 1.021 so I added some more mixture. its at about 1.022 now. The water looks crystal clear, however the glass is another story. I have no clue what happened, I have never had this problem before? I can post a picture if its any use.

 

[bang guy]

Calcium carbonate can precipitate is the salt mix gets too concentrated in the water. In other words, if you dump in a bunch of salt and it sits on the bottom for any length of time the you'll have precipitation. I think this is what happened.
The salt mix is fine to use but the Calcium and carbonate levels will be low. Magnesium may also have precipitated depending on how long the salt sat at the bottom.
It really is best to mix saltwater in a small batch where you can stir the water vigerously while slowing pouring in the salt. This way the salt dissolves befor havin a chance to collect ant the bottom. The powerhead is not strong enough to mix the salt in, it's just enough to keep it stirred for gas exchange (also important).
No need for a picture, I've seen it before

 

[andrewjardin]

Okay, thanks lots! So the salt is okay to use? In your expertise opinion, what would you do? Just scrap the water to regain those components in a new batch or use the water and learn my lesson this time?

 

[bang guy]

I would not hesitate to use the water but I would test it for Alkalinity and bump it up if it's low. I would also recommend a large water change next week after you move your 20 gallon into this one.
If you want an easy way to remove the film on the glass just drain the water into a container(s) and wipe it down with vinegar. Use paper towels to soak up any excess vinegar and you're good to go.

 

[andrewjardin]

Okay, thanks alot bang!