RO/DI Unit Question

[bstrike]

I was told at the LFS that if I purchase an RO/DI unit I would need a pump to mix the water and the salt. I have never heard of this being needed. Anyone have experience? 8O

[midiman]

I use RO/DI water and salt in a bucket with a powerhead and a bubbler to make sure that it mixes thoroughly. I don;t see how the TYPE of water would play a role in whether or not thorough mixing and aeration is required.

[bstrike]

Thats what I thought! I just wanted to be sure! Thanks so much.

[Thumper]

I use a 30 gallon trash can ph and a heater, Dump the salt in and stir it with a stick a couple times and let it mix for 24-48 hours

[midiman]

I use a 30 gallon trash can ph and a heater, Dump the salt in and stir it with a stick a couple times and let it mix for 24-48 hours

Mine is 20 gal, and I use a 5 gal bucket to premix the replacement water that I take from the 20 gal. I only have a 30 gal tank, so water is not a storage problem at the present time. SInce I'll need to do a large water change soon (end of cycle), I'm keeping about 15 gal always at temp and bubbling in the garbage can. Oncle my tank is stable, I may reconsider if I need that much salt water always ready.

Opinions?

[Phyl]

We have a 120. We use a 30g garbage can to mix the water in. You definitely will need a pump to mix the salt into the water and an extra heater to get it up to temp for the water change (as well as a hydrometer or preferably a refractometer to measure the salinity). So your LFS was right. It just doesn't matter if you own the RO/DI or if you bought your RO/DI water from them... If you're going to mix your own saltwater you're going to need a way of managing the process.