Easier way to mix SW

[Playdope]

Could someone fill me in on an easier way to mix SW other than guess & check? I've been adding a little mix, and then testing the specific gravity. I'd like to find some way of knowing how much i need to add per gal of water.. to take away the guessing.

Thanks,
Jon

 

[Anonymous]

Generally it is a 1/2 cup per gallon, but there should be instructions on your salt mix.
You still should check it though!

 

[Unarce]

Generally it is a 1/2 cup per gallon, but there should be instructions on your salt mix.
You still should check it though!

It's an accurate standard measurement for 1.023. Most reef tanks are kept a bit higher around 1.025, so you'll want a little bit more.

 

[Anonymous]

Well, assuming that you use the same salt every time and you mix it in the same volume of water, then just add up the volume of salt you put into water to get to the right salinity. Thereafter, put the same volume of water in a bucket, add the same amount of salt, and it should be dead on.

 

[shellshocked]

I do what cupric suggested I have a dedicated measuring cup for the salt and I marked with permanent marker the amount for 5 gallons - this took some work the first time with measuring the specific gravity. I took my water containers and measured exactly 5 gallons and also marked this line with permanent marker. Now I simply fill the water jugs to the line, fill the measuring cup to the line and I am done. I do use the same salt mix all of the time.

 

[Anonymous]

 

[Anonymous]

5 gal bucket, add salt with power head for about an hour. Sometimes just 15 min. I only do a 10 % at a time

 

[Anonymous]

I think I might have read somewhere that its recommended by most manufacturers to use an entire container at once. (Whatever size that might be..) Reason being that some degreee of in-container separation may occur and result in variances across different mix sessions.

I don't know if this actually the case or not but just something I thought I'd heard/read somewhere..

 

[Playdope]

Wow - i cant mix 200 gal at a time in such a small apt.

 

[Johnsteph10]

I've never heard that one before!

 

[Ben1]

I know mine is around 15 cups so I add 15 cups, wait until the next day while it mixs and check with my refractometer. The refractometer is a great tool, so easy to use and very very fast. It only takes like 30 seconds to check it this way.

 

[Anonymous]

Ben it's definitely more accurate than a swing arm, which is what I have.

I typically mix the amount of salt I know is right with the water volume I know is right, stir, sit, stir, and then add it in, all within about 15 minutes. Reef Crystals is great for that. Instant Ocean doesn't go into solution as well. Have never tried another salt.

 

[Playdope]

Is a refractometer one of those specific gravity testers that you fill with water and watch the arm rise?

I've been using a Pinpoint Salinity monitor, and double checking with one of the above described.

Jon

 

[Anonymous]

PlayD, No, a swing arm is not a refractometer. A refractometer is a device into which a drop of water is placed. The amount that light is bent passing through the water is correlated with the salinity. They are very accurate. One will run you about 50 bucks, for a cheapy.

 

[Anonymous]

Playdope, if you have a pinpoint, it does not get much easier than that!