What's the best way to prepare saltwater ahead of time?

[Mr. R]

I'd like to know the best way to get saltwater ready. I figured I would just fill the bucket with water, salt it, then stick it in my closet with a bubbler in it and let it sit overnight and through the afternoon while I'm at school. I would have the top on but not sealed. Just sitting over it to keep a any dust from settling into it. Will this be okay?

 

[Atari]

It'll be fine. Just be sure to bring it up to temperature and let it aerate for an hour or so *without the lid* to stabilize the pH before use.

 

[Mr. R]

Thank you, I was reading some post about saltwater expiring and I have finally gotten my tank well established and stocked. I didn't want to screw anything up.

 

[marcus russo]

Best way I have found is a huge rolling trash can. Get everything right. Run a powehead in there for adequate salt mixing. Also keep a powerhead with tubing on it thant you can just pull the tub to your tank.

 

[lando]

i mix up the amount I want in a Rubbermaid container to desired SG. Put in a PH, heater and air stone and let it sit for a couple of days. Be sure to recheck SG as it can change with temp. cahnges. Just make sure SG, ph and temp are close to main tank parameters.