Mixing salt

[mariner]

I mix mine in an old IO bucket, take the reading and toss it in the tank. Have done this for a year no problems.

 

[Henry1]

I found this article by Craig Bingman to be useful as it feature some practical knowledge.


This is an excerpt:
"It is also possible that a freshly mixed batch of synthetic seawater might have a significantly lower than expected pH value. Based on conversations I’ve had with aquarists, this can almost always be traced to CO2-rich starting water. Some municipal water supplies intentionally modify the pH of the water with CO2. More frequently, passing water with a high carbonate alkalinity through a reverse osmosis unit can lead to a product with high CO2, because CO2 moves more rapidly than many ions (bicarbonate ions in particular) through reverse osmosis (RO) membranes. This is expected because RO membranes rely on the increased size of hydrated ions to slow their passage through the membrane, and dissolved CO2 is relatively weakly hydrated compared with other ions. If the pH of the finished product is significantly below 8.3, then aeration should increase the pH by blowing off excess CO2"


Here's the link


hobbyschool

Cheers
[ February 05, 2002: Message edited by: Henry ]

[ February 05, 2002: Message edited by: Henry ]</p>

 

[Something Fishy in NY]

Hi. I mix my salt very much the same as you do (heaters, aeration, powerheads) in two five gallon buckets to effectively prepare my saltwater and I have always waited at least 24 hours before adding the water to my tank. I have read in many books and experienced that this proceess allows the mixture to properly mix over time and also allows for sufficient time to make adjustments, if necessary to the water. I would not rush this process since too much is at stake here. It is the little things (short cuts) that can, in my opinion, cause the most damage.

Best Regards,

SFNY

 

[rmor22]

I have used Instant Ocean for years. I usually mix the salt, drop a heater in, and put a powerhead with an airline for aeration. I wait at least another hour and make sure the temp and salinity is correct. I then proceed with the 16 gal water change on my 75 (once per month). It says on the Instant Ocean bucket that the mix can be used "instantly" but it is best to wait until the mixture has reached "oxygen/carbon dioxide equilibrium". I have read where people wait 24 hours. How long does this equilibrium take? Is there testing someone has done to validate this time? I have not seen any problems doing it my way, but if it is wrong, I would like to change. Thanks!

 

[danmhippo]

Don't fix it if it ain't broke.

 

[Minh Nguyen]

I use a power drill to mix salt. I usually get 45 g water mixed in about 3-5 minutes. My filter produces 45 g of water in a Rubber Maid container. I then add the salt in and mix it with a power drill using a pain stirrer. I completely dissolved the salt in less than 5 minutes. I also aerated the water with the drill. I just leave the blades closer to the surface. The blade causes the water to form a vortex and pull and shredded air. I often use the mixture right away without problem (only 10% water change). If I change 30+% of the water, then I age the water overnight.