Mixing saltwater

[G1203]

So I had a couple questions. My lfs sells established pre mixed saltwater. Should I get that at first ( to fill up the tank) then mix my own for water changes?

Thanks

 

[jeffaquarius]

That would be a practical thing to do for having a new tank and while you are still in the process of getting the necessary stuff like the ro/di. You can also get the ro from the machine at your nearest grocery store until you can afford to buy the ro/di.

 

[G1203]

Ok thanks a lot!

 

[Tank Homer]

Ok, I would not recomend to get your water from the grocery store. Your LFS will RO/DI water for a good price (usualy about 50 cent/gallon.

 

[TheTodd]

Ok, I would not recomend to get your water from the grocery store. Your LFS will RO/DI water for a good price (usualy about 50 cent/gallon.

I actually have always used the RO water from the big outdoor machines (Glacier) outside the gas station or grocery store. TDS is close to zero usually and its a quarter a gallon. My LFS is closer to a buck a gallon for RODI. I've got FOWLR, so it works fine for me.

 

[G1203]

Yah I think I might just fill the whole tank with pre mixed saltwater from my lfs and then start mixing my own water for water changes

 

[tonedogz]

If you have the ability to mix your own water now I would just mix it and fill the tank yourself it would be alot cheaper.

 

[mwilliams]

Ok, I would not recomend to get your water from the grocery store. Your LFS will RO/DI water for a good price (usualy about 50 cent/gallon.

Not sure about all LFS but ours here in Houston only sell the RO water it is not the RO/DI they would be having a huge expense on their hands having to change the DI out. I got my RO water from the machine in the Grocery store "Culligan" brand I believe and I also would take my TDS meter with me to check the TDS to make sure it was not sky high and it was only $.29 per gallon.. But I finally got my own RO/DI unit I just could not keep lifting those buckets anymore.

 

[Tank Homer]

Check out this video.
The Tap Water Plus Conditioner Myth Debunked - YouTube
I belive it explains best what to do.

 

[G1203]

Ok I guess I'll just mix my one can I just measure out the salt and but it in the tank then ad water and let the powerhead mix it sense there is no fish in yet or do I have to mix it out of the tank?

 

[Grizz]

You can mix in tank as long as there's no live stock in the tank you'll need a way to measure the SG if your going to mix your own a hydrometer will work

 

[G1203]

Ok thanks the hydrometer is on the shopping list

 

[Brandon K.A]

Some say refractometers are more accurate, but I haven't tried them personally. It's a bit pricey.

 

[G1203]

Yah and I'm only 14 so I don't have all the money in the world

 

[jeffaquarius]

A 5 gal bucket will be handy to mix your salt. You will definitely need it each time you change your water. Approximately 1 3/4 mugs of salt per bucket for a salinity of 1.025 but each brand may vary. It will make it easy to adjust the salinity using a bucket. Use your tank scraper as a paddle to mix.

 

[G1203]

Ok thanks!!! Going to get all of the stuff tomorrow and start the cycle!!!! so excited I think I'm just gonna measure out salt for 36 gallons and dump just the salt on top of the sand then fill it with water sense I don't have any live stock. That or I'm just gonna get 36 gallons of premixed saltwater. What do you think?

 

[jeffaquarius]

If your LFS is closer than your grocery store for ro water then go for it. With 4 containers of 5 gal each means it will take 2 trips.

 

[Grizz]

Fill your tank to about 2 inches from the top with fresh water check for leaks then add salt dont pour the salt on the sand.

 

[Mr. Crabs]

I don't trust LFS RO/DI water. They are in business to make money...nothing wrong with that, but it leads to compromising decisions in a down economy that leads you to believe you are getting good RO/DI water when in reality you end up with crap that may not be much better than that which comes out of your tap-- because they may not go to the necessary expense of replacing the pads when they should. I wouldn't use any RO/DI water without a TDS reading first.

LFS RO/DI water has become popular because it is an easy money maker on their part. They are betting that most people don't want to pony up $200 for an RO/DI unit and would much rather make it a part of a routine purchase. Buyer beware with this. TDS meters can be had for $30 and gives you piece of mind that you are buying what they are advertising.

 

[G1203]

Today's the day!!!!!!!!!