Some help with mixing water

gerty

gerty

New Member
Hi!
My brother and I just brought home our 55gallon saltwater tank. It was a gift, so it was already set up....lucky us. But, in moving it, we lost a little bit of water, and we want to do a water change. So we've got the sea salt that we need to mix some new water. The thing is, the directions say we need to put 1.4 pounds of salt in the water....and unfortunately....we dont have a scale so we can measure out the proper amount in cups. So, if somebody could help us out....we need to know how many cups 1.4 pounds is. I've looked online for measurment converters...but no luck....I thought some of you fine people might know.
how many cups is 1.4 pounds?
Thanks in advance for any help...we plan to set up a nice reef tank...so expect some pictures and more post from myself in the future...
 
mandarin w

mandarin w

Member
When mixing your saltwater, you will need a refragmeter, or a hydrometer. As with most things, the directions are not always 100% on target. So even after you mix the salt in the water. You still need to check to make sure it is at the level you need. Most prefer to keep their salinity level at 1.025. this is good for the inverts, and the corals. If you are setting up a fish only tank, then you could get away with slightly lower. But it should never be below 1.021, the inverts can't handle it lower than that. and not above 1.027.
As far as mixing it up. I will tell you how I do it.
First I get my RO/DI water in the container that I will be useing. I get a little shaker jug. It is just a small container with a good plastic lid on it. I will have my powerhead, and heater.
I place the powerhead in the container of water, so the water gets good circulation going.
I use water from the container in the shaker and put a little salt in with it. I shake it up for about a minute. This way the salt is diffinately mixed well. This makes testing the water more accurate. I pour the saltwater into the container with the powerhead mixing things up. I do this repeatedly until I get my salt level where I want it. I continuously check the salinity level while I am doing this to make sure I don't go over the 1.025. When I am at 1.025, I am done. I put my heater in the water, so the water can heat to the same temp as my tan is at. I will let the water circulate for 24hours. After a day, Check the salinity of the water. Also check the temp. alk, calcuim, and the PH. For the most part they should be right at where you need them to be. If everything checks out fine, then you can add the water to your tank.
 
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