Using ESV Salt First Time User

[Omar]

Aside from the directions, are there any tips/techniques off label that would be helpful in mixing/utilizing this product? I have no experience with it but felt the need to upgrade as many of the vendors at the swap privately praised this product to me.

I am only looking for opinions from those who use this product. Thanks

 

[prattreef]

Don't rush it. wait for each part to mix thoroughly--- only a few minutes. The only issues I've seen involve adding the liquid portions too quickly-- a slow steady pour rather than dumping the whole portion is best. Once all 4 parts are added the solution should be crystal clear in about 10mins.

 

[jaa1456]

I use it and I still use a powerhead and I wait more like 30 mins to make sure it is all mixed.

 

[tosiek]

Its a great product but it requires attention and detail. You can't guesstimate the gallonage in your Rubbermaid tub for one thing.

The only problem I had was that I screwed up a few batches through miscounts on salt and ended up getting low or high mag/calc/alk readings. So i ended up testing my mixed salt and adjusting which was a nightmare after the first time. And the reason I miscounted was that for some reason the wife thinks its a great time to ask me a bajillion questions when she see's me counting, measuring, and reading instructions. Why?!? doesn't ask anything untill i put in the first scoop every time ... every time.... Two hours home, doesn't say a word, start mixing salt, BLAM! questions, questions, questions.....:headache:

So I had to either get rid of the wife or change salts.

 

[prattreef]

:lol2:

 

[nanchil]

Its a great product but it requires attention and detail. You can't guesstimate the gallonage in your Rubbermaid tub for one thing.

The only problem I had was that I screwed up a few batches through miscounts on salt and ended up getting low or high mag/calc/alk readings. So i ended up testing my mixed salt and adjusting which was a nightmare after the first time. And the reason I miscounted was that for some reason the wife thinks its a great time to ask me a bajillion questions when she see's me counting, measuring, and reading instructions. Why?!? doesn't ask anything untill i put in the first scoop every time ... every time.... Two hours home, doesn't say a word, start mixing salt, BLAM! questions, questions, questions.....:headache:

So I had to either get rid of the wife or change salts.

lol

 

[House of Laughter]

Brilliant!

Its a great product but it requires attention and detail. You can't guesstimate the gallonage in your Rubbermaid tub for one thing.

The only problem I had was that I screwed up a few batches through miscounts on salt and ended up getting low or high mag/calc/alk readings. So i ended up testing my mixed salt and adjusting which was a nightmare after the first time. And the reason I miscounted was that for some reason the wife thinks its a great time to ask me a bajillion questions when she see's me counting, measuring, and reading instructions. Why?!? doesn't ask anything untill i put in the first scoop every time ... every time.... Two hours home, doesn't say a word, start mixing salt, BLAM! questions, questions, questions.....:headache:

So I had to either get rid of the wife or change salts.

The best tip I would give is to make sure you're container is properly measured. Since ESV measures to 1.0235 and not 1.025 I use a little less wate rthan the mix I want. Once completely mixed, I test with a refractometer then top off to be 1.025.

So for example - if I want to make 30g of saltwater - I put 27g of RO/DI water in the pail with 30g worth of ESV mix parts. measure, then top off to 1.025. Takes me minutes to make and use water now.

House

 

[Omar]

thanks guys!

 

[bigsink]

Great advice Jim. You beat me to the punch.

Brilliant!




The best tip I would give is to make sure you're container is properly measured. Since ESV measures to 1.0235 and not 1.025 I use a little less wate rthan the mix I want. Once completely mixed, I test with a refractometer then top off to be 1.025.

So for example - if I want to make 30g of saltwater - I put 27g of RO/DI water in the pail with 30g worth of ESV mix parts. measure, then top off to 1.025. Takes me minutes to make and use water now.

House

 

[knockout]

I'll be trying this salt very soon, thanks for all the info already posted

 

[Omar]

Yup knockout, i can think up some good questions as my knowledge is minimal but growing Stuff works great...only a few water changes in and I'm not noticing any build up...and the corals look very happy...$15 more than reef crystals for more trace elements...I'm sold!


Sent from my iPhone using Reefs

 

[Brando457]

now I'm scared to mix this salt when I first start my tank oyy:/

 

[jaa1456]

now I'm scared to mix this salt when I first start my tank oyy:/

Don't be scared it is really easy, it comes with all the cups and spoons you need.

 

[Brando457]

Would there be an issue if I only need to do 20-30 gallons at a time?

How can I determine how much water my storage container will hold exactly? I know it says 33 gallons, but realistically I won't have it to the rim

 

[dnreef]

Would there be an issue if I only need to do 20-30 gallons at a time?

How can I determine how much water my storage container will hold exactly? I know it says 33 gallons, but realistically I won't have it to the rim

I do ten gallons at a time. Not sure what all the commotion is about. It really is quite easy. Follow Russ' advice and use a little bit less water than called for and then add RODI to achieve the SG you want. Btw, so far I love this salt and plan to continue with this brand.

 

[InfernoST]

brilliant!




The best tip i would give is to make sure you're container is properly measured. Since esv measures to 1.0235 and not 1.025 i use a little less wate rthan the mix i want. Once completely mixed, i test with a refractometer then top off to be 1.025.

So for example - if i want to make 30g of saltwater - i put 27g of ro/di water in the pail with 30g worth of esv mix parts. Measure, then top off to 1.025. Takes me minutes to make and use water now.

House

+1

 

[tentacles]

Would there be an issue if I only need to do 20-30 gallons at a time?

How can I determine how much water my storage container will hold exactly? I know it says 33 gallons, but realistically I won't have it to the rim

They provide you with the recipe for even one gallon of salt. You can make as much or as little as you want.

 

[jadakiss]

i wanted to try that salt but its too much this and that. i just keep using reef crystals

 

[knockout]

i wanted to try that salt but its too much this and that. i just keep using reef crystals

I think it just sounds like a lot, for everything I've read once you get it done a couple of times is no big deal, I will definitely try it.

 

[jaa1456]

i wanted to try that salt but its too much this and that. i just keep using reef crystals

It's no different than mixing any other salt really. You do it once and it's all downhill from there.