Salt mixing question

[jbeanz]

I will be filling my tank for the first time this weekend (90gfowlr) my question is should i mix my salt in buckets or since this is the first fill can I mix the salt in the tank

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

If there is nothing in the tank you can mix it inside the tank. take out any rock that may be in the tank as well.

 

[jbeanz]

Wow i love this site that was a quick reply thanks

 

[NYreefNoob]

id personally mix it in a tub, not the bathroom one, but get some 20g or larger rubbermaid one. you can also use them to store ro water and pre-mixed saltwater

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

Keep in mind if you bought live sand and put it in the tank then put the freshwater in and salt mix in after that your sand may no longer be live after that.

 

[bigbris1]

You can mix the salt in the tank but I would use buckets. This way you can dry aquascape & add everything first, then when it's all right, slowly add water.

If you mix the water in the tank your water will be cloudier after you add the substrate & rock.

 

[clownlover]

Keep in mind if you bought live sand and put it in the tank then put the freshwater in and salt mix in after that your sand may no longer be live after that.

agreed. if nothigns in the tank you can mix right in the tank, that would be easiest but if live sand/rock is in the tank already u will kill bacteria. i second the tupperware. i use a 20g rubbermaid put a lil powerhead in it and mix the wtaer and salt for a couple hours then use the pump to get it into the tank

 

[bigbris1]

Here's the fastest way to mix up saltwater:

What you'll need
2 buckets
Salt mix
Water (RO/DI)

Total time
10 minutes

Instructions
Fill bucket #1 with warmed RO/DI water*
Add salt to taste
Pour into empty bucket
Repeat pouring from bucket to bucket 4-6 times
Check SG after mixing & adjust accordingly
Add to tank

Salt will be vigorously mixed thus aerating it & mixing quickly. Salt will be full dissolved by the 5th time you pour.

*I usually heat a small amount of RO/DI water in a clean pot on the stove & add to the bucket before mixing in salt to bring it up to temperature.

 

[chazertis]

that sounds like a lot of manual labor =)

 

[scumonkey]

it's easier just to stick a pump into an empty 5 gallon salt bucket pail,
fill with RODI water,and add your salt-just shy of two cups, letting the pump do all the work...
heats up the water as well!

 

[NYreefNoob]

or buy 30g or larger tuberware containers seeing you have to mix up 90g of water, plus you have them for water changes

 

[Wes]

it's easier to mix the salt in tank when first setting up IMO. Wait till get the right specific gravity before you add any rock...

If you put sand in first then fill tank w/ your RODI you don't even get the cloudy tank...then add salt and turn on powerheads...When you get it to the right temp and specific gravity, then add rocks...

The bagged "live sand" is a waste of money anyway imo, just get the normal bagged sand it's cheaper.

 

[bigbris1]

I have edited my post to read "fastest". Of course there are easier ways, but no better way to get useable mixed saltwater ready to go in about 10 minutes.