Makin Sea Water

[nycmarisol]

Well, of course I get a tank and then my job tells us we are in danger of going under. Life has an interesting sense of humor. So needless to say, I am considering making my own sea water.

What do you all use? I've read about people making 50 gallons in their basements/garage which sounds great except I live in a studio apt and I have a 34 gallon so I'm looking to make 5 Gallons at a time. Do I need a heater? An airstone?

As Michael Scott once said, " why dont you explain this to me like I'm an 8 year old? ..... Okay explain it to me like I'm 5".:iamwithst

 

[edd]

you will need rodi unit- reverse osmosis deionation, you can pick a used one up in fs market, about $100. its used to clean your tap water. a plastic tub, small heater, hydrometer to check salinity and a circulator. i use a plastic wall mart tub and make 15 gallons at a time. i think a tub is better than a bucket. very simple, good luck.

 

[Tonyscoots84]

As mentioned
rodi unit

Powerhead
Heater
5 gallon bucket with lid
Salt

N ur good

 

[nycmarisol]

Hmmm...so you do need to heat it and circulate it. What brands of salt mix do you guys recommend? 15 gallons is just so much. I have nowhere to put it. I could save the 2 jugs with tops that I still have with ready made water, but is this something I could make, bottle up and then use as needed or will it seperate again?

 

[KathyC]

It would be fine to make 5 gallons at a time. You might be able to score an empty salt bucket (with lid) from someone here to store it in.
Many folks make up the water a day or so before they intend to use it.
Yes, it needs to be heated before you use it (to match the temp in the tank).
It should also be circulated (so that the surface looks like a medium boil) to oxygenate it before use.
Way better to use a refractometer (than a hydrometer) to check the SG before adding it to the tank, adjust to proper SG before using!

Personally I like the ESV salt. A bit more work to mix it (you add the 4 different ingredients in the box), but well worth ending up with perfect parameters every time Their instructions do show how much to add to make 5 gallons at a time.

 

[nycmarisol]

Thanks guys! I'll let you know how my first batch goes!