Prepping wc water

[Hondatek]

So i put a half a cup per gallon of instant ocean salt . Doesn't seem like its going to be enough wondering if anyone knows how much per gallon it should take

 

[Rscomia]

I use coralife salt and I put 2 to 2.5 cups per 5 gallons so that sounds real close

 

[Hondatek]

Ok next question how long does it take until I get a correct reading? It's in a big bucket with an air stone

 

[Rscomia]

I dont know if there is a certain time but you should make sure all the salt is dissolved before testing most people will mix and aerate it 24 hours prior to the wc

 

[Hondatek]

Ok sounds good I'm eventually going to buy the salt water but Im trying u use what I have left here from when u set the tank up

 

[Rscomia]

You may want to still aerate it depending on how your source keeps it stored

 

[Hondatek]

Ok I'll ask them how store it

 

[ezy33]

How are you testing? If your using a swing arm hydrometer you'll need to heat the water to the same as the tank. A refractometer is a better way to go.

As for how long it will take it depends on the circulation. IMO I would give at least a hour. And 24 hours before using it. Although a air stone may not be enough circulation you may want to use a power head or at least give it a good couple of stirs to get it mixed.

 

[Hondatek]

Yea it's a hydrometer. The salt mixed real easy. Just the salinity is way off

 

[Sarcothelia]

If salinity is way off just keep adjusting your dosage over a few trial and errors. Rather than filling the whole bucket at once, just try like a half gallon of fresh and add measured salt until it is perfect. Then just increase dosage proportionately to the amount of water used.

I don't mix my own water. I get 10 free gallons of SW each time I spend 10 dollars at my LFS <3. And besides, a RO/DI unit isn't really worth it when working with a 24 gallon tank.

 

[Mr. Crabs]

10 free gallons of saltwater every time you spend $10???

I wouldn't mix my own either. How do they stay profitable?

 

[Sarcothelia]

Well it's 10 gallons tops per trip. But I suppose I could abuse the system and buy 10 dollars of random things every day and get my 10 free gallons of water. They make a lot of money though...It's "yourreef" and they ship nationwide so I guess they just want loyal local customers.